John Walfred Holst

WOODRUFF, Wis.- John W. Holst, 90, of Manitowish Waters, Wis., and a native of Ironwood, Mich., passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, with his loving family by his side.

He was born Aug. 10, 1924, in Ironwood, the son of Walfred and Anna (Peterson) Holst, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1942. He went on to college at the University of Michigan, from where he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was trained in the operation and use of Loran navigation and served two tours of overseas duty during World War II.

After World War II, John attended Michigan Technological University at Houghton, Mich., earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He was married to Carol R. Lundsrud in Ironwood at Salem Lutheran Church on June 25, 1949.

John worked as an electrical engineer for Bethlehem Steel Company and Erie Mining Co., retiring in 1982. Upon retirement, John and his wife, Carol, moved from Hoyt Lakes, Minn., to Manitowish Waters. He was a deacon in Living Hope Church in Winchester, Wis., and served as treasurer from the church establishment in 1993 to the present. John enjoyed sports, actively participating in softball, alpine skiing and ski jumping during his younger years. He was a current member of Ironwood American Legion Post 5.

Surviving are his wife, Carol; two sons, David, Roseburg, Ore., and