Oscar Engval Holmen

From different obituaries:

Nobody ever sold carpets like Oscar Holmen. He did his own television commercials for his carpet business. Always playing a role, often in goofy hats. He couldn't act a lick. His delivery was deadpan, and he stumbled over words. People loved it. Holmen became a cult hero and even appeared on NBC' popular "Real People" television show, which featured strange and wonderful folks in the early 1980s.

His company, the "Packaged Furniture and Carpet Co.", had annual sales for $10 million dollars when he sold the company in 1985, being one of the largest carpet companies in the United States with stores throughout the Twin Cities. He had 9 stores in the Twin Cities area. Initially he had bought one-third interest in the company in 1945 for $1000 and eventually bought out the other partners.

The secret of Holmen's success was "hard work and a heart of gold", said his son Richard. Holmen was active in the Royal Orders of Jesters, the Sertoma Club, the Breakfest Club and the Knights of Columbus.

He collapsed while playing golf at River Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Groove.

VIDEO: Wyld Ryce: The 2nd Annual Oscar Holmen Film Festival (14th february 1979): http://www.mnvideovault.org/search_results.php?q=oscar+holmen&searc...