Dennis Holmgren
July 19, 1938 ~ October 26, 2024
Born in:
Minot, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Live Stream:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dennis Wendell Holmgren, on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Bethany on University in Fargo, ND.
Dennis was born on July 19, 1938, in Minot, ND, to Clarence and Alice Holmgren. Growing up in Minot, Dennis attended school there and graduated from Minot State Teacher’s College before embarking on his career, starting out as a teacher and basketball coach in Donnybrook, ND.
Dennis and Vallie Jevne were united in marriage on July 25, 1959, at Minot First Assembly of God Church. They lived in the Minot area until 1963 when they moved to Fargo.
Dennis and Val moved to Fargo, and he was teaching at Lewis & Clark Elementary School while working on earning his master’s degree in education administration at the same time. His passion for education and commitment to his students led him to various leadership positions, initially becoming a principal at Horace Mann Elementary School at the young age of 29. Throughout his tenure, Dennis served with excellence at several schools, including Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, McKinley, and Carl Ben Eielson, in addition to assisting in starting up Centennial and Bennett Elementary, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and colleagues.
Dennis was not only recognized as ND Outstanding Young Educator early on in his career but was also recognized as the ND Outstanding Principal of Year in 1986, and National Distinguished Principal in 1986, but also as a devoted member of his community. His involvement with the YMCA Board and First Assembly of God Church showcased his dedication to serving others and making a positive difference wherever he went. After 42 years of service in schools, he retired in 2007 and continued to exemplify his generosity by volunteering with the MAPS RV ministry to help with various church construction projects, a testament to his unwavering faith and commitment to helping those in need. This was something he and Val enjoyed doing together.
A skilled carpenter and sports enthusiast, Dennis found joy in carpentry and spending time with his family, particularly enjoying hunting with his sons, and he had such a soft spot for all his grandchildren.
Dennis is survived by his children, Brad (Susie) Holmgren of Centralia, WA and Bryce (Kim) Holmgren of Willmar, MN; 13 grandchildren, Derek (Ariel), Alex, Jessica (Nate), Cole (Dana), Alycia (Weston), Drew (Morgan), Jordan (Anne), Carson, Austin (Megan), Hannah (Erik), Michaela (Lee), Dawson and Landon; 32 great-grandchildren; brother, Gaylen (Gayle); and sister-in-law, Marlys Holmgren.
Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Vallie; parents, Clarence and Alice Holmgren; infant sister, Darla; and brother, Dellwin.
A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 3:30 PM.
For more than 20 years, Dennis and Vallie were my landlords. They were a tremendous
Blessing in my life. We are reminded in life to seek out wise counsel (Proverbs). Dennis
Many times imparted wisdom. Dennis often shared about the love he had for each new
Family member. Continued prayers for the family.
Dennis was my principal at Centennial and Bennett. He was a wonderful man of God with a love of Jesus that was reflected in the way he treated children and staff. He was a principal who supported his teachers and had a backbone to stand up for them when they were under attack. He was a rare principal, one of the “old guard”, who protected and stuck his neck out to best serve children. He never hid in his office, afraid to talk to parents. He grabbed the bull by the horns and handled problems in a diplomatic, firm, and compassionate way. He treated others with respect even if there was disagreement. He was one of the best principals I ever had in my long career of teaching.
I loved working for Dennis and followed him to Bennett when he was asked to open that school. We went to the same church and often talked about the what he was doing to further God’s Kingdom. He often spoke of his wife Val and family. He was very sad when she passed away, but he continued to push forward with his trust in Jesus.
I am sad he is gone from this earth, yet I know that Dennis will be reunited with his wife Val and will spend eternity in Heaven. He will be rewarded for the good fruit he produced during his time on earth. He served the Lord with all his heart. He blessed my life and the lives of others in so many positive ways. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted – Matthew 5:4”. My sympathy to Dennis’s family.
Dennis has been a wonderful friend for many years. We worked together on several RV Volunteer projects for US missions. He has been an inspiration to many people.
Harold and Joanetta Larson
Dennis was a great principal, neighbor and friend. I remember him helping my dad finish a bedroom in our house and he built a shed for our lake cabin that we still use. He will be missed.
Dennis was my Principal when I taught Elementary Music at Horace Mann. One day a 6th grader came to me before school started to tip me off that the 6th graders had all agreed to refuse to do anything in my class starting that day. She didn’t know what to do. I thanked her for letting me know and went to Dennis with the issue, not knowing how to handle it. Dennis decided to join the classroom with all the 6th graders, took a seat in the middle of the kids and did everything I asked the class to do. One by one they all joined in. So I thought I’d take advantage of the situation and asked Dennis to sing a solo. AND HE DID! Those 6th graders put on a musical by the end of the year.
Dennis. May God reward you richly!
Dennis was a true leader for the teachers and students at Centennial and Bennett. As a student at Centennial for all six years (K-5), I had the privilege of seeing his dedication firsthand. He was always present, leading every event with calmness and kindness, never missing a day, and showing up for the good times and the hard times. Students may not always show their appreciation, but we certainly recognized him, and he will be deeply missed.
