Gene Sidney Rosholt

**You may view the memorial service by using this link: https://youtu.be/Fk6cuvzgQdI

Gene Sidney Rosholt, 71, known to most endearingly as “Geno,” finished a courageous battle with COVID-19 on December 16, 2020. Gene held the hand of Jesus, the Great Physician, throughout every step of the fight. Gene’s family was grateful for the doctors and nurses of Sanford Broadway Medical Center in Fargo, ND who were there supporting him with love and kindness until he took his final breath. All who loved Gene are comforted in knowing that his body and soul are made whole again in the Heavenly Kingdom.

Gene was born to Sidney and Geneva (Natwick) Rosholt on December 20, 1948 in Grand Forks, ND. He was the first child to be baptized after the two Lutheran churches of Buxton, ND joined together into one house of worship. Gene was raised in Buxton where he learned the importance of community service. Gene graduated from Central Valley High School in 1966, he had two years at Stout State in Menomonie, WI and two years at California Lutheran Bible School (CLBS) in Los Angeles, CA. During his time at CLBS, Gene met his forever sweetheart, Jean (Mathre) Rosholt. They were married in Helmar, IL on August 23, 1969 and remained deeply in love for over 51 years.

Gene was inducted into the Army in August 1970 until March of 1972 serving as a Personal Specialist in Long Bin Post, Vietnam. After honorable discharge from the Army, Gene and his young wife returned to ND for Gene to resume work with his father in Rosholt Gravel and Excavating. He successfully owned the family business for over 37 years until he retired in 2009.

Gene’s passion for community service and his personal Christian faith defined him. Gene served as a City of Buxton Council Member for 8 years before being elected as Mayor of Buxton, a lifelong position he served for over 34 years. Mayor Rosholt and his First Lady could frequently be found driving the streets of Buxton checking on their beloved city. Gene was also a volunteer firefighter, a Church Council member and President, a Thrivent Financial Congregational Coordinator and a Buxton Senior Center member. One of Gene’s most treasured community service positions was as a Grand Forks Traill Water District Board Director. In this work, he and his wife enjoyed traveling as representatives for Annual National Conventions. Gene was a long time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Buxton and more recently a member of Hope Church in Grand Forks. His faith was shared in quiet moments of daily devotional time with his wife and shared openly with others in the community about how God had healed him.

Gene was no stranger to the challenges that life can bring. In February 2011, Gene was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis. He fought against all odds for 55 days of hospitalization and rehabilitation to relearn how to use the left side of his body to walk, drive, eat and move again. Although, Gene’s recovery was extraordinary, the damage to his spinal nerve cells impacted his mobility, strength and health for the rest of his life.

Gene is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jean Rosholt; his four children and eight grandchildren, Kimberly Kelly (husband Kenneth, children Annika and Ian), Sheila McClenahen (husband Erik, children Margaret and Sean), Kristi Murray (husband Michael, children Aundrielle, Jamye, Maya and My’kel) and Steven Rosholt; sisters, Nancy Newcomb and Patsy Hobeck (husband Kim) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Geneva Rosholt; brother Randy; infant siblings Ronnie and Loretta.

**Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks are required.

A Memorial Service will take place on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 10:00 am with visitation the hour prior to the service at Hope Church.

To view the livestream of the service, please use this link: https://live.gfhope.org/

Inurnment will be later 2021 in Buxton, ND.