Obituary - Jonnie R. Holden

Jonnie R. Holden of Havre, 52, passed away on Friday, August 10, 2018, due to injuries sustained in an ATV accident at Fresno Reservoir.

Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2018, at the Havre Assembly of God with Pastor Ken Ross officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.

Jon's family has suggested donations be made in his name to Walleyes Unlimited, Hill County 4-H, Bearpaw Bowmen, or the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Jon's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com/.

Jon was born on October 29, 1965, in Havre to Ransom and Betty (Moore) Holden. He was raised in Havre, graduating from Havre High School in 1984. During the summers, he worked for Frank Verploegen farming. After high school, he worked at Osco/Buttrey's and eventually attended Northern Montana College for several quarters studying auto body work. At Buttrey's he met his sweetheart and love of his life, Marcella Springer. The couple was married on March 19, 1988, and had two sons, whom they raised on Bullhook Road. Once married, they were not allowed to work together, so Jon began working for Tilleman's in the auto body shop. A few years later, he moved to the Burlington Northern Railroad, following in his father's footsteps, he was known at the railroad as "Dirty." He remained with the railroad through the transition to BNSF for 27 years before retiring in November 2017.

Jon was a true outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, boating and taxidermy, Bullhook Capes and Furs was his hobby business, and he passed on his love of the outdoors to his sons. He was a member of the Havre Assembly of God, Bearpaw Bowmen, Walleyes Unlimited, and the BLET. He was a giving man with a big heart, especially for the family he had adopted. He was known for donating free "skull beetling and bleachings" or a hide if there was a fundraiser. He had a great sense of humor. He loved to play hearts at Thanksgiving and give gag gifts at Christmas. His friend and "sister" Cindy said he was her favorite one to tease.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ransom Holden; his parents-in-law, Martin and Lorna Springer; and his grandparents.

Jon is survived by Marcella Holden, his wife of 30 years; sons, Nolan (Jacqui) and Nathan Holden; grandchild, Baby Holden, due in September; mother, Betty Holden; sister, Bonnie (Kelly) Benson; brothers, Don (Margaret) and Ron (Lezlie) Holden, all of Havre; "other brother" Daryl (Val) Jones of CO; brother-in-law, Reggie (Vickie) Springer of MA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.