Laughter really is the best medicine, and George Holom was its dispensary. He lived to laugh and make others laugh. He loved to tease but only ever to tickle the funny bone. He had anecdotes for days, and he told them so well, you couldn’t wait to hear the same one twice.
George came roaring onto the scene on May 18, 1939, in Fairview, North Dakota. He often joked that his mother ran across the tracks to make sure he was born in Montana. His parents, George Stanley Holom and Ethel Marcella Bickford Holom, didn’t know what hit them. From the time he was knee-high to a grasshopper, George was a right whippersnapper, once dressing up as a skunk to scare his siblings, as they walked home from the grocery store. When George made a skunk noise from the alley, Duane took off running, despite having promised to protect Darlene, who stood frozen in place. George rushed over to calm her, and she later joked, “Duane didn’t protect me, ha, but George did.”
He was always his younger siblings’ protector…though if he ever got in a pinch, he’d tell people his older brother, Perry, would beat them up. His family was musical, playing fiddles and banjos and guitars. In George’s own words, he could barely play the radio, so over the years, he honed his wit and was not afraid to use it. He quit school as soon as he learned how to spell the word F-U-N.
And holy mackerel, was George fun. A real-life cowboy, he had a horse named Rusty, became a farmhand in his teens, and broke horses just for kicks. In 1956, before he was even 18, his mother signed off for him to join the Navy. He served three years on shore duty and one aboard the USS Lexington, earning his GED and stopping off at Hawaii, the Philippines, and Japan. After returning to Glendive, Montana, George met Magdaline (Maggie) Gartner on Halloween night while working at a service station, as she and her friends dragged Main. Meeting his beautiful bride was the best thing that ever happened to him. When asked if he recalled their first meeting, George simply said, “Her eyes were beautiful.”
They were married a year later, in 1961, and one after another had children: Keith, Randall, Alan, Sheila, and Lynn. After a short stint working for his dad as a mechanic in Flaxville, George became a mover and driver at Glendive Transfer & Storage Co. In 1970, he transferred to Miles City Moving and Storage, where he took on the role of manager, and Maggie later joined as office manager.
Together, they raised their five remarkable children, built a thriving business, and lived a happy life, not without its bumps which they weathered with grace. They attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, had breakfasts of black-eyed peas and gopher gravy at 600 Cafe, and handed out millions of dollars in quarters to their grandkids at Airport Inn.
When their youngest, Lynn, got married in 1993, George joked to his new son-in-law, Tim, that he owed him a cow as dowry. He would come to regret that joke. On their wedding day, Tim presented him with a big, ugly wooden cow, and just like that, a tradition was born. One ugly cow after another followed, all the way through his grandchildren’s weddings.
George’s work drove him widely throughout the western US and beyond, and in 1987, he and Maggie became the owners of Glendive Transfer and Storage Co., operating offices in Glendive and Miles City until their retirement in 2005. During this time, he landed on the front page of the Billings Gazette for moving a grand piano to the top floor of Rocky Plaza. Even after selling the business, George remained active, providing moving estimates and transporting medical equipment before officially retiring at age 80. Into their retirement, Maggie continued folding church bulletins and writing thoughtful cards to send out on every occasion, while George tended his vegetable garden and made sure every grandchild and great-grandchild had a pumpkin to carve each fall.
His daughter, Sheila, put it simply: “Dad brought us up in a way that commanded respect. He taught us to be kind to others.” And that’s just how George moved through the world. You could hear it in his voice and see it in the way he treated people. His granddaughter, Andrea, remembered the time he called the newspaper’s circulation desk, not realizing she was the one on the other end of the line. Even while calling to complain about a late paper, he was polite as could be. “The chuckle and surprise from him when I said ‘Grandpa?’…I hope I gave him a lot of credit towards his subscription.”
His granddaughter, Brittany, said, “He was such an inspiring human being that I often looked to what he did and how he handled things…He had a sense of justice and kindness that led him to reject mistreatment and cruelty.”
In this way, George was a no nonsense kind of guy. Until it was time for nonsense, then he was right there.
Everyone who ever met George liked him. He was a humble, honest, and hardworking man, a fair man, a kind, loving, and generous man, really the best man there ever was. If only there were a mold of him, what a better world this would be. Perhaps most importantly to him, he was a funny man who gifted his family and friends with bottomless laughter, whether he was turning his eyelids inside out, giving a great big bear hug – GrrrrRRRR –, launching over counters to “steal” a cherished $20, hijacking a pet rock, sneaking cookies from Maggie’s cookie jar, having pillow fights across the living room and knocking over Maggie’s beloved plants, or jumping up from a pretend sleep when you tried to take his channel changer.
George was magical. When he said, “Open sesame,” the garage door lifted. When he pointed up at Santa in the Christmas Eve sky, everyone saw Rudolph’s red nose. He was playful and fun-loving. He made you feel warm, loved, and cared for. And boy, did his eyes sparkle when he got a laugh out of you.
