Mark Holy, 68

November 04, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Mark Holy announce his passing at his home on October 31, 2025, at the age of 68 after a brief battle (3 months and 21 days) with ALS. We rejoice that he is now with his Heavenly Father, free of pain and fully healed. He will be greatly missed.

Mark Holy was born September 6, 1957 in Warren, MN, the son of Donald and Bernice (Poolman) Holy. He grew up and attended East Grand Forks Senior High School, then went on to attend the ND State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND, where he received a business degree. From there, he obtained his pilot’s license from UND and UMC Crookston.

On November 9, 1985, Mark married his best friend, Char (Sondrol) Holy. Some of their favorite times were raising their three wonderful boys together. Starting in 2014, they enjoyed winters in Arizona, where Mark especially loved side-by-side riding in the mountains with great friends and seeing God’s majestic creations. And lastly, he enjoyed his five beautiful grandchildren that totally completed his life.

Mark started his own business, “Valley Airspray,” as an aerial applicator in 1983 for the Red River Valley. Due to his mother’s cancer, he sold the business in 2002 to spend more time with his dear mom and also to be with his family more. He then farmed full-time until 2025, never retiring. Mark found joy and purpose in aerial applicating and farming, caring deeply for the land and work he loved.

He proudly served his community as a City Councilman and Polk County Commissioner, always striving to make a difference for the constituents around him. He was also a dedicated coach for his three boys when they were young, sharing his love of sports and teaching the value of teamwork.

Mark is survived by his loving wife Char Holy of East Grand Forks, MN; sons Ryan (Pam) Holy of Bismarck, ND, Grant Holy of Flagstaff, AZ and Austin (Bradi) Holy of Frazee, MN;his darling grandchildren: Adalynn, Keith and Emmet Smette of Bismarck, ND, and Hudson and Betty Holy of Frazee, MN; and sister Christine (Paul) Davidson of Fountain Hills, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Bernice Holy.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice in Action or the ALS Association.

VISITATION: 5:00-7:00 PM, followed by a PRAYER SERVICE at 7:00 PM on Monday, November 10, 2025 at HOPE Church, 1601 17th Ave. S. Grand Forks, ND 58201.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 11, 2025 also at HOPE Church, with visitation one hour prior. Service will be live-streamed on Mark’s page at www.dandahlfuneralhome.com

INURNMENT: 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Resurrection Cemetery, East Grand Forks, MN.

Arrangements entrusted with Dahl Funeral Home of East Grand Forks.

Online Guestbook: www.dandahlfuneralhome.com