Gordon Holm

Gordon Clifford Holm was born of Swedish heritage on July 25, 1920 to Simon and Alma (Peterson) Holm in Birchdale Township in Todd County. He was the eighth of 12 children. He completed an eighth grade education at the Diamond School along with his brothers, sisters, and neighbors.

Gordon married Betty L. Lyon on July 19, 1947 in Grey Eagle, MN and raised six children: Jill, Bonnie, Lynn, Sharon, LaBeth, and Norby on a century dairy farm 7 ½ miles Northeast of Sauk Centre in Birchdale Township. He would sing and whistle while milking cows, out in the woods falling trees, or sawing lumber on his sawmill.

He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. He was an active member of the Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) serving 32 years on the AMPI Board, 10 on the Finance Corporate Board, and on the Delegate Board. Gordon served 18 years on the Birchdale Township Board and 12 years on the Todd County Variance Board.

This robust dairy farmer's favorite activities were sawing lumber, working in the woods, doing field work, hunting, fishing, and spending time telling jokes while drinking coffee with friends and neighbors. He enjoyed the company of people and traveling. Gordon always carried a song in his heart and could often be heard singing or whistling his favorite tunes. The welcome mat was always out, the coffee pot was always on, and a good joke was always ready to be shared with others.

Gordon leaves a historical and family legacy that will continue for years ahead.

He passed away on February 14, 2004 in his home. He is survived by his wife, Betty, his six children: Rev. Jill Holm, Granada; Bonnie (Joe) Engle, Sauk Centre; Lynn Holm, Sauk Centre; Sharon "Sherry" Holm, Pillager; LaBeth Holm, Long Prairie; and Norby (Roxy) Holm, Sauk Centre; and eight grandchildren: Eric (Marcia), Brent, Tara, Holly Engle, Camren Blank, Jesse Holm, Amber and Derek Holm.

Surviving brothers and sisters are: Evelyn Emmeck, Pelion, SC; Vivian Doege, Jensen Beach, FL; Adrian (Bub) Holm, Sauk Centre; Lela Borg, Hopkins; and Lois Gjerdingen Willmar; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Simon and Alma Holm; brothers: Emil, Herman, Earl; sisters: Amanda Higgins, Sylvia "Sally" Henry, and an infant sister, Clara.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Eric, Brent, Tara, Holly Engle, Camren Blank, Jesse Holm, Amber and Derek Holm and honorary bearers are all relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with burial at Svea Lund Cemetery in Kandota Township.

Friends may call Tuesday from 3:30 pm to 9 pm at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home, Sauk Centre and Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the service.

As a family, we thank you for being a part of Gordon's and our lives.