George leaves behind a family shaped by his humility, gentle heart, unwavering love, and legendary F-U-N. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Maggie; his children and their spouses: Keith; Randall and Stephanie; Sheila and Jerry Christopherson; Alan and Stacy; and Lynn and Tim Harper; his brother and sister, Duane (Melinda) Holom and Darlene Hochhalter; his brother-in-law and dear friend, Adam (Barb), and his sister-in-law, Arlene; his close nephew, Steve King; eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many special nieces, nephews, and in-laws, all of whom loved him more than words can say. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ethel; his brother, Perry; and his in-laws Steve and Minnie Gartner; his sisters-in-law Caroline Siler, Mary Kinegak, and Linda Waska; and his brother-in-law, Walter Gartner.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home- Miles City, with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. on December 27, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in George’s name to Sacred Heart Parish, Sacred Heart School, or the VA Nursing Home- Miles City.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 PM
Friday December 26, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Friday December 26, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Saturday December 27, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Immediately Following the Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday December 27, 2025
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 PM
Friday December 26, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Friday December 26, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Saturday December 27, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Immediately Following the Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday December 27, 2025
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
DANIEL DINARDI says
I will miss seeing you at the Barber Shop and at the va.And also thanks for all the great moves you made
for me and the family for three times.Rest in peacemy friend.ALLAN YOUR DAD RAISED A GREAT FAMILY
HE WILL SHURLEY BE MISSED.
Albert H Homme says
A very good man
Jackie Lingg says
I only got to take care of George a couple of times but he and his family were so sweet. He will be missed!
Jackie Lingg says
I only got to take care of George for a short while but he and his family were so sweet! He will be missed!
Ron and Ginny Hathaway says
Maggie and family: so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
JR and Carol Bean says
So very sorry for your loss. I will always remember him as sitting in the back of the church smiling at everyone as they went by him after receiving communion. Many prayers for all of you.
Paul & LynneRae Hazelton says
Always enjoyed his tap on my shoulder as he made his way up to communion. He was a super special help when we made our move to Great Falls 5 1\2 years ago. He had his special technique to move pianos. He will be missed by many.
Kim Smarsh says
Maggie, I am so sorry to read this. He was such a kind man with a strong faith. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. And may the perpetual light shine upon on him.
Linda Taylor Wilkins says
I am so sorry to hear about George’s passing. What a lovely man! I think of him and Maggie often for their kindness, friendship and help extended to my mother. The true epitome of a good neighbor. May your find comfort in the God who provides all comfort.
mark nielsen says
Sooo sorry for your loss. He was s very friendly man. George was my boss way back in the late 70s at the Mayflower moving and storage, He always had a big smile and will be missed. prayers to everyone.
Eileen Entzel says
Holom family
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. So sorry for your loss
Shorty & Judy says
Our hearts are sadden So sorry for your loss God has gain a very special angel George will be missed by many Fly High George RIP our dear friend
Barbara Schwartz says
My heart goes out to you Maggie and the Holom family. God bless you all!
Jan C. Johnson says
My condolances to the Holom family. Seems like I’ve known George for ever. He always took care of my parents storage and moves, thoughout the years; starting in the mid ’70’s. Such a kind and knowledgable man. The community will mis him.
Rod & Sue Heitschmidt says
Maggie and family – Sue and I are in shock. When I visited with him last week, I new he was struggling like I never ever expected old tough George to do. If it were not for Christmas, we would be there for sevices but it is a little late to change plans. But you know we are thinking of y’all in this time of life. I have lost a dear, dear friend and you’ve lost a proud husband, father, and grandfather. And I know it is difficut, but you can rest assurred that he will be waiting for y’all in a better place than Miles City, MT which is difficult to find some place better! And the amazing thing is he will wait for you with a crazy smile, some true stories and many stories of fiction. But he told those stories so well, you wanted to believe them. But when he finished and started laughing, you knew you had been sucked into his world one more time. But regardless you were glad to be there. What a man, what a friend, what a husband father and grandfather. Remember the good times as he would want. God Bless and Keep You.
Jack & Joyce Cavanaugh says
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Denise Harvey says
A great man with a wonderful family. Hugs for all!
Marc and Denise Hartse says
I’m very sad to see this, I worked for him the first year he brought Mayflower Movers to Miles City. George was always very pleasant although I hadn’t seen him for a long time. R.I.P. George.
David & Danette Olguin says
Maggie and family we are so sorry for your loss. Hold your many fond memories close to your heart and know God has his arms around him for eternity. God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Kay wynne says
Maggie, dear friend and neighbor for many years! Rekindled our friendship after coming home to Montana! So sorry for your loss if you need anything, please call God bless you and your family. They are all precious to me. God bless George. I know he went straight to heaven. Love y’all K wynne
Darlene Holom Willard Hochhalter says
My brother George would drop everything and help where he was needed . He gave me many fun times and loved me special for all his life called me sister. Loved you George and am happy your pain free. You raised the best loving family with the best person by your side Maggie love you all
Dan and Ruth Ferris says
To the family of George Holom,
There are never words to ease the pain of such a great loss. May your memories bring comfort. He was a good man. May his memory be a blessing.
Doug and Lucy Benge says
Maggie and family:
What a great guy! A very hard worker who seemed to be able to do most anything. The expression “give your shirt off your back to help someone “ was likely invented because of George. We were in Lions Club many years, good client, and especially we were good friends. He will be missed by all. Best wishes to all of the family.
Nicole Vanlaecken says
An amazing man with a lovely wife and family. A life well lived and one to be proud of. I hope they have Bud Light in Heaven. God bless you George and love to all of the family.
Marcy Parks says
Lynn, Alan, and families, I am so sorry! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve Taylor says
My condolences to all of George’s family spent a lot of time growing up in Miles City and even when I left home after graduating from high school it was really nice to talk to him about cars or anything George had a Heart of Gold and will be missed by all that had the opportunity of being in his presence
A j and Bernice nelson says
Maggie and family. Sorry for your loss. Rest in peace george.
Linda Wolff says
So sorry for your loss. George and Harvey can give each other a bad time about the safe George loved for us. George said he didn’t sleep the couple nights before trying to figure out how he was going to get that job done. Between the two of them they didn’t have a problem. He said I will never move another one. Rest in peace. He was a very special man.
Brian Meidinger says
What a loss! Such a good man with a sense of humor that him a joy to be around.
I do have 1 funny story that I will share. I went to visit George and Maggie just to catch up. We were talking about gardening and I shared that I had a “pot garden”! He gave me the strangest look, and I corrected myself right away and said “flower pots, George, flower pots on my back deck”! The 3 of us got a good laugh out of that one!
He will be truly missed. My condolences to his family.
Vikki Bradley says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May George rest in peace. 🙏
Floyd & Myra Gabel says
Maggie, Keith, Randy, Alan, Sheila, Lynn and all their families. My younger brothers and I thought we were the only ones George shared his special talent with. You know, the ole eyelid thing. Plus, we got the (cousin George, pull your 2 false teeth down).. Now THAT was scarry! Love you Cousin and we will surely miss you. Floyd & Myra
Bill & Sheryl Cathey says
Maggie, We will miss George’s great smile. He was lucky enough to move our large piano twice and helped with other monstrous objects that needed his expertise. We always looked forward to seeing George in church and getting a strong handshake of friendship. We know he is sharing his smile and good humor with many.
Glady &.AL Turnquist says
So sorry for your loss. George loved to tease for sure. What a great guy. So glad we have such great.memories playing cards , camping fishing hunting.
Ellen Hart says
Holum family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Reading his obituary was like picking up a good book to read. What a story and you shared it so well!
Kim Stanton says
Dear Maggie and Family,
Thank you for sharing the touching insights and treasured memories of life with George. Your family’s love for him and each other is evident In the tenderly and thoughtfully crafted obituary. The world was a better place because George was in it! I will miss sitting behind Maggie and him at Saturday evening Mass. Seeing him smiling in the obituary picture—just makes me smile… May your hearts be filled with peace as you face the difficult task of saying goodbye to a remarkable man. “ Eternal rest grant unto him, o’ Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.” Take comfort knowing that George is resting in peace in the arms of our Lord.
With heartfelt condolences,
Kim Stanton and family
Cheri Van Gorden says
Dear Maggie and family I’m so sorry to see of George’s passing. He was such a wonderful guy. He’d come to Havre to be with mom and dad and he was just one of us. He just was so much fun and so kind and caring. I’ll never forget the story of how he got Maggie to sit next to him in his car when he was dating her, he said that the baby had wet on the seat where she was sitting, and she had to slide over next to him, and then that twinkle in his eye would come and he’d have that beautiful grin the whole family is going to miss him terribly sending love to all of you. Mostly prayers with all my love, Cheri.
Rebecca Lynam says
I really enjoyed George at the 600 Cafe when he would come have coffee. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Lynne and Marvin Brush says
Alan, Sheila and Lynn, our deepest condolences, we are so sorry for your loss
Mark Turnquist says
Your family was part of my growing up, George and Maggie were and always will be friends of my parents, our family get together s were always fun. George was funny , hard working and a good man. The Holom family is in my heart, thoughts and Prayers RIP George
Darlene Hochhalter says
We had a memorial a few years back when we all got together at Duane and Melinda in townsand Montana Nickolas played guitar and lots of fun with George and Maggie’s family . I’m so glad we had fun George Maggie Duane and Melinda and me Darlene our families and us . Truly was a blessed time
Joe & Ginger Kiel says
Sheila and family … so sorry for your loss … prayers to you and your family.. may your wonderful memories help give you peace at heart
Butch and Julie Krutzfeldt says
Such a nice man and a great coffee buddy. Our sympathy to his family.
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to the Holom family. I cannot remember seeing him without a smile on his face!