Alan Dale Holden, 81, passed away on June 17, 2025, at home in Finland, Minnesota following a short but difficult battle with cancer. Alan was born on August 15, 1943, in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. He spent his adult life in Finland, Minnesota, where he built a life working alongside his father and later his son Cory in their multi-generational family logging business.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda (Kuehl) Holden; his stepdaughter, Cindy; and his former wife, Betty, the mother of five of his children. He is survived by his children: Rhonda, Rob (Bridget), Todd (Laura), Cory (Nora), Chad, and Jenna (Brad) and his stepson, Scott (Stacy). His grandchildren: Danny, Aaron, Ryan, Alise, Aaron, Isabella, Jacob, Remington, Alaina, Hank, Emma,
Sylvia, Sicelia, and Sidney. Along with several sweet great grandkids. Alan, a logger by trade, was someone who rose early, worked hard, and found a certain peace exercising his creative abilities via his efforts in the forest. He would’ve wanted to be remembered simply and honestly, without fanfare. He was a thoughtful and unique conversationalist, purposeful in engaging others to think on and speak about various topics and events around us, past, present, and future. While he would say he didn’t always have the answers, he was honest in his journey and never stopped trying to grow. He loved us quietly.
One of his favorite sayings was, “It is what it is,” and he lived those words-with resilience, acceptance, and grace. There’s so much that could be said, but Dad didn’t want a lot of fuss. He was a great man, will be deeply missed, and we will close with words dad left for us: “I love you all, you all love me… it just doesn’t get any better than that.”
In remembrance of him, take a walk in the woods, breathe deeply the scent and take a moment to reflect on what is important. Please join us in an informal gathering of respect and love for the man he was and will always be. Service will be held on: August 16, 2025, 12:00 pm – with luncheon to follow at the Clair Nelson Community Center in Finland, MN.
