Jeanne Birkholz

Jeanne L. Birkholz, 70, Grand Forks, died Friday, November 20, 2015 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Jeanne Louise Evenson was born June 29, 1945 to Ames Evenson and Penelope (Van Pelt) Evenson in Crookston, MN.  She grew up  in rural Climax and graduated from Climax High School.  She married Allan Hovet on March 22, 1963.  They had four children together.  Jeanne worked at the Vets Club in downtown Grand Forks, where she met her current husband, Roger Birkholz.  They were united in marriage on July 13, 1977 and resided in East Grand Forks, MN until the flood of 1997, and later moved to Grand Forks, ND.   Jeanne was employed as a secretary and bookkeeper at the Grand Forks City Mission from 1984 to 2001.  Later she was a “Sample Lady” at Sam’s Club, and truly enjoyed meeting and talking with the customers.  Jeanne was a woman of many talents – she was an artist and painter, musician, performer and loved life.  Jeanne painted with watercolors, oils and acrylics, and gave her paintings as gifts to friends and family members.  She played the saxophone, clarinet, piano, accordion, and even drums.  She played piano for Church Services at First Church of God, and also played saxophone at City Band and Second Wind Band for many years.   Jeanne was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting family meals and gatherings. Traveling was also something she loved.  She also had a great sense of humor and an outgoing personality.  So many people knew her from her jobs and her involvement in the church and the community. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and they cherished her.  Jeanne was truly a ray of sunshine. She is preceded in death by her parents, and a son, Eric.  She is survived by her loving husband Roger, and children Curtis Hovet of Grand Forks, ND, Robyn (Dan) Kopischke of Alexandria, MN and Kristie Hovet of Grand Forks, and grandchildren Michael, Abbey, Alia and Brandon.   She is also survived by sisters, Nancy (David) Seutter, Eileen Kutcher, Amy (Bill) Langlois, Candy (Dave) Anderson; lifelong friend Gerry Elliott, and honorary daughter, Shelly Hovet. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2015 in First Church of God, 2856 N. Washington St., Grand Forks.  Visitation will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Prayer Service Monday, November 23, 2015 also at First Church of God.  Interment will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks. Memorials are preferred to the Northlands Rescue Mission or the First Church of God Youth Group.