Obituary of John Norman Holien

Long time North Dakota educator John Norman Holien, age 70, passed away on August 20, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV at home under the care of his loving wife of 48 years with the assistance of Nathan Adelson Hospice. He was born November 8, 1946 and grew up in Cando, ND. He graduated Valley City State College in 1969 with degrees in Physical Education and History. He married Karen Grinde on May 31, 1969 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando. He was a secondary school principal, teacher and coach in Galesburg, Ray, Northwood, and Page, ND until his retirement in 1998. During his teaching years he completed graduate work in Education at North Dakota State University. He coached many High School Sports, but his favorite was Girls Basketball. He was loved and respected by his students and he treasured the many long-term friendships that followed him over the years and miles. In retirement John and Karen made their home in Las Vegas where he substitute taught for the early elementary grades. He also volunteered for Road to Recovery of the American Cancer Society completing 338 drives for cancer patients. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Knights of Columbus and the Vikings Sons of Norway where he served on the scholarship committee. John loved his Oldies concerts, handicapping the horses, Vikings football trips and traveling to far off places to sponge off the relatives including Norway, Germany, and Alaska. John is survived by his wife Karen, son Bradley (Kathy) of Fargo, ND, daughter Jennifer Holien-Prishak (Donald), beloved grandchildren Joseph, Michael, Stella, Andrew & Isabelle Prischak. Brothers Ben (Barb) of Grand Forks, ND, Conrad (Jane) of Fargo, ND, sisters Norma Holien of Fargo, Bernadette (George) Lies of Fargo, Ramona (Ron) Germain of Henning, MN, Germaine (Arthur) Aguillera of Firestone, CO, mother-in-law Jean Grinde of Fargo, brother-in-law David (Linda) Grinde of Eagle River, Alaska, sister-in-law JoAnn (Ed) Jameson of Kindred, ND and special family Mary Jane Mickels of Milton, WA, Brendt, Paula, and Paige Ostlie of Las Vegas, and Dan Ostlie also of Las Vegas. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Michael Holien and niece Raeann Germain-Broste. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be on Friday August 25, 2017 3pm at the chapel of Kraft-Sussman Funeral & Cremation Services 3975 S. Durango, Las Vegas, NV. 89147. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Fargo, ND on September 2, 2017 at 11am with burial at a later date at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Cando, ND. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to Road to Recovery of the American Cancer Society (online) or the Vegas Viking Sons of Norway Scholarship Fund in care of Andy Agan, 10553 Pine Glen Ave, Apt 206, Las Vegas, NV 89144.