Obituary of Richard Holland

Richard “Dick” Holland passed away on July 11th, 2021. He was born to Olga and John Holland on October 1st, 1932, and into a family of 8. He is survived by his wife, Georgine “Pinky” (they had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary), his sons Rick (Peggy), Bruce (Jane), and Robert, daughter Wendy (Mike), Granddaughter Amy, Grandson Adam, and Great Grandson Michael.

Dick graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis in 1950, continued his education at Normandale Community College where he received an AA degree, and extended education classes at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Dick was employed at Soo Line Railroad for 37 years, beginning his career in the mailroom and retiring as the Director of Accounting and Revenue in 1987. He continued to work part time consulting for various railroads, then ultimately, his dream job as Starter and Ranger for Madden’s Resort golf courses while spending summers at his favorite spot, the cabin at Agate Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota.

Dick shared his time, volunteering in the kitchen at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Hopkins, cooking, washing dishes, and serving meals to those in need. Learning wood carving with his buddies at the Swedish American Institute, and then sharing his carvings with anyone who expressed interest brought him great joy.

When his kids were young he loved to teach them to play golf and ski, and then spent the rest of his life trying to keep up with them. He had a passion for cooking big breakfasts, from French Toast and pancakes to poached eggs and oatmeal, with all the bacon and sausage fixings! His favorite outfit was his red and white checkered apron.

Dick loved God, Pinky, family and friends, and his lifetime of memories. He will be forever missed and remembered.

Memorials in memory of Richard E. Holland can be sent to:

Guardian Angels Senior Services

508 Freeport Avenue NW Suite A

Elk River, MN 55330

Checks payable to: Guardian Angels