Donald “Don” Holden of White Bear Lake, formerly of Savage MN, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on December 26, 2023.
A visitation will be held honoring Don on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 9:30-10:45 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am, all at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. Don will be laid to rest at St. Michael Cemetery in Prior Lake. Livestreaming will be available at stmichael-pl.org and by clicking on the “Mass and Services” tab.
Memorials are preferred and will be distributed on behalf of the family to Sharing and Caring hands, Catholic Charities, and Friends of Chimbote.
Don was born in Wadena, Minnesota to parents George and Verna Holden on September 10, 1937, the oldest of 3. In his early years, his family moved to Beardsley, MN to be closer to Don’s mother’s family.
Don graduated from high school in 1955 and went to college to obtain his degree in engineering. Don started his college career at St. John’s University where he spent 2 years. He transferred to the University of Minnesota to complete his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. After he completed his bachelors, he went on to get his masters degree from St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO.
During his time in Missouri, he worked for McDonnell Aircraft where he was a part of the first design team for military drones! Also, during this time, he met his future wife, Louise. Soon after, their love prevailed, and Don married Louise on January 4th, 1964. For their honeymoon, Don took Louise to New York City, her first-time leaving Missouri in her entire life!
Don was blessed with 3 wonderful children, Cindi, David, and Greggie. He moved his family a few times throughout their lives. They briefly moved from St. Louis, Missouri to California in 1967, close to DisneyLand which began the family’s love of Disney. They then moved to Jamestown ND in 1975 where Don worked at a startup company, Western Gear, creating the engineering department. As a family they would often take family trips to Florida and visit Disney World. At 53 Don retired from engineering and was briefly a financial advisor during his retirement.
In his retirement years he found his love for traveling with Louise. Don and Louise traveled the world, even doing an around the world trip in 21 days! Don also loved the stock market, bridge, and of course poker/gambling. He enjoyed trips to Las Vegas with friends and family, Whenever the family would get together for holidays, they would always play poker as well. He also became a grandpa to 3 grandsons whom he loved dearly. In 1999, Don and his wife would settle down in Savage, Minnesota until Don moved to Harbors Crossing in White Bear Lake in 2021.
Faith was very important to Don, an active member of the church. A member of the Catholic Family Service board, and Jamestown ND Hospital board.
Don will be forever loved and missed by his wife, Louise Holden; children, Cindi (Jim) Gervais, David (Judy) Holden; grandchildren, Jacob Gervais, Noah Holden, Quinn Holden; sister, Janet “Jan” Nathe; sister-in-law, Judy Holden; and many other loving relatives and friends.
Don is greeted in Heaven by son Greggie; parents George and Verna; and brother, Gary Holden.
