Martin “Marty” A. Holsen

Martin “Marty” Holsen, 95, of Moorhead, MN, died Tuesday, August 5, 2014, in Eventide Senior Living Community. Marty was born December 16, 1918, in Moorhead to Thomas and Albina Opland Holsen. Other than his time spent away performing military obligations, he spent his entire life in Moorhead. On September 21, 1940, Marty married Margaret Abbott. Together they made their home and started a family.

Marty was inducted into the U.S. Army in June of 1942. He served overseas during the Southern Pacific Theater before returning to the States in June of 1945. He later joined the Minnesota National Guard in May of 1947 and jointed Company H Heavy Weapons in Moorhead which served during the Korean Conflict. Over the next several years, Marty was called in to active duty with the National Guard during three separate periods until retiring in May of 1979. During his military career, 1SG Marty Holsen received six Honorable Discharges and was the recipient of numerous military honors and awards.

Over the years, Marty was very active in the community as a businessman and with community service. He and Margaret owned and operated a flower shop Flower’s By Marty in Moorhead. He served as Chairman of the Red River Valley Sport, Boat and Travel show for 35 years and was on the Planning Commission for the City of Moorhead for 15 years. He was also on the Review Board for West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy, a life member of Lake Agassiz Kiwanis, a member of the American Legion and the VFW, and served six years as the Clay County Commissioner.

Marty took pride in his community involvement and enjoyed the many relationships he made over the years, but most of all enjoyed the time spent with his family. His family was always most important to him. He will be dearly missed.

Marty is survived by his wife of 73 years, Margaret; children, Steve Jessica Holsen, Kathy Allen Duval; six grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Chris, Engulf, Orville; and sisters, Inga and Alma.

Funeral: Saturday, August 9, at 11:00 a.m., in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.

Visitation: Saturday, August 9, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., in the church.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN