Joel Holtgard

Joel passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021 at his home in West Fargo, ND, at the age of 67, after an 18 month battle with cancer. Joel was born on October 5, 1953, the son of Wilfred and Leona (Marine) Holtgard, in Fargo, ND. He grew up in rural Moorhead, MN where he graduated from Moorhead State Campus High School. He later attended Moorhead Technical College where he studied Diesel Mechanics and Therm-O-King to learn refrigeration on trucks. Joel was married to Camille Campbell in 1974 and they later divorced. Throughout the years, Joel spent most of his life working with cars – he was a very talented mechanic. He co-owned Northern Auto Sports for many years and also built race cars and enjoyed driving them. He was known for his love of the BMW 2002 series and took great pride in having the only BMW on the track at the time. Joel won many races at the Brainerd International Raceway – racing was his passion. After closing his business, he went on to work for Imports Plus, later Valley Imports, until his retirement. Joel was a passionate Minnesota Gophers and Minnesota Vikings fan and wherever he was – he was the life of the party. Joel is survived by his daughter, Danielle (Corey) Kutzer of Wahpeton, ND – and their children, Gabrielle, Luke, and Keaton; his son, Trevor Holtgard of West Fargo, ND; his step-daughters – Destinee (Dylan) Ensrude, Savannah Spreeman, and Desiree Short; his mother, Leona Holtgard; and his brother, Dave (Barb) Holtgard of Fargo, ND; his niece, Kristina; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Wilfred. Celebration of Life Service: 6:30 PM Monday, July 26, 2021 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo – with visitation beginning at 4 PM. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. To sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com