Arnold W Holden

Arnold W. Holden, 95, Mandan, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2012, at his home in the presence of his step-daughter and caregiver, Diana Bossert, and long-time friends, Byron and Bernice Knutson. Services will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, May 29, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Military graveside services will be held at 12:00 Noon Tuesday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Monday, May 28, at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck. Arnold was born March 12, 1917, at Petersburg, MN, to Genton P. and Alice Holden, who farmed in that area. In 1926, the family moved to Holden Township in Adams County and farmed the land that Genton Holden homesteaded in 1907. In 1942, Arnold entered into the US Army and spent over four years in the Medical Corps. In the summer of 1944 with the Medical Corps he went to Normandy Beach, France, with the 165th General Hospital, where he stayed until the spring of 1946, when he returned to the US and was discharged. During his time in France he received some of the prisoners from the death camps in Dachau, Belsen, and Buchenwald. Arnold saw first-hand the devastation Hitler's camps had caused. Arnold was also in Rheims, France, on VE Day when the German military leaders signed surrender documents at Supreme Allied Headquarters. On the steps outside the headquarters he had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with General Eisenhower regarding the historic day. General Eisenhower had told him what a happy day it was for him that this terrible war in Europe had ended. Arnold was honorably discharged from the Army on June 10, 1946. After the war, Arnold returned to his parents' farm until 1953, when he began working at the State Capitol. His duties and assignments over the years included the Tax Department, State Treasurer's Office, and working in the State Senate. In 1952, Arnold was the campaign manager for the Nonpartisan League and Democratic partied and helped plan the campaign train trip of President Harry Truman through North Dakota. He joined Truman's train in Fargo and traveled across the state with it. Arnold's interest in politics over the years led him to help reform North Dakota income tax collection, he wrote various measures that were approved by the people in the polls over the years, and even worked as the North Dakota Campaign manager for Robert Kennedy's run for president during the Vietnam era. Arnold also enjoyed following politics and visiting the library. Arnold married Polly Klaus on September 2, 1959. Polly died in 1975. Arnold married Isabelle Bakken on March 12, 1998. Isabelle died in 1999. Arnold is survived by his step-children and their families, Diana Bossert, Joanne Kelly, Larry Bakken, Danny Bakken, Bonnie Harsch, Linda Kendall, Jim Bakken, Terry Bakken, Randy Bakken; sister-in-law, Lillian Holden; and nephew, Randall Holden. Arnold was preceded in death by his wives; his parents; and his brother, Gordon.

Arnold W Holden

March 12, 1917 - May 23, 2012