Thomas Holden

Thomas "Tom" Marvin Holden, age 86, of Backus, died January 1, 2016, at Essentia St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. He was born April 21, 1929, in rural Backus to Myrtle (Tye) and Warren "Curley" Holden.

In February 1950 he married Mildred "Millie" Bloom. They were married 26 years until her death in 1976. Tom and Millie had one daughter, Pamela. Tom served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict 1952-1954. He received his undergraduate and masters degrees from Bemidji State College. He taught Industrial and Graphic Arts in the Twin Cities at St. Anthony Village High School from 1960-1985.

Tom married Donna Holden in 1978 and they resided in the Backus area until his death. In 1977 he founded Red Pine Log Homes with Bill Sawyer and Lyle Gehrke and retired from the company in 1990. After retiring Tom continued to be active in the construction field doing architectural drafting for area home builders.

Tom is survived by his wife of 37 years, Donna Holden; his daughter Pam (Larry) Palmer of Breezy Point; his stepson, Joel (Wendy) Holden of Menahga; his stepdaughter, Susan (Brian Gaviglio) Holden of Blaine; 4 grandchildren: Ryan Palmer of Eagle, CO, Kristina Meyer of Mound, Stacy Jenson of Crookston, Derek Holden of Jamestown, ND; 3 great grandchildren; siblings: Donald Holden of Cold Spring, Marilyn Johnson of Sisters, OR, Janet Skinner of Mountain Iron and Wayne "Mike" Holden of Brainerd.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ivan Holden and sister Gail Holden.

Visitation 5:00-7:00 PM, Friday, January 8, at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to the 11:00 AM service at the Church of the Nazarene, Backus, on Saturday, January 9.