Curtis Holen, age 78 of Westhope, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at a Minot hospital.

Curt was born in Bottineau, North Dakota, on December 15, 1945, to Pearl (Hegdahl) and Andrew Holen. The fourth of five children, Curt provided comic relief for his family from a young age, singing and dancing his way into everyone's hearts.

Curt grew up in Souris, North Dakota, and graduated from Souris High School in 1965. He joined the Army shortly thereafter, turning 21 while on a ship bound for Vietnam. Curt served for one year in Vietnam as an MP with the 57th MP Company, 9th Infantry Division. After Vietnam, Curt was stationed at West Point, NY, where he earned the rank of Sergeant.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Curt joined the Bottineau County Sheriff's Department before leaving to work with his brother-in-law, Lyle Sivertson at the Landa Elevator. Later, Curt purchased the Rustic Lounge in Landa, embarking on a bartending career which spanned the next several decades. He was a fixture in many Bottineau County-area bars, his easy smile and friendly demeanor a comfort to many.

In 1991, Curt married Elaine (Gaugler) Bristol and got the family he had always wanted when he became a stepfather to Elaine's daughter, Kelly.

Curt was proud of his military service and served as Commander of the Westhope VFW at several points throughout his post-service life.

Curt passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, after living a long and varied life full of laughter, smiles, and love. He was an endlessly devoted husband, stepfather, son, and brother, and he will be forever cherished and deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Elaine, of Westhope; his stepdaughter Kelly Bristol of Oklahoma City, OK; brothers Genhard "Sonny" (Ardis) of Des Lacs, and David (Patty) of Minot; sisters-in law Roberta Weber and Carol (Jesse) Farnsworth; brothers-in-law Richard (Debbie) Gaugler, Roger (Ardella) Gaugler, Harold (Jodie) Gaugler, and Scott (Beth) Gaugler; along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Pearl, and father, Andrew; sisters Mavis Sivertson and Ardis Hulse; brothers-in-law Lyle Sivertson, Sam "Dale" Hulse, Paul Benoit, and Lloyd Weber; and sister-in-law Doris (Gaugler) Benoit.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.