Marcia Sue Gurholt

Marcia Sue Johnson Gurholt, 65, Bismarck, died on September 12, 2012 at her home, with her husband, sister, and "visiting angel" Micki at her side. A memorial service will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Bismarck with Rev. Donna Dohrmann officiating. A prayer service will be held on Sunday at 4:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Marcia was born on September 5, 1947, the second daughter of three, to Mervin and Marjorie Conant Johnson in Watford City, ND. Her parents owned Johnson's Piggly Wiggly, the local grocery store in Watford, where as a child, she would help out with anything that was needed, often with a candy bar being the day's wage. She was always very proud of her family and Norwegian Heritage. Growing up near the badlands of the North Unit formed a true appreciation and love of the outdoors that would last a lifetime. Marcia graduated from Watford City High School in 1965. She was active in band and choir and formed many long-lasting friendships during this time. It was during high school that she met her future husband, Paul Gurholt. She went on to get her degree from Minot Business School. She and Paul were married in 1968 and they moved to Grand Forks, ND, where Paul finished school and Marcia worked as a secretary for a trucking company. They moved to Braham, MN, where they had 3 children before moving back to Bismarck in 1976. They then started Gurholt Construction, where Marcia was bookkeeper and secretary for many unique and wonderful construction projects for over 35 years. In 1992, Marcia and Paul built their home together, with Marcia putting in countless hours of hard work, from interior design to gardening and landscaping. Marcia was a tremendous gardener at her home where she created beautiful flower and perennial beds that will continue to provide lasting beauty for many years to come. She especially liked picking and eating fresh raspberries from the garden with her grandchildren. Marcia loved to travel. She planned many family trips where countless special memories were created. Her family trips had taken her to places like Norway, Germany, Hawaii, and Banff to name a few. She had an amazing sense of humor, which she showed to her friends and family daily. Marcia was an amazing cook, and was always willing to try new dishes for her family and friends. Her grandkids will miss trick-or-treating for her homemade doughnuts at Halloween. Her greatest gift to her family was her legacy of the truly important things in life; family, nature, laughing, and enjoying life day by day. Marcia will be remembered by her husband of 44 years, Paul Gurholt; her daughters, Tracy Steve Fine of Rapid City, SD; Kristin Gurholt of Broomfield, CO; her son, Brett Heather Gurholt of Bismarck, ND; two sisters, Marlene Gerald Johnson of Watford City, ND; and Shelby Murie of Bismarck, ND; and of course 6 special grandchildren, Mallory, Erin, Brier, Mason, Brayden, and Claire. She was preceded in death by her parents. Marcia was active in her church which is currently undergoing an expansion project. She would have enjoyed seeing the new kitchen facility where church meals are prepared. Memorials can be sent to: Lutheran Church of the Cross – Building Expansion Fund 1004 E Highland Acres Rd. Bismarck ND 58501 Marcia and her family have been blessed with many good friends in the community and church that have kept her in their thoughts and prayers. Thank you to everyone who has prepared meals or taken Marcia for coffee and "day trips" throughout the last year. A special thanks to Micki at Visiting Angels for her companionship and care during these difficult times.

Marcia Sue Gurholt

September 5, 1947 - September 12, 2012