Brian Holgren

Brian Holgren, age 67, passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2004, at Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born on March 2, 1937 at home in Rexford, Mont. to Robert Laurence and Ethylene Beryl (Scouten) Holgren.

Brian received his early education in Eureka graduating from high school there. While in high school, Brain was a "star" football player and was chosen for the East West game his senior year. He then attended Western Montana College graduating with his BS in Education and art in 1963. He taught school at St. Xavier, Hayes and Lodge Pole. He also worked in the woods during his college days. He would run like the wind through the woods setting chokers and tongs. He loved working in the woods and earned the name "Chainsaw." Brian also worked for Grizzly Express, Ace Powell Foundry and Best in Bronze Foundry. Brian retired in 1997. After retiring he concentrated on his own art. He was a painter and sketch artist, but mostly he enjoyed sculpting. Ever since he received clay as a Christmas present at the age of five, he was driven to express himself through his art. He especially loved to sculpt western art; horses were his favorite. His nickname as an artist was "Hogie."

Brian fell in love and married Ardis Runsthrough in 1971 and acquired five wonderful children. He and Ardis had a son together, Cory. Ardis passed away in December 1979. After Ardis died, Brian raised the children and was both mom and dad to them.

Brian also loved Eureka. He stayed close to his classmates, cousins and other relatives and friends; many affectionately called him "Brinny." He was very in touch with his roots and never missed a chance to visit.

Brian met and married Rosemary Morton Qualls on August 11, 1990. He and Rosemary had a 14-year love affair. When he and Rosemary went for a drive, they many times ended up in his beloved Eureka. He often remembered fondly his buds and fellow river-rats. Brian had a subtle sense of humor. He was so kind and generous. He always helped people. He loved the simple life. He loved his Heavenly Father and His Savior and was a High Priest of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Beryl; his wife, Ardis, one daughter, Celeste and one brother, Larry.

He is survived by his wife Rosemary Qualls Holgren of Kalispell, and his five children; three sons: Wilbur "Chief" Keiser and wife Sarah of Billings, and their children, Jeremy, Cory, Hoyt, Cletus, Stanly, Mercedes, and Raymond; Raymond Keiser and companion Valerie of Whitefish and his children Brandon and Megan. Cory Holgren and wife Tricia of Lagrange Park, Ill. And their son Brian; also two daughters; Georgia Netzer and husband Stan of Stevensvill, and their children, Christopher, Alex, Vanessa, and Kerry; and Karen Ortiz and husband Phillip, and Karen. Also daughter of Celeste, granddaughter Brendy German.

He is also survived by Rosemary's three children: Gary Qualls and wife Yeonsook, of Fort Carson, Col and their children, Julian and Megan; Rhonda Qualls Felt and husband Chad of Bigfork, and their children, Ashley and Angela; and Cori Calvert and husband Jon of Boise, Idaho and their son, William.

Funeral services for Brian Holgren were held Monday, August 16, 2004, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Whitefish Stage Rd. Burial followed at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Crematory.