Bryan Kienholz

Bryan Keith Kienholz was born on Monday, July 22, 1963 to Orville and Geraldine (Schellberg) Kienholz at Holy Trinity Hospital in Graceville, Minnesota. The family resided in a house outside of Bellingham, Minnesota. In 1964, at age one, his biological father passed away. On March 23, 1968, his mom married Earl Hiepler, who raised him and his brothers as his very own sons. Shortly after, Bryan moved with his family north of Dawson, Minnesota, until they made their home in Lac Qui Parle Village in 1969. During his youth he enjoyed watching PBS after school, in addition to hunting, fishing, raising livestock, and farming. He always had an easy-going personality and as a teenager demonstrated his hard-working nature. He worked every chance he had; walking soybean fields pulling weeds, painting barns, and showed much dedication to his various jobs. Throughout his childhood he learned about the saving grace of Jesus from his church and family. He was confirmed at Lac Qui Parle Lutheran Church on March, 19th 1978.

Bryan graduated from Dawson High School in 1981. After graduation, he attended Southwest State in Marshall, Minnesota, and graduated in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and was later licensed as a CPA.

After completing college, Bryan moved to Luverne, Minnesota, and worked for two accounting firms before accepting a position as Economic Development Director through the City of Luverne. He was also involved in the Rotary Club and served on the Board at DAC. Later he worked at Tri-State Insurance/CWG in the accounting department.

In 1993 Bryan met Patty, the love of his life, through a mutual friend. Bryan and Patricia Jane Salzer were united in marriage on December 31, 1994 at American Reformed Church in Luverne, Minnesota, also welcoming a six year old daughter, Nicole. Bryan and his wife purchased a home in Luverne with many plans for improvement, which they worked on together over the years. Continuing their life together, they welcomed daughters Kristen (1995) and Alyssa (1997), both bundles of joy that were often confused as twins.

Previously a member at Grace Lutheran Church, Bryan joined the American Reformed Church where he became a dedicated member, and served as Deacon and Elder. Bryan’s involvement at ARC is where he truly experienced a personal relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ and those who knew him could see his growth as a leader. He was also involved with the youth, taught Sunday School, and led RCYF. He and Patty enjoyed being Care Shepherd leaders and visiting those going through various trials. They also made intentional time to call on the elderly and homebound individuals. He was always willing to use his gifts to serve the church and the community.

Bryan’s spiritual growth prepared him to take on leadership positions at CNA and Raven Industries/CNH. Always a hard worker, he was not only dedicated to his position, but took a genuine interest and shared his faith with those he worked with.

Bryan is best described as loyal, humble, kind, selfless, faithful leader, generous, dedicated, hardworking, and had an infinite amount of patience. He set the bar high for his daughters by contributing to his family in ways beyond being a financial provider. He made pancakes in the morning, grilled hamburgers and pork chops, cooked the best roast and soups, washed dishes, did laundry, gassed up their vehicles and started them in the winter or took his truck out of the garage so their car would be clean and warm. They were quick to seek him out for advice, prayers and encouragement.

He enjoyed working outdoors pruning his rose bushes, weeding and other yard work as well as sitting on the front porch with his wife, Patty. He also loved watching his favorite sports teams, the Twins and Vikings as well as following Michigan Wolverine football to keep up with his son-in-law, Ben. He attended soccer games, dance recitals, school concerts, and birthday parties for his grandchildren, and looked forward to nights where they would sleep over. Sunday night time slots were reserved for talking on the phone with his beloved mom, Geraldine.

On Sunday evening, January 19, 2025, Bryan passed away unexpectedly at Sanford Hospital in Luverne, at the age of 61 years.

Bryan’s heart overflowed with love for his family. He cherished moments spent with his wife, daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren who were his pride and joy. He is survived by his wife, Patty; three daughters, Nicole (Ben) McCray of Rock Valley, Iowa; Kristen (and fiancé Kyle Stoks) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Alyssa of Luverne; grandchildren, Brayton, Quinn and Micah McCray; his mother, Geraldine Hiepler of Willmar, Minnesota; older brothers, Milton Kienholz of Litchfield, Minnesota, and Larry Kienholz of Roseland, Minnesota; and relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Orville Kienholz; step-father, Earl Hiepler; and sister-in-law, Rita Kienholz.