Rondo Grayle Holck

His interest in horses was an early passion that eventually became part of his livelihood and was also the catalyst for meeting his wife, Marie Mae Borgers. They met in 1955, at the Lake Benton Saddle Horse Holiday, and became acquainted through their shared love of horses. It was the beginning of a long and happy relationship. On September 20, 1957, they were married in Springfield, Minnesota. Their son, Brian, was born the following year, and their daughter, Brenda, completed their family in 1961.

After beginning married life on a rented farm near Ruthton, Rondo and Marie purchased his uncle’s farm in 1961. That farm became the family homestead, the center of generations of memories, and the place Rondo would proudly call home for the rest of his life.

Rondo embodied the cowboy spirit and was known for his wisdom, gentle nature, and jovial spirit. He had a gift for making others feel at ease, whether through conversation, a warm laugh, or a helping hand offered without hesitation. With his even temperament, generous heart, and genuine interest in people, Rondo formed friendships wherever he went. He spent many years dairy farming, milking cows and working the land, but horses remained the passion that shaped so much of his life.

Together, Rondo and Marie built and operated Holck’s Quarter Horses, raising, breeding, and training horses with dedication, knowledge, and genuine love for the animals. In 2005, the American Quarter Horse Association recognized Rondo and Marie for 40 years of breeding American Quarter Horses. What began as a passion became both a livelihood and a way of life, one that involved the entire family.

Rondo and Marie’s love of horses reached far beyond their own farm. Over the years, they were active with the Lake Wilson Saddle Club, Southwest Trail Riders Association, Windom Quarter Horse Sales, American Quarter Horse Association, and Minnesota Quarter Horse Association. Through those years of shows, sales, trail rides, and visits with fellow horse people, Rondo formed many lasting friendships.

Many of Rondo and Marie’s trips over the years were horse related, but some of their farther-reaching travels became especially memorable to them, including bus trips to Canada and a trip to Mexico with family friends. Rondo loved spending time with his grandchildren and later, great-grandchildren, who each carry their own memories of life at Grandpa and Grandma’s farm. Fond family memories included Rondo driving a pony cart in parades behind his granddaughter’s miniature horse, and attending his grandson’s auctions or watching online as he auctioneered.

Rondo fell asleep in death at home of natural causes on May 13, 2026, in Ellsborough Township near Ruthton, Minnesota, at the age of 98.

Rondo is lovingly remembered by his son, Brian Holck and his wife, Kathy of Ruthton; his daughter, Brenda Holck Swanson of Tyler; grandchildren, Tashauna Swanson of Marshall, Travis (Toni) Holck of Jeffers, Taylor Holck of Ruthton, and Hunter (Mikenna) Holck of Granite Falls; great-grandchildren, Lainie, Nolan, Hazel, Paisley, and Beau Holck; and niece, Terri (Mike) Lovre and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Mae Holck; his parents, Earle and Minnie Holck; his brother, Marlo Holck; sister-in-law, Carolyn Holck; nephew, Richard “Dick” Holck; and son-in-law, Dale Swanson.

A celebration of life for Rondo will be held together with the previously planned celebration of life for his son-in-law, Dale Swanson, on Friday, May 29, 2026. Inurnment will be at 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Cemetery, 1862 221st St., Ruthton, Minnesota, with a gathering to follow at the Ruthton Community Center, 301 Smith Ave., Ruthton, Minnesota.