Kenneth “Ken” Holien passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, three days after celebrating his 89th birthday.  Born in Moorhead, MN, Ken began working in his early teens, often working at multiple jobs, while attending school and raising his young family. 

Ken and his wife, Berniece “Bea”, raised their two sons, Michael and Timothy, in Robbinsdale.  Ken and Bea were very proud of their sons and all that they had accomplished in their lives.   

Ken taught for several years at Sonnesyn Elementary School in New Hope.  He was often greeted by former students with excited cries of, “Mr. Holien, Mr. Holien,” even after being out of the classroom for many years.  Kenneth served as the Education and Training Officer for the Fargo Air National Guard for many years, retiring as a  Lt. Colonel.  In retirement, Ken and Bea enjoyed traveling and spending time with their sons and friends. 

Ken never stopped learning and was a voracious reader of anything and everything.  A regular at the library, Ken could be found reading several books at any one time.  Ken loved giving instruction on any topic, with many of his conversations ending with, “Ken, you were right,” much to his delight. 

Ken was preceded in death by Bea, his wife of 59 years, and his sons, Michael and Timothy.  Ken was also preceded in death by his parents, John and Caroline, and his sisters, Carol Erickson, Shirley Rosengren, Ruth “Punky” Suppa, Peggy Langford, Betty Wiliams, and Sandra Holien.  Kenneth is survived by family and many friends located throughout the US.

Ken’s family would like to thank the staff at Golden Pointe Assisted Living and Adara Hospice for the care and comfort that they gave Ken during his final months.  The family would also like to express their deep appreciation and thanks to Ken’s friends, Robin and Shelly, for making him a part of their families and always treating him with love and respect.

Services are not planned at this time.  A celebration of life will be held later this summer.  Memorials may be sent to Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or the Moorhead Scholars Program at Minnesota State Moorhead.