James Brian Holmberg

James (Jim) Brian Holmberg passed away unexpectedly in his home in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on October 27th, 2025. A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, located at 1721 Bay Oaks Drive, Albert Lea, MN 56007, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday November 8, followed by a meal.

Jim was born in California, the second of four children. He participated in Boy Scouts and sports, including volleyball, basketball, softball, and football. He especially loved to watch the Lakers, the Dodgers, and BYU games. He sang in his high school elite choir, the Emeralds, and in his church choir. He acted in several productions over his lifetime. He loved to keep up with the latest technology. He was an accomplished gardener and said if he ever won the lottery, he would buy land and raise fruit trees. He was a spiritual man and involved with his church activities and callings. He worked to stay in touch with his children and siblings, no matter the distance. He loved welcoming new babies into the family and was a doting grandfather and great-grandfather.

His first marriage to Susan (Cannon) Holmberg lasted through twenty-five years and seven children. They first met in New Jersey at a Thanksgiving dinner during his two-year mission for his church in New York City. They met again at Rick’s College in Rexburg, Idaho. They were engaged thirteen days later. They were married and sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on December 28, 1979. He was an Army veteran and accomplished sharpshooter. In North Dakota, the Holmberg family grew close to the Voigt family, with Steve becoming Jim’s best friend. He graduated from U.N.D. He worked in pharmaceutical sales and wrote funny limericks for the doctors. He often said his happiest years were at his dream house in Truman with the large garden and apple orchard.

His second marriage was to his high school sweetheart, Karyn Laxdal.. They were married in California in 2006 and enjoyed twelve happy years together. He meticulously cared for his fruit trees at their home in Thousand Oaks and worked for his brother Jeff’s business for thirteen years.

In 2018, he moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota, with his daughter Bethany’s family, where he enjoyed roadtrips, photography, Star Trek, church potlucks, and baking bread.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Holmberg; his father, Wayne Holmberg; his birth father, Jack Ebbert; and his son, Justin Holmberg. He is survived by his children: Bethany (Anthony) Greiner, Jeff (Ali) Holmberg, Stuart (Erica Simonson) Holmberg, Camilla (Tarilyn Welles) McCallen, Spencer (Bree) Holmberg, and Emily (Jose) Mendoza, his siblings: Roberta (Craig) Carlyle, Jeff (Beth) Holmberg, and Roger (Michelle) Holmberg, his grandchildren: Justin Paquin; Autumn (Zakk), Isaac, and Rhianna Greiner; Hadley, Evie, Lejla, and Ariana Holmberg; and great-grandchildren: Emmry Greiner and Wylder Hyland; many nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and members of his church congregation.

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to plant Jim’s memorial apple trees in Minnesota and Utah.