Robert “Bob” Holtan, 68, of Turtle Lake passed away peacefully on his farm on Saturday, August 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Turtle Lake, ND on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be one hour prior at the church on Friday. Burial will be in Turtle Lake Cemetery on Friday. Please visit www.goetzfuneralhomes.com to view the complete obituary and livestream.

Bob was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Hurley and Jennie Holtan on November 11, 1957. He graduated from Washburn High School in 1976. During his Senior year, Bob started custom combining while also helping Tom and Colleen Schulz on their farm. In the early 80’s, a project he still often reflected on and was proud to have helped with was working as a laborer; building smokestacks at Coal Creek, AVS, and DGC.

The 80’s also brought Bob some of his greatest blessings. He married the love of his life, Marsha Fueller, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake on April 23, 1983. Together they built a life filled with family, hard work, laughter, and countless memories. Their unity brought two children to complete their family. Dustin, born September 11, 1983, and Alisha, born March 27, 1987. Bob was also an immensely proud Papa to his six grandchildren. He enjoyed listening to music, dancing, collecting rocks, and just spending quality time together.

Not only did Bob farm and ranch but throughout his younger years he also was the “tire guy” at Cenex or you could find him delivering anhydrous. Winters brought an opportunity to help his cousin Elliot Holtan build houses as well. A jack of all trades, you could find him helping Marsha cook on weekends at the family-owned Marv’s Bar. Up until the time of Bob’s illness he was still farming and ranching, work that reflected his strong work ethic and love of the land.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and love for his family; survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Marsha; son Dustin (Becca) Holtan; daughter Alisha (Kyle) Sletten; grandchildren Colbi, Kinli, and Case Holtan and Riley, Kylie, and Kambrie Sletten; sister Jane Kuhn (Mike Kuhn); sister’s-in-law Tammy (Stacey) Tanner and Annette Coy; along with numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Janell Holtan; his parents, Hurley and Jennie Holtan; his in-laws, Marvin and Elaine Fueller; and nephew, Cody Tanner.

Bob’s life was defined by the people he loved the friendships he made, and the many lives he touched along the way. Bob was a friend to all and could strike up a conversation easily with anyone. Whether it was his friendly nature, generosity, humor or that bit of feistiness, he always had a way to make people smile. His memory will live on; think of him when you hear a whisper in the wind through the pine trees.