December 6, 2017

Holly Washburn

Holly Geneva (Dahl) Washburn, age 67, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in rural Watford City, N.D., on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017.
Holly Geneva (Dahl) Washburn was born on Aug. 31, 1950, in Williston, N.D., the youngest child of Norman and Mildred (Wold) Dahl. The family made their home in Watford City where she attended school through grade 12, graduating in 1968 from Watford City High School. Later she graduated from Moorhead State University with a degree in education.
As a young lady she enjoyed helping out on the farm and developed a fascination for horses. This led to her competing in Rodeo for several years. Holly started her teaching career in Montana and followed that with 24 years in Medora, N.D. While in Medora, she started a bumper car business which occupied her time between school years. She was also active in civic affairs.
Holly returned to her hometown of Watford City and taught for two more years and then in Mandaree for one year. As a retiree, she enjoyed golfing and bowling, was active in bell choir, church choir, and was hooked on gardening.  
In 2006, Holly met a man who shared her love of gardening and it would lead to her marriage to Dale Washburn on Dec. 26, 2007, which was also her parents’ anniversary. They initially made their home in Watford City, and later moved to the farm in a new home. Rumor has it they supplied vegetables and canned goods to their families and half of McKenzie County. Their farm was also home to dogs, cats, horses and Black Angus cattle.
The only time there was a divided household it revolved around their loyalties to their favorite NFL teams. Holly was a lifelong Vikings fan and Dale was a Packer-backer. When those two teams met it provided for an interesting household. One of their favorite trips was to Green Bay to see Brett Favre return in a Viking uniform. Once again, Holly won out.
In her later years, she was very proud of the fact that in getting married she also became a mother and grandmother. Her generous spirit, caring attitude and sense of humor were enjoyed by her new family in the same way she had affected people her entire life. At the same time she could be tough when it was warranted.
Holly is survived by her husband, Dale; sister, Myrna of Bismarck, N.D.; brother, Curtis of Hettinger, N.D., and his family; her nephews, Norman (Amy) Dahl of Mandan, N.D., and Chuck Dahl of Bismarck, N.D., and their families; her legally adopted children, Brett Washburn of Alpharetta, Ga., and Heather Washburn of Portland, Ore.; three Washburn grandchildren; she is also survived by sister-in-law, Denise Grantier; and brother-in-law, Chris (Marcia) Washburn; aunt, Nyla Dahl; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Holly was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Mildred Dahl; and in-laws, Lyle and Anne Washburn.
Her service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D. Pastor Rob Favorite and Pastor Mark Honstein co-officiated the service. Burial was in the Schafer Cemetery, Watford City, N.D. A family service was held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel, Watford City, N.D.
Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com

 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER