Gen passed away peacefully at age 93 on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Genevieve Anne Holen was born on January 19, 1931 to her parents, Lawrence and Anne Holen, on the Bolken Farm north of Arnegard, ND. The story goes that at a whopping 5 lbs., she could fit inside a shoebox! Her birth and death took place on the same family farm.

Gen spent her youth in Arnegard, with a brief time in Camas, WA and Whitefish, MT. The family returned to Arnegard and Gen graduated in 1949. At age 17, she taught one year in a rural McKenzie County country school, then attended nursing school in Bozeman, MT.

In September of 1952, Gen married John Bruins at Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard. They had five children, Wanda, James, Brenda, Alan & Lyle. In addition to raising her family and maintaining their farm and ranch, she had many roles in healthcare in the community. She served as the County Health nurse, as a nurse at the McKenzie County Hospital, and many years nursing at the Good Shepherd Home in Watford City.

Organizations that Gen enjoyed and participated in included Homemakers Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, the McKenzie County hospital board, and the Sons of Norway (where her rommegrot was well known!). Gen was also a pillar and lifetime member of Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard. She served as the church organist for 39 years and was a valued member of WELCA and the quilting group.

Gen’s easy-going, hospitable, caring and generous nature made her the best mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, neighbor and friend to everyone she encountered. She loved nothing more than a houseful of company, a good card game, a pot of coffee and a long visit.

As Gen preferred to remain in her own home on the farm, our family, friends and caregivers worked together to ensure that was possible. Our family greatly appreciated that Lyle was there to take care of helping with every aspect of her care.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Anne Holen, husband John in September 2006, and son James in April 2021.

Gen is survived by her children, Wanda (Daryl) Holmen of Fargo, ND, Brenda of Williston, ND, Alan (Sheri) of Arnegard, ND, and Lyle of Arnegard, ND; five grandchildren & seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Eugene Holen, Watford City, ND and sister Ruth (Kenneth) Vick, Loveland CO, along with numerous special nieces and nephews.