Betty Lou Holden

Betty Lou (Wolff) Holden passed away March 18, 2022, in Brainerd, MN.

Betty was born to George and Lillian (Homerding) Wolff on April 10, 1929 in Chicago, IL.  She grew up in Chicago and attended Carl Schurz High School graduating with the Class of 1946.  She was united in marriage to Theodore (Ted) James Holden on September 23, 1950 in Chicago.  In 1957, they moved to the Brainerd area, and both operated Holden Electric until their divorce.  In 2000, Betty retired from Madden Bros. after 35 years and began working part time for Mac Manufacturing until 2017.  She was involved with many fun social activities including Baxter Lions and Brainerd Garden Club.  Betty hosted players from the collegiate summer baseball league teams, The Mighty Gulls and The Lunkers.  She loved the Vikings, the Twins and all of her grand dogs and cats.

She is survived by her four children: daughter Margaret Ann (Peggy) and spouse John Thomas (Tom) MacDonald, Baxter; son Timothy (Tim) Thomas and spouse Jacque (Garro) Holden, Coon Rapids, MN; daughter Susan Christine Holden and partner Gary Bower, Phoenix, AZ; daughter Joanne Marie and spouse Scott McLaughlin, Harrisville, NY;  son-in-heart Michael Sunde, and “adopted” daughter Lydia MacDonald Aspen.  She is also survived by four grandchildren: Daniel Timothy Holden, Christina Kathleen Holden Sonnek (Jason), Kathleen Denise Holden Nilsen (Steve), and Joseph Thomas Holden (Thea).  She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Logan Sonnek, Bryce Sonnek, Lucy Sonnek, Henry Nilsen, Freddy Nilsen as well as many nieces and nephews, friends and co-workers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, ex-husband Ted, brothers George, Jr. and James, her daughter Mary Patricia Holden, son Joseph Holden, and great granddaughter Chloe Sonnek.

The family would like to thank all of the care-givers and medical staff that took such good care of her these last 10 months: Brainerd Good Samaritan Bethany, Milaca Elim Medical Health Care Center, Brainerd Good Samaritan Woodland and St. Joseph’s Medical Center (Brainerd). Betty enjoyed joking with them and “giving them a bad time” as she would say.

Brenny Funeral Home is preparing her for her afterlife.

Mass of Christian Burial for Betty will be held on Friday May 6, 2022 at Saint Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd, MN at 11:00am. Family and Friends are welcome to gather at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel on Saturday May 7, 2022 from 2:00 - 4:00pm for food, fellowship, and sharing of memories of Betty. The service will be livestreamed by the Church - here is the link to join on May 6, 2022.

In memory of Betty, memorials are preferred to H.A.R.T Animal Rescue & Shelter in Brainerd, MN (15494 Dellwood Drive, Baxter MN 56425).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.