Our hearts are broken as we share the passing of Ryan Ray Holden, our beloved father, brother and friend on November 2nd, 2025.

Ryan was born to Bruce Dale Holden and Lora Marie Heilman on January 6th, 1990. He was raised in Gwinner, ND with his brothers, Randy and Brandon Holden, and his sister, Nichole Sims. He also spent countless days at the family farm, where he loved riding four-wheelers, playing in the pasture from sunrise to sunset, and enjoying his grandpa’s famous peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Ryan and his siblings had many fond memories of their time as children, and these were always recounted with laughter and smiles.

In his later childhood and adolescence Ryan was raised in the Bismarck area where he created cherished memories with his aunts and uncles and his cousins, who were like brothers and sisters to him.

As an adult Ryan was always working with his hands in both career and his free time. He loved to work in construction and labor where his grit and hard work laid down structures and roads including the Bakken expansion pipeline and took great pride in being part of the world’s longest underground bore trench throughout North Dakota and Minnesota, which he often mentioned with pride. A proud member of Laborers Local 563, Ryan followed in his father’s footsteps, working side by side with his dad and brother Brandon for many years. Those who worked with him admired his determination, strength, and willingness to lend a hand — qualities that defined him both on and off the job site.

He could fix almost anything, just by looking at it. He spent hours in the garage working on vehicles, his boat, or the motorcycle that he loved to ride. He enjoyed listening to music loudly, attending concerts, going on road trips and making everyone laugh.

Ryan’s personality lit up a room, and he had a spirit that was larger than life. He had the biggest heart and would help anyone who was in need, no questions asked. He was hilarious, goofy and could always earn a laugh. He never missed an opportunity to joke around, tell a story and lift the spirits of those around him. Ryan cared deeply and loved fiercely. His energy was contagious and his resilience was indomitable.

Ryan’s deepest passion in life was his family. He was a devoted father to his son, Eli and daughter, Annie. They always made it a point to wear their dad’s hard hat with pride and a smile. When he attended their games and performances his pride was palpable. His children were everything.

Ryan shared a deep and cherished bond with his loving partner, Hollyanne. They were excitedly expecting a new child on February 11, 2026. They stood by one another through some difficult trials but their resilience and love for one another carried them through together.

Ryan’s memory is carried on by his children, Elijah and Anabelle; his girlfriend, Hollyanne and their child; his father, Bruce Holden; stepmother, Anna L. Holden; grandmother, Bonnie Holden; brothers, Randy and Brandon Holden; sister, Nichole Sims; aunts, Jodi (Kelly) Unger, Tanya Heilman, Vicki (Bruce) Riedinger; uncle, Dennis Holden; cousins, Lance (Casey) Holden, Tyler (Carly) Unger, Abigail (Ethan) Monahan, Theresa (Riley) McKendrick, Craig (Joyce) Holden, Heidi (Bryan) Babb, Bryan (Jacinta) Riedinger, Travis Schock, Chantel Glatt, Katie Heilman, and Noah Heilman; and all of the many family and friends who he held so closely to him always.

Ryan returns now to his mother, Lora Heilman; grandparents, Leona and Larry Heilman, Donald Holden; and his uncles, Terry and Jeremy Heilman.

Until we meet again Ryan, your smile, your laugh and the way you brightened our lives… We know you’re walking by our sides.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that friends and family bring a story or photo of Ryan to his memorial service to be placed in a book for his children to remember him by. For it is the memories and the laughter their father created that they will miss the most.

Monetary donations to his children and new baby to support them during this difficult time are available through Venmo:

Elijah and Anabelle: @Malinda-Hafner-2

Holly Anne: @Hollyanne-Duda

If Venmo is unavailable please contact Ryan’s little brother, Brandon Holden at 701-389-2401.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, November 18th, at First Presbyterian Church, 401 Dakota Ave, Wilton, ND 58579.