Alvin J. Holmen was born in Powers Lake on December 18, 1945 to Alvin and Beatrice (Bilkre) Holmen. He was a younger brother to his sisters Eunice and Leanne. Bub graduated from Powers Lake High School in 1963, and then attended Minot State College. He then worked at various farm jobs which included working for his uncle, Carl Erie, and his cousin, Archie Holmen. In 1967 he joined the Army Reserve and headed off to Boot Camp in Louisiana followed by Medic Training in Texas. When he returned, he married Jeraldine (Jeri) Gibson on August 11, 1967 at Bethel Baptist Church in Powers Lake. Following their marriage, they lived in Minot, ND where he was employed by Mann’s Automotive. It was while living in Minot their sons Christopher Allen, Spencer Gibson, and Justin Dean (JD) were born.

Bubby began farming with his uncles, Oliver and Carlton Holmen. In 1978 the family moved to Powers Lake while their farm home was being built. In 1979 the family moved to the Holmen homestead and two years later their youngest son, Brooks Cole, was born.

Bubby continued to farm for several years, first with his uncles and later with the help of his sons. Poor health (two open heart surgeries and many stents) forced him to retire. He and Jeri continued to live on the farm. They traveled often to Arizona and also to Alaska. In August of 2017 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Jeri passed away on January 19, 2019 from Parkinson’s Disease.

Hunting, fishing, and golfing with family and friends were some of Bubby’s favorite things to do. However, his greatest joy came from time spent with his grandchildren.

Bubby was a member of Bethel Baptist Church where he had served on the church board. He was also a member of the Roy Clemensen American Legion Post #96 where he served in many capacities including Commander and Color Guard. Bubby also was a member of the Powers Lake Senior Citizens.

Alvin is survived by his sons; Chris (Allison) and their children Lindsey and Brandon; Spence and his sons Alex and Kaden; Justin; Brooks (Katie) and their children Kayden, Lilly, Ella, and Colten; his sisters Eunice Ryan and Leanne (Lowell) Van Berkom; his sister-in-law Theadonna (Merlyn) Johnson; his brother-in-law’s Nathan (Marlys) Gibson and Vaughn (JoNell) Gibson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents, parent-in-law’s, infant grandson Blake Holmen, brother-in-law Dick Ryan, nieces Beth Zeilinger and Dana Johnson, and nephew Ricky Ryan.