Donald Ralph Holmen

Donald “Don” “Donald P” Ralph Holmen, age 98, of Dexter, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at his home in Dexter. He was born on September 11, 1924, in Le Roy, Minnesota, to Elmer and Rosa (Claassen) Holmen. Donald was the oldest of six children and was raised in Forestville, Minnesota, and the surrounding area. He spent his early years full of adventures, including working on farms, bootlegging liquor, and jumping trains to Las Vegas. In the early 1950’s, Donald worked as a milkman where he met Thelma Stockdale. They were united in marriage on April 16, 1955, in Lime Springs, Iowa and went on to have four children. Donald and Thelma spent the early years of marriage on their farm in Kellogg and even owned a bar together. After moving to Dexter, the family operated a small farm and eventually a scrap yard. Donald had a passion for numbers and was considered to be a walking calculator. He was a friend to many and was widely known for his love of auctions, casinos, as well as his extensive collections of antiques and cream separators.

He is survived by his son, Wade (Matilde Rowena “Weng”) Holmen of Austin, MN, daughters, Terraine Holmen (Wade Christenson) of Austin, MN, and Kim (Scott) Kappel of Marshfield, WI; twelve grandchildren, Natasha (Justin) Loeding, Ashley (Alan) Moriarity, Nathaniel Holmen, Aric Holmen, Damien Christenson, Loretta Christenson, David Christianson, Amanda (Kyle) Huber, Elizabeth Christianson (Andrew Kuster), Tyler Christianson, Faith and Marriane Holmen; nine great-grandchildren, Aidan, Lily, Lucas, Emma, and Sophia Moriarity, Madelyn, Evelynn, Aubrey, and Adrein Holmen, Sawyer Huber, Jonas and Elliott Garcia; sister, Betty Hadoff; nurse’s aide and “adopted daughter”, Linda Dietrich; and many nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma; his infant son, Donald Holmen Jr; parents; sister, Pearl Koshatka; brothers, Robert, Kenneth, and Russell Holmen.