John L. Holm

John Lloyd Holm
Dec 7, 1942 - Oct 22, 2024
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
John Lloyd Holm, age 81, passed away on October 22, 2024 surrounded in love by his family. John was born to Harry C. and Mary 'Marushka' (Manasterski) Holm on Dec 7, 1942 in Fargo, ND. John was the tenth of twelve children, and he grew up in Fargo and spent several summers working on his uncles' cattle farm in Montana. He attended Fargo Central High School. After graduation from high school, John served as a medic in the US Air Force from 1962-1966. Most of his time in the military he was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, and he travelled extensively throughout Europe. After completing his military service, John returned home and pursued a social sciences degree at North Dakota State University (NDSU).
While at NDSU, John met his wife of 56 years, Joanne (Comstock). They were married on Aug 24, 1968 in Fargo. Both began their education careers and they bought a home in Fridley, MN where they raised their family of three children. They lived in the Fridley home for 48 years.
John impacted thousands of lives during his 37 year education career. The first year was at UW-Stevens Point and the remainder in the South Washington County School District as a beloved secondary school teacher, assistant principal and principal. He also served as the supervisory chair and president of the Board at United Educators Credit Union for over 25 years. He valued education and continued his personal growth through multiple Masters degrees and a PhD (ABD). He was known as a quiet and strong professional with high expectations, but also quick to laugh. He was also known for his colorful assortment of neckties!
Outside of education and the workplace, John had many hobbies. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, traveling, and most of all, spending time with family and friends. John was also a gifted craftsman. He built many pieces of beautiful furniture, grandfather and regulator clocks, and he also built the family cabin where family and friends have gathered for over 40 years. John and Joanne travelled extensively after his retirement. They enjoyed taking cruises through the Caribbean, Alaska and Central America. He enjoyed his retirement years in the year-round sunshine of Florida. They loved to spend time with their children and grandchildren. John was so proud of all his family accomplished. He was the rock of our family. John had a deep Lutheran faith and enjoyed bible studies.
John was able to impact so many lives in an incredibly positive manner. He valued hard work, loyalty, honesty and compassion. He will be greatly missed by all.
John is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; son, Adrian (Shauna); daughters, Heather (Andy) and Rachael (Todd); his ten adoring grandchildren, Rachael, AJ, Dylan, Allison, Zachary, Tyler, Jacob, Kelton, Peyton and Rhys; his brother, Dan (Edna); sisters, Pat Bakken and Dorothy Hough. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry; mother, Mary; brothers and sister, Harry, Joseph, James, Robert, Allen, Frederick, Morris and Judith.
Celebration of John's life will be held 11AM, Saturday, Nov. 9, at O'Halloran and Murphy-Woodbury Funeral Home (8700 Valley Creek Rd. 651-702-0301). Visitation beginning at 9:30AM until start of service at funeral home with luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the John Holm Memorial Scholarship to benefit high school students pursuing education careers. Honor John Holm - Fund A Student's Future
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