Who Would You Like to Meet With?

On September 20, 2021, the world lost the quintessential family man to the Corona virus. Known as a devoted husband and beloved father, grandfather, brother, son and uncle, he dedicated his life to earnestly seeking to magnify each of these life positions with his “family first” belief, always giving his everything for his family and friends. Genuine warmth and love for family, friends and life were evident in all he did. Good humor and laughter accompanied him always with a contagious laugh that spread to all who heard it. Packing more life into 73 years than many could with two lifetimes, his sense of adventure lead him to a life filled with great stories and memories that he treasured sharing with others. He was a man who loved profoundly, served others endlessly, and tirelessly pursued excellence without possessing an insincere or phony bone in his body. His greatest joy came in seeing those around him happy.

Born August 24, 1948 in Monticello, Minnesota to Richard and Isabel Holker, he was received into a loving home as the fifth of eight children. From a young age, he loved to help and serve his family and others. This was evident in his first job that he enthusiastically performed: sweeping the sidewalk in front of his father’s Red Owl store on his walk to elementary school. He went on to attend Monticello High School, where he earned over 20 letters in 5 different sports, was named to the All-State football team, and is still known as one of the greatest athletes in school history. While very proud of the appointment he received to attend West Point military academy, he turned it down and opted instead to honorably serve a two-year service mission to Northern England for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Upon his return, he attended Ricks College where he met and married his wife of 50 years, Paula H. Holker (Lohse) in the Idaho Falls temple on May 6, 1971. He earned his 4-year undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University in just three years, and then went on to graduate from Hamline School of Law while raising and supporting a young family.

Recognized as a pioneer in the legal and financial professions, his career spanned 44 years wherein he was able to help thousands of clients who esteemed him highly to “see the big picture”. Known as a deep thinker and hard worker, he always maintained a deep-seeded love of learning and desired to be on the cutting edge of whatever he was involved in. Working to the end with several of his children, he was often heard saying that he was “living his dream”. His heart was nearly too large to fit in his chest, as he took great pride in being able to competently aid others. Many clients expressed disbelief that he would be so willing to help someone like them with seemingly little in the way of material possessions or net worth; he just loved to serve others and he saw something of worth in everyone.

To those whom he met, he strived to radiate a sense of inclusivity and sought to spread happiness and laughter in hopes of making everyone feel comfortable in his presence. Many smiles and laughter were brought to the faces of children he encountered with his classic Donald Duck voice. His generosity knew no bounds; if there was something he enjoyed, he was always eager to share it. His love for others was manifested in the way he treated all whom he met with dignity and respect. He lived what he taught- that “it costs you nothing to be kind”. He opened his doors and gave willingly of all that he had to those he cared for; if he saw a way he could help, he would do it without asking for permission.

His zest for life left an impression on all who knew him. Despite enduring many significant challenges including the death of nearly every close friend he had throughout his existence, his life was nonetheless dominated by an upbeat and positive outlook, always believing that “today is the day”. He was truly one of a kind and cherished being unique; he deeply valued his ability to be a free thinker and a leader.

His love of exploration took him to all 50 states and nearly as many countries, but there was no place he enjoyed more than the North Woods of Minnesota, which is where he has asked that his family leave his remains.

Preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Richard Jr. and Thomas Holker Sr., and his brothers-in-law Steve and Wayne, he is survived by his wife Paula, brothers Bob (Kay), Jack (Nancy), and David, and sisters Joan and Deb. While many felt as though they were one of the family, he and Paula had six adoring children, Kandi Myers (Greg), Kent, Kory (Amber), Kody (Tayna), Kyle (Kari) and Kurt (Jessica), and 21 grandchildren, all of whom loved to be in his presence. He worked tirelessly to ensure his household was a closely-knit unit. His grandchildren were the center of his universe, and they never questioned where they stood with him as he always made each of them feel like they were his favorite. Uncle Kenny was the favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews, and the adopted dad of too many to count. Of all his many accomplishments, he said many times that his greatest legacy is his family.

A visitation will be held on Friday September 24, 2021 at the Kozlak-Radulovich Funeral chapel from 5-8pm at 13745 Raimer Dr. N., Maple Grove, MN 55311. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday September 25, 2021 at 11am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – 2801 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN 554442.