One memorable moment was when he kept his promise to have lunch on the school roof after we broke a reading record. Despite the strong North Dakota winds, he was up there to show us just how much he valued learning. He was a man of great heart and commitment.
Please know, during this difficult time, that he was a remarkable person who left a lasting impact on many lives. We are so grateful to have had him in ours. Thank you for sharing him with the teachers and students of Fargo Public Schools—our lives are richer because of him.
So many wonderful memories. I feel very blessed to have Dennis and family in my life. So sorry for the families loss.
Our beloved next door neighbors, Dennis and Val for over 20 years. He missed her so terribly and I’m so glad they are together again. Such kind and wonderful people who I’m so grateful that God put in my path. They were grandparents to my babies as they grew, and gave them love and hugs and Val started every piece of my garden with her advice and her sharing of plants from her own. They were both so loved. ❤️🧡💕
Great mentor when I student taught at Centennial School. He was always kind and checked on the student teachers & encouraged us to continue in the education field. He was very supportive when I chose early childhood education over elementary education. I will never forget his offer to always come back to his school.
I was hired by Dennis when Bennett Elementary was opened. What a wonderful person to have as a principal. He was an excellent administrator. I was fortunate to have worked for and known this kind man.
I am saddened by the passing of Dennis. As he was a beloved neighbor for more than 40 years, I have way too many fond memories to put into words. But one profound experience he left me with was being at my side, in the hospital, when my son died. A grieving mother losing a child requires a friendship that lays down their life to support another person’s hopelessness.
To the Holmgren family, I want to express my deepest, heartfelt regret for your father’s passing. Know that he left behind a legacy of being a devoted friend, a loving husband, a truthful sounding board, and above all he stood on the promises of our faithful God.
Dennis and Val went to same church as we did for many years. They were a wonderful couple, so sweet to be around. I’m so glad he is with his beloved Val in Heaven. We will miss them! To Bryce and Bradley, our hearts go out to you! Will be praying for you!
We had the pleasure of having him as principal at Roosevelt. He was wonderful
Dennis was a wonderful principal and a great advocate for kids and his staff. Over the years we worked together in the schools I learned a great deal about how to value people and cherish kids. Soft spoken but always teaching the students about being responsible for their actions. To his family Dennis will be in my thoughts and prayers. may he rest in peace.
My condolences to the Holmgren family.
Dennis a great person to work with. All of my sons were at Roosevelt during his time as principal. We always discussing how to help those students with a special need to be successful at all that they do. We would discuss projects we were each doing when we met at the lumber yard after he retired. A person I never stopped talking about. Peace be with the family and friends. God loves you and there is not a darn thing you can do about it.
Dennis was my principal at Horace Mann, and then later my neighbor on 2nd Street North for 20 years. He and Val were also very gracious in support of my campaigns when I served in the state legislature.
He was a prince of a human being, and will be greatly missed.
Dennis was my principal and mentor at Carl Ben Eielson Elementary. He was always looking for ways to make life better for students and staff. Dennis was one of the most thoughtful and caring educators that I have know. Rest in peace.
Prayers and cares to the family. Dennis and Val were great people and great neighbors.
Warmest condolences to the Holmgren family. He was my teacher at Lewis and Clark in the mid-60s. Fond memories. Strong influence. God bless his memory.
Attended school in Donnybrook for five years. Dennis was our grade school coach. Best teacher I ever had.
Dennis was a fellow principal for all of my administrative years in the Fargo Public Schools. He was soft spoken, always interested in you and a man of faith. Our Principal gatherings, meetings and get-together were always better when Denny was present. He had a good sense of humor and was always interested in how we could make things better for our respective staffs and for our students.
Rest in peace, Big Guy. We’ll miss you.
I just found out. I was a student at Lewis and Clark in the 60s and remember Dennis well. He was a great teacher and I recall him playing basketball with us. Over the years I thought of Dennis often and followed his career.
I’m so sorry to see the passing of Dennis, I just found out about it. I worked with Dennis for many years as a school photographer in photographing all his student’s. He was a great guy and was always kind to me and thoughtful. He will be greatly missed by so many people, love you, Dennis.
We’ll see each other someday again.
Patrick Scherling
I just learned of Dennis’s passing from the Forum. I was a volunteer at Carl Ben when he was a principal there. What a wonderful principal and man. He was so gentle. He will be missed. Cheryl Hager
I will be forever grateful to Dennis. As a young principal finding his way as a school leader, Dennis took me under his wing as an assistant principal. His positive approach to all, whether with students, staff, or parents is something I remember so vividly and incorporated into my time as a building principal. As a successor to Dennis at Centennial, he would often stop to simply touch base and offer another valuable piece of advice in which to embedded into my leadership style. Dennis was a leader and service to so many people. His gentleness and wisdom will most definitely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Holmgren family.
Thank you Dennis! We will meet again someday.