Cecilia Ann Nosal Holland

Cecilia - "Ceal" to those who knew and loved her - was born on May 30, 1924. She was the firstborn daughter to Joseph "Joe" and Mary (Setlock) Nosal. Born on the family farm in Alliance Township of Clay County, MN., Ceal was raised and worked on the family farm with her sisters and parents. After a long life celebrated with countless lessons and love, Ceal gently left our sides to join her Lord in Heaven on Good Friday: April 3, of 2015. Ceal attended school and grew to womanhood in the Barnesville area. While a young woman, she initially worked with local farmers with their various seasonal chores and needs on their farmsites. Later, she began to work at St. John's Hospital in Fargo, ND assisting the nuns in the care of priests receiving health attention at that facility. Ceal was joined in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Leonard Holland, April 14, 1947. From that point on, Leonard and Ceal were a united team in life. Their union was blessed with four beloved children: David, Marcia, Dana, and Curt. During this time, in addition to her role as mother, religious role model, and gentle disciplinarian, Ceal also began to work for Barnesville area potato farmers, working at the Barnesville potato flake plant. Aside from her daily chores, mothering duties, and supporting the Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville, Ceal was always helping and ministering to others. These initial days of hard work and raising a family were days that shaped Ceal's outlook and life model: hard work, love of family, and care for others. After her children had grown and were starting their own families, Ceal joined her husband Leonard in several entrepreneurial ventures. Starting with Holland Construction, in which Ceal assisted with painting, staining, and decorating for customers for many years. Later, they purchased a local pub in Barnesville, and Leonard's Bar was born. Whether she was serving customers behind the bar, working with vendors, or acting as listener and confidant to their customers, Ceal was a fixture to the lives of many. Soon this bar grew and moved into a larger facility and the pair also opened a restaurant- the Chick-N-Inn , and even later an arcade- The Arcadia. Never truly retired, Ceal, continued to help many people paint and redecorate their homes for many years, until her health allowed her to continue no longer. And always, Ceal gave to her church. Her faith was the cornerstone of every action of her life. A member of St. Anne's Guild, a member of the Assumption Church choir, and constant church servant. Ceal was also a member of the Barnesville American Legion Auxiliary, as well as the Ladies Auxiliary VFW . A highlight of Ceal's life was traveling to Iowa in October of 1979 to see Pope John Paul with her sisters, daughter, daughters-in-law, and close friends. Aside from the births of her children and grandchildren, nothing ever quite outshone that moment of excitement and joy for Ceal. Adventures were ongoing, service to others was continuous, and love for Christ and the church was constant. Ceal will be remembered by her friends for her thoughtful acts of kindness, whether it be writing a letter of encouragement, or lending a sympathetic ear and words of encouragement, Ceal touched the hearts of more people than could ever be recorded. As was written by one of her granddaughters the day Ceal left to be reunited with her Lord: "Those of us in her family are so very blessed to have been a part of her world. Her beauty is in her family and the love we share for her. We are gifted to have a chance to tell her what she has meant to us. To one of the most influential women I have ever known: As I whispered in your ear last night- I love you. I am proud of you. I am proud to have come from you. So as I pray for your final days here, I look forward as well, knowing that you will soon be reunited with Grandpa, will soon meet the Popes who have been the rock star celebrities in your life, and will glory in the presence of Jesus. Our family will continue to gather around your side as you ease into your next life in Heaven with our Lord. Greater beauty is yet to come- and you deserve your reward. Love you, Grandma Ceal. We all do." Ceal is now rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus, and has been welcomed by her husband Leonard, her parents, Joe and Mary, her brother Michael, and her sisters Annie and Leona,. Left here to survive in her memories are her children: David (Joann) Holland of Moorhead, Dana (Shirlee) of Rothsay, Curt, (Roxanne) of Ogema, and her daughter Marcia (Craig) Dilbeck of Banresville. Ceal has also left eleven grandchildren who love her dearly- Kyle Dilbeck, Brian Dilbeck, Lynn (Raymond) Reading, Mark (Julie) Dilbeck, Jody (Tam) Holland, Melissa (Heath Magnuson) Holland, Dana Jr. (Jessica) Holland, Jerod Holland, Craig Dilbeck Jr., Michael (Danielle) Holland, and Erik (Katie) Dilbeck.. Ceal's sisters Josie, Lucy, Tina, Mary, and Tootsie. There are also nineteen great-grandchildren to carry on her spirit of love, service, and care for others. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville with Father Gary LaMoine presiding. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Barnesville. May she rest eternally in peace. Click on Cecilia Holland Bulletin