Donald B. Holthe

Donald Byron Holthe was born on August 9, 1937, to Harold and Irene (Smith) Holthe in New Rockford, ND. He attended school in New Rockford where he played linebacker on the football team and the trombone in the band. He was in the graduating class of 1955. 

He went on to start his four-year electrical apprenticeship and became a full fledged electrician. He served in the Air Force and the Air National Guard of North Dakota for six years and the Air Force Reserves for one year. 

He was married to Mary Lewis on March 11, 1961, and their journey started them out in Fargo, and it took them several places throughout Minnesota and North Dakota, returning to Moorhead in 1971. He worked as an electrician for 46 years and was a member of the IBEW Local 1426 and was a traveling brother for the union for most of those years. His treasured accomplishment was becoming a journeyman electrician. Following his retirement, he kept busy working at a few area golf courses and ice rinks. 

Don was a member of the Moorhead American Legion Post #21 and over the years he did some volunteer work at the VA hospital. He enjoyed camping and riding motorcycles. He was a member of the Gold Wing Club and served as chapter President for a few years. He traveled to 19 states on the motorcycle and enjoyed his traveling companions Mary and Kim and together they enjoyed many charity motorcycle rides. In his early years, he did some knitting, and loved golfing, fishing, and hunting. 

Don is survived by three daughters, Kimberley Holthe, Shelly (Dean) Fingalson, and Sherry (Marty) Erbes; grandchildren, Brock (Allison) Fingalson, Blake (McKinzie) Fingalson, Kira (Wyatt) Jordheim, Barrett (Leah) Erbes, Faron (Aron) Sperry, Jacob (Briena) Erbes, and Zachary Erbes; and great-grandchildren, Hunter, Jasta, Jayna, Lyla, Wyatt, Mya, Rylee, Maryanna, Jordy, Ulric, Rowen, and Juniper; one brother, Robert Holthe in Arizona, a special cousin, Monica Solberg; and many nieces and nephews. 

Preceding Don in death was his wife Mary in 2017; his parents, Harold and Irene; three grandchildren: Brittany Fingalson, Blair Fingalson, and Michael Erbes; two great grandchildren: Abby Fingalson and Rhett Erbes; and three siblings, Carl Holthe, Eilene Patrick, and Nick Holthe. 

Donald achieved his final goal of being reunited with his bride, Mary, in heaven on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at his home in Moorhead, MN.