Albert Holman

Albert "Al" Manley Holman 83, of Grand Forks went to be with his Savior and Lord on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Altru Hospital, surrounded by all of his loving family. Al was born February 7, 1930 in Hatton, ND on the family farm to Albert B. and Laura (Moen) Holman. He was baptized at First American Lutheran in Mayville, ND. He graduated from Hatton High School in 1947. After high school, he farmed and worked at the Hatton Ford garage until being drafted into the military. He served in the Korean War (1951-1953) starting out as a field radio mechanic in a Sherman tank; later being promoted to Sergeant. Following his military service, he attended NDSSS in Wahpeton, ND for electronics. He then went to work for Northwestern Bell and was loaned to Western Electric to work on the Distance Early Warning (DEW) radar systems near the Arctic Circle. Prior to his deployment, he went to training in Rockford, IL where he met the love of his life, Alice Mae Nichols while she was volunteering at the YMCA. They were married on November 23, 1957 at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Roodhouse, IL. After they were married they moved to Grand Forks where he continued to work at Northwestern Bell (US West) on the Toll Test Board retiring in 1990. At his retirement party he received a plaque, "The Best Microwave Radio Man in North Dakota". He held several offices at his church, served on the ELS Mission Board, was active in Qwest Pioneers, a lifetime member of the VFW & American Legion, prepared Talking Books for the ND School for the Blind, was an avid Sioux fan, and traveled to 20 countries and all 50 states. Al was known for his Norwegian heritage and Ole and Lena jokes. He also enjoyed his farm place, "Green Acres", where he could fix anything, play with his John Deere "A" tractor and tried to control the leafy spurge, pocket gophers and raccoons. He will be greatly missed by his wife Alice of 56 years, son Marc (Michelle) Holman, daughter Lora (Lowell) Machart, brother Orlo (Floss) Holman, cousin Boyd (Sharon) Wermedahl, cherished grandchildren Ryan, Chelsi (Mike), Kayla, Lynsi and Abbi along with a niece, several nephews and special buddy Dave Odegaard. He was preceded by his parents, brothers Agnar and Irvin along with sisters- in-law, Dolly and Donna. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to River Heights Lutheran Church for the Jesus Ministries helping those with special needs. Funeral Services will be 1:30 PM Wednesday, December 11, 2013 in River Heights Lutheran Church, East Grand Forks, MN. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of the service in the church. Burial will be in Mayville, ND in the spring.