Donald A Holst

February 24, 1927 - April 28, 2022

Donald A. Holst, 95, of Grand Island passed away April 28, 2022 at Heritage at Sagewood. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 3rd at 10:30 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Reverend Bill Pavuk will officiate. Visitation will be on Monday, May 2nd from 5-7pm also at the church. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Donald was born on February 24, 1927 in Clinton, IA, the son of Jens and Jensine (Larsen) Holst. He graduated from Alden High School in 1944. After high school, Donald enlisted in the Navy and served until 1946. On June 19, 1949, Donald was united in marriage to Donna Wedemeyer. They were the parents of three daughters, Diana, Debb, and Dede. His employment included International Harvester, Southern Nebraska Public Power District, Chief Industries, and The Thompson Company. During his employment at Harvester, Donald was recalled to service during the Korean War, from September of 1951 to November of 1952. Donald lost his wife after 48 wonderful years of marriage to cancer. He was able to find love again, and on November 1, 2001, he was married to Lavonne Braun. They had worked together in the same office at International Harvester during the 50’s. Lavonne had also lost a spouse, and together they enjoyed their retirement years living in Grand Island. Donald was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Platt Duetsche, Liederkranz, and the American Legion. In his spare time, Donald enjoyed golfing, bowling, woodworking, reading, and playing cards. Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Diana (Donald) Jensen of North Carolina, Debb (Murray) Thompson of Grand Island, Dede (Douglas) Roberts of Fullerton; step-children, Kristen (Doug) Forsstrom of Lone Tree, CO; Keith (Pepi) Braun of New York City; grandchildren; Brent (Karen) Thompson, Jeff (Shannon) Thompson, Tony Toth, Donna (Brian) Michaelis, Paul (Shawn) Roberts, Tiffiny (Jim) Widdifield, Denise (Jon) Leibold, Jess Jensen, Shawn Forsstrom, Sara Vaughn, Margot and Maddie Braun; great grandchildren; Jared (Jarod) Erb, Zac (Nicolette) Little, Abigail, Madison & Jackson Widdifield, Zoe & Greylee Toth, Joey & Elanor Jensen, Henry Vaughn, Grayson Forsstrom; great, great grandchild; Elenor Little; and sister-in-law, Gayle (Lynn) Nunnenkamp. Donald was preceded in death by both wives; his parents; grandson, Donny Jensen; great granddaughter, Lucy Toth; and three sisters, Ingeborg (Donald) Beyer, Rigmor (Irvin) Nissen, and Dagny (Erling) Jensen, sisters and brother in laws Charlene Wedemeyer and Wilma & Dale Schlattmann. Memorials are suggested to the church.