James Holte, 70 and Gloria Holte, 71 of Grygla, MN passed away on Monday, June 1, 2015 as a result of an airplane accident near Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. The Funeral Service honoring their lives will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Grygla High School Gymnasium in Grygla, MN, with Reverend Joseph Abrahamson Officiating. Following their funeral service, burial will be held at St. Petri Cemetery. Lunch and fellowship will be held at the Community Center in Grygla. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015 from 5 - 8 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service at the Grygla High School Gymnasium and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the school. Gloria Jean Nelson was born to Vernon and Myrtle (Askeland) Nelson on March 21, 1944 in Thief River Falls, MN. She grew up in rural Valley Township near Grygla, MN. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Gloria grew up attending the Grygla school and completed her high school education at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston. She enjoyed many activities like cheerleading, music and GAA and graduated in 1962. Gloria obtained a secretarial degree from Thief River Falls Vo-tech and worked in Minneapolis for 2 years. Gloria was active in Women of Today, Ladies Aid, Red Hats, Lull-A-While homemakers, MN Citizens Concerned for Life, and a local Bible study group (Divine Divas). James Kahl Holte was born to Carl and Mary (Satre) Holte on August 19, 1944 in Grand Fork, ND. He grew up in rural Valley Township near Grygla, MN. James was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing football and basketball. He graduated from Goodridge High School in 1962 and worked in Minneapolis for 2 years. In 1964 Jim enlisted into the United States Air force. He was a member of the American Legion. James and Gloria were united in marriage on September 4, 1965 in Grygla, MN. They would've celebrated their 50 wedding anniversary this year. Jim and Gloria began their life together in Sedalia, MO while Jim was stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base. They were transferred to Torrejon Air Force Base Madrid, Spain and spent the next 4 years there. While in Spain, their two sons Brian and Bruce were born. After completing 6 years in the Air Force, Jim was honorably discharged. They returned to Minnesota and made their home in Mankato, MN. Jim continued his education at Mankato State College and graduated with a degree in Social Studies. Their son Brad was born to them at this time. After graduating they moved to the family farm in Grygla where Jim farmed and worked for UPS. Gloria made their house a home and nurtured the young family. In 1979 Jim became a licensed pilot. He and Gloria diversified and created Holte Flying Service in 1982 where they did flight instruction and aerial application. Jim and Gloria enjoyed sharing their love of flying with others by giving rides and helping others in need for medical transportation. Jim had logged over 11,000 hours of total flight time. They enjoyed watching their boys grow up and later marry, giving them 6 beautiful granddaughters. Jim and Gloria made it a priority to be at their family's activities as much as possible. In 2014 after 32 years, Jim and Gloria retired from their Spraying business. They looked forward to traveling and spending time with family and friends. They were members of St. Petri Lutheran Church in Grygla. Jim and Gloria are survived by their three sons Brian (LaRayn) of Monticello, MN, Bruce (Lynae) of Thief River Falls, MN and Brad (Jen) of Annandale, MN. Their six granddaughters Rachel, Laura, Gabriel, Hope, Jordan and Kayla. Jim is also survived by is brother Jerry (Peggy) Holte of East Grand Forks, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Mary Holte and his brother Richard and nephew Ryan Holte. Gloria is also survived by her brothers Lyle (Linda) Nelson of Grygla, MN and LeRoy (Dorothy) Nelson of Thief River Falls, MN. She is preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Myrtle Nelson. They are also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins and their beloved dog, Buster. In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to the American Cancer Society.