Howard Ray Holkesvig

Howard Ray Holkesvig, 80, of Portland, ND, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at his home. Howard was born in Steele County, ND on July 29, 1932 to Gustave and Mabel (Helleloid) Holkesvig. He was a life-long member of Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland and attended and graduated from Portland High School. He married Betty Eiken on September 11, 1953 in a double wedding with William Holkesvig, cousin of Howard, and Dorothy Eiken, niece of Betty. Howard and Betty made their home and farmed west of Portland. They raised their family and lived on the farm for 57 years, and then moved to Portland in 2010. Howard was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Shriner’s, the May-Port Keystone Kops and served 27 years as a representative for the Portland Rural Fire District. He enjoyed working, playing pinochle, spending time with family and playing practical jokes. Howard is survived by his wife: Betty; four children: Nancy (Greg) Schumacher of Thompson, David Holkesvig of Portland, Sharon (Chad) Lilleberg of Argusville and Diane (Rob) Ullyott of Detroit Lakes, MN; 14 grandchildren: Crystal Adam, Travis Nelson, Lucas Nelson, Cory Holkesvig, Ben Holkesvig, Amanda Holkesvig, Amie Holkesvig, Michaela Lilleberg, Justin Lilleberg, Hanna Ullyott, Abby Ullyott, Devyn Ullyott, Brody Ullyott and Tyson Ullyott; 5 great-grandchildren; Elijah Nelson, Lilly Nelson, Lexus Utley, Emma Utley and Alivia Adam; two sisters: Frances Natwick of Williston and Dorothy Heskin of Portland; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dog: Scooter, who was his special furry friend. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, David. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving donations to: Hospice of the Red River Valley, Portland Fire Department, West Traill Ambulance Service or Aurdal Lutheran Church. Visitation: Will be on Friday, January 4, 2013 from 5 ~ 7 PM with a 7 PM Public Prayer Service and a 7:30 PM Masonic Prayer Service at the Baker Funeral Home and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 10:30 AM Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland, ND. Burial: Aurdal Cemetery, Portland, ND.