une 2, 1939 – July 2, 2025
Myron Lyle Holen, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, dedicated community member, and skilled electrical design engineer, passed away peacefully at his home in Buckeye, Arizona, with his beloved wife, Lillian, by his side. He was 86 years old.
Born on June 2, 1939, in Minot, North Dakota, to Morgan Lyle and Alice Julia (Hammer) Holen, Myron’s early years were spent moving between Washington and the Midwest before his family settled in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he graduated high school. It was in Fargo’s Manchester Biscuit Company Manufacturing plant, he met a girl from Fergus Falls, the love of his life, Lillian Svare. Their connection blossomed, and they were united in marriage on July 2, 1960, embarking on a remarkable 65-year journey together.
At North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, he became an electrician but was lucky enough to be offered a position that included training for electrical design and drafting. This career path was very attractive because it meant no working outside in bone chilling ND winters. His profession took him and Lillian to various cities, including Minot, and Bismarck, North Dakota; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Rochester and the Twin Cities of Minnesota. In their retirement, they embraced adventure, exploring the western United States in a motorhome, visiting Presidential Libraries before settling in Buckeye, Arizona.
Myron was known for his tireless work ethic, not only in his professional life but also in his countless home improvement projects. He deeply believed in giving back to his community, a principle that guided his involvement in numerous organizations. Myron proudly served in the National Guard and was an active member of Toastmasters, the Lions Club, and Little League Baseball. His dedication extended to the Republican Party, where he actively supported local and national candidates, even earning invitations to both of Ronald Reagan’s inaugurations for his work on the Reagan campaigns. In his retirement, he dedicated his time to Mission Builders. Summers spent in Fergus Falls found him volunteering for the Red Cross, delivering vital blood supplies across central Minnesota. He was also a committed member of every church he attended and served as a volunteer police officer in Buckeye.
Myron possessed the Holen sense of humor, ensuring family gatherings were always full of laughter as siblings playfully jabbed at each other. He also had a knack for subtle, dry humor, evident when he placed a “for sale” sign on his vacationing nephew’s lawn or affixed Republican bumper stickers to his Democrat brother’s car. What truly delighted Myron, however, was when someone else turned the tables and got the better of him; he savored those moments even more.
A life devoted to family, community, and service, Myron’s final wish was granted as he celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary with Lillian. He passed away that day, remaining by the side of the girl from Fergus Falls until the very end.
Myron is survived by his wife Lillian Holen, daughter Teresa (Kendall) Foos of Olathe, KS, son Todd (Luciene) Holen of Rapid City, grandchildren Sara Foos, Molly (Ross) Crawford, Rachel (Trent) Huisken, and Jacob Holen, great grandchildren Grayson Huisken and Reid Crawford, brothers Richard and Gary (Mary) Holen, sister Shirley See all of Minnesota, sister in-law Ann Holen of Jamberoo, Australia and many nieces and nephews.
Myron was preceded in death by his parents Morgan and Alice Holen, brothers Kenneth, Jerald, and Arvid Holen.
He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
