Dr. Gene V Holden

Dr. Gene V. Holden joined the eternal presence of his Creator and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, on Nov. 22, 2024.

On May 29, 1944, Gene was born to Vearl C. and Anette (Anderson) Holden in Billings. He graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1962 and attended Eastern Montana College before being admitted to the University of North Dakota Medical School. He earned his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1969 and was commissioned as a captain in the Public Health Service. He served as a physician for 34 years, 26 of which were in the Same Day Care department of The Billings Clinic.

Guided by his commitment to Reformed theological study, he and several local families started a church, Rocky Mountain Community Church (PCA), in 1978.

Despite years of intense and prayerful matchmaking by his church family, Gene lived as an adventurous bachelor for many years, traveling, hiking, bicycling, skiing, camping, and running a marathon. However, God had other plans and sent Gene not one but two little ladies to share his life with. He married Donna Messer in 1982 and legally adopted her daughter, Hannah, loving her as his own. The additions of Benjamin and Rebekah completed his family. Gene and Donna built their home on the unshakable foundation of the truth of the Bible, and their family flourished in the grace of Jesus Christ. Their home was a safe haven for them all and a welcoming place for many friends and guests over the years. Though he settled down, he never lost his love of adventure; he simply brought his family along with him! He visited all 50 states and much of Europe and Asia.

Gene was known for his clever humor, quick wit, and humility. As a physician, he was respected for his superb diagnostic skills and efficiency, even preparing exam rooms on busy days so patients wouldn’t have to wait. He crafted insightful and memorable sermons and served as an active elder at RMCC for more than 25 years. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, a faithful friend, and a man of steadfast Godly character.

In 2003, Gene suffered a debilitating stroke that left him with partial paralysis and speech loss. He worked resolutely for years to improve his ability to speak. While much had changed, Gene’s humor and mental acuity shone through in glimpses and glimmers. Indeed, through 21 years of physical decline, Gene forged on, exceeding everyone's expectations. His faith and tenacity endured through his daily walks, commitment to reading and studying Scripture despite painful headaches, his nonprofit volunteer work, engaging outsiders in conversation, and serving however he could amidst his disability.

He lost so much, but he never lost his love and pursuit of his Lord. Some of his last clear words were “God has been very good to me.” Gene clung to the scripture Philippians 3:13-14: “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

And now, after years of perseverance, he has laid his burden down and is welcomed into the eternal rest and joy of his Savior.

Gene is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Donna; his children, Hannah Porcella (Adam), Benjamin Holden (Olivia) and Rebekah Carlson (Jeremy); his grandchildren, Charis and Alétheia Porcella; Lux, Tova, and Faine Holden; and Theodore, Annika, and Miriam Carlson. He is also survived by his nieces, Cindy Carpenter and Christy Franklin; his nephew, Randy Savage; and many loving brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, Vearl and Annette Holden; his sister, Carmen Savage; and his brother-in-law, Joseph Savage.

Memorials can be made in Gene’s name to LaVie Health in Billings or Rocky Mountain Community Church in Billings.

Join us for a time of worship and remembrance as we celebrate the life of Dr. Gene V. Holden. Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Rocky Mountain Community Church, 2832 Broadwater Ave. Lunch reception to follow in Fellowship Hall.

Service stream link: https://www.rmccmontana.org/live-stream.