Genhard Allen Holen was born on June 7, 1941, in Loraine to Andrew and Pearl (Hegdahl) Holen.  He was the third of five children in the Holen family:  Mavis, Ardis, Curt and Dave.  Genhard went to early elementary school in Landa and moved to Souris at a young age.  He spent his childhood in Souris enjoying time with his siblings and any outdoor activities or sports he could participate in with his friends.  Hunting and fishing were part of his life from an early age and quality time spent with his brothers and his friends.  Basketball was also his passion from an early age and where he found success in high school.  Genhard was an excellent basketball player who led his Souris Blue Jays to the State Class C Tournament during his senior year, earning second place.  This spurred a lifetime of enthusiasm and involvement in basketball, an important component of his adult life.

Genhard graduated from Souris High School in 1959 and attended Minot State College to obtain his standard teaching degree.  He later returned to complete his four-year bachelor’s degree in education.  In 1962, he met the love of his life, Ardis Skagen, after being introduced by a cousin.  This was the beginning of an amazing life together from which they were rarely separated.  Genhard and Ardis were married in 1964 at Mouse River Lutheran Church, rural Landa.  They began their married life in Minot and eventually moved to Des Lacs in 1966, where they have resided since and raised their family.

Genhard accepted his first teaching position in 1963 in Burlington, teaching at Burlington-Des Lacs Elementary School, later transitioning to Des Lacs-Burlington Junior High School where he taught mathematics.  He spent his entire 38 years in education in the Des Lacs-Burlington School District.  He briefly coached football and was a basketball coach for several years (including head varsity basketball).  He was also a driver’s education instructor.  He was also a substitute bus driver, announced at school sporting activities, and officiated basketball games.  Genhard served as the junior high principal for a majority of his career, which utilized his leadership skills in the school district and within the community.  He was entirely dedicated to his profession and loved being around students and fellow teachers.  His character, enthusiasm, and sense of humor are the reasons so many former students call him their favorite teacher.  He thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with the thousands of former students, hearing how he impacted them in their adult life.  Genhard retired from teaching in 2001.  He returned for many years as a substitute teacher and remained a lifetime supporter of Laker activities.  He was proud that he taught generations of students at DLB.  He had the privilege of teaching his own children and later teaching alongside one of his children.

Genhard and Ardis started their family in 1966 with the birth of their son, Michael, followed by daughter, Lisa, in 1967, and son, Steve, in 1975.  They enjoyed raising a family, and he loved being an active father and grandfather, following them in their activities and hobbies.  Genhard loved spending quality time with his family through fishing, hunting, metal detecting and camping trips.  While residing in Des Lacs, the Holen family became friends with the Nygaard and Anderson families, leading to many great memories.  Some of his best memories were being in his boat and fishing with his family, friends, and grandchildren.

With the purchase of their property in Des Lacs in 1982, Genhard, called Sonny by his family and friends in Souris, started a new life passion, his yard.  He took great pride in his yard and was rarely found inside during the summer months; his several “yard of the month” awards brought him great pride.  The image of him on his riding mower is one that many in the community will remember.  Genhard was active in the community and served as a long-term member of the Des Lacs City Council.

Of his many roles and positions in life, he enjoyed his title “Grandpa” the most.  He was immensely proud of his eight grandchildren.  He loved being present at their activities as much as possible.  His love of electronics and games helped to provide a fun environment for his grandchildren, and he loved their visits.  Genhard and Ardis also enjoyed traveling together with friends to see many different areas of the country after his retirement.

Genhard was a man of strong faith, and it was a part of his life from an early age.  He was a ministerial assistant for three congregations in Bottineau County during the summers while attending college.  He considered a career in ministry before choosing education.  His faith was always an integral part of his life, which influenced his family and their spiritual journeys.  He was a longtime member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Minot.  Genhard’s legacy was his impact on those around him; he loved being around people and making their day better through laughter.  He was often the highlight of every family and friend gathering with his stories and his sense of humor.  He had an innate ability to build relationships and form new friendships.  He often brightened the lives of those around him, which made him a beloved member of the community and his impact on countless lives over his 85 years of life is his living legacy.  His enduring spirit and charisma remain in the hearts of those he touched.

Genhard began his life in heaven on September 24, 2026.

Family:  Genhard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ardis Holen, Des Lacs; children, Michael (Londa) Holen, Bismarck, Lisa (Paul) Olson, Minot, and Steve (Elizabeth) Holen, Watford City; grandchildren, Austin Olson, Shaylah (Jace) Anderson, Ben (Jessie) Holen, Andrew (Fiancée, Emily) Holen, Ashley, Derek, Alyssa and Avery Holen; brother, Dave (Patty) Holen; sister-in-law, Elaine Holen; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Genhard was preceded in death by:  His parents, Andrew and Pearl Holen; sisters, Mavis (Lyle) Sivertson, and Ardis (Samuel) Hulse; and brother, Curt Holen. 

Funeral: 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 2, 2026, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.

Burial:  Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot. 

Sharing of Memories Service (Open to the public):  6:30 p.m., Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot. 

Visitation:  5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, at the church. Friends may also sign the online guestbook at brosefuneralhome.com. 
(Brose Funeral Home, Mohall)