Val Milo Holms

Val Milo Holms died peacefully at his Polson home on December 24, 2016. Val was born in Williston, North Dakota on June 9, 1947 to Archie and Phyllis Holms. He was born a cowboy which required that he had a six shooter underneath his pillow so that he would always be ready for the bad guys. He attended and graduated from Florence High School where he was a standout athlete.

After high school he voluntarily joined the Marine Corps. He was a patriot who truly loved his country. When he returned home from Vietnam he founded Holms Building Service. Blood and oil flowed through his veins and after a successful construction business, he wholeheartedly went into the oil business. He always said he loved the thrill of the chase. He had a unique way of describing life using his own vernacular, which was often times politically incorrect.

In 1979, he met and married the love of his life, Mari Nelson Holms. They celebrated 37 years of marriage this past June.

Val and Mari graduated from Rhema Bible School in 1987 while living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1991, they're returned to Helena, Montana, where they owned and operated Tra Ho Sutra Kenpo Karate and the Big Sky Cheering Section. One of his greatest joys was teaching and developing his students' confidence and instilling a winning attitude.

In 2010 they retired from teaching and went full time into the oil business. Flathead Lake became their home in 2013. He loved the peacefulness of the water.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Phyllis Holms, son Scott Holms and a sister Marie Holms.

He leaves behind his wife, Mari Nelson Holms, brother Allan (Robyn) Holms, sister Evenette (Rocky) Greenfield, Grant Upton, son Jim (Judy) Holms, daughter Debra (Toby) Neu, and granddaughters Faith, Nicole, Shelby and grandson, Logan, and several nieces and nephews,

He will be missed by those who loved him. Viewing will be Friday, January 6, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. at Lake Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Lake Funeral Home, 101 6th Avenue East, Polson, Montana on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow service with a reception at the Red Lion Inn thereafter.