Alvin J. Holter

Alvin John Holter was born March 12, 1923 in rural Palermo, North Dakota to John and Julia (Johnson) Holter. He passed away March 29, 2011 at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND after a short illness at the age of 88. Alvin was baptized and confirmed at Knife River Lutheran Church. He grew up on the family farm with his seven brothers. He married Arlene Martinson on March 27, 1943. After a short stint as a farmer, Alvin and Arlene moved into Stanley, ND and resided there until 1959. The family then moved to Bottineau, ND and in 1961 came to Grand Forks where Alvin worked for Lunseth Plumbing and Heating. He retired in 1983. He was a member of Sharon Lutheran Church where he was involved in many activities. Alvin enjoyed spending time at the family cabin at Pine Lake, MN. He enjoyed meeting new people and making life long friends. He loved playing cards especially pinochle. Alvin was happiest when he had a project to work on and his tools were always close by. In retirement he enjoyed spending his winters in Texas. Arlene preceded him in death on December 25, 1995. He married Avis Nelson on September 26, 1998. He is survived by his wife Avis Nelson and his children, Judy (Elroy) Erickson; of Fargo, ND, Jim (Sharon) Holter of Grand Forks, ND, Julaine (Joe) Boyers of North Baltimore, OH, Joanne Steele of Rochester, MN, Jon Holter of Grand Forks, Janell Holter and Renee Andersen of Rochester, MN and Peggy Dores of Grand Forks. His step-children Roger (Mary) Nelson of Queen Creek, AZ, Shari (Gary) Gamradt of Sauk Center, MN and Lisa (Jeff) Thornton, Grand Forks, ND. He is also survived by grandchildren Sean (Ruth) Erickson, Sonja Baudoin, Suzanne Erickson, Jeff (Becky) Holter, Kari Holter, Jason (Brenda) Boyers, Chad (Melissa) Boyers, Daria (Jon) Sutton, Chris (Andrea) Steele and Aaron (Theresa) Steele, 23 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Also surviving him are 7 step-grandchildren, 8 step-great grandchildren, 1 step-great-great grandchild and one brother, Jerry Holter. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Arlene and his 6 brothers; Hartford, Ervin, Marvin, Clifford, Kelly and Lloyd. Also son-in-law, Dana Steele and granddaughter, Shanna Erickson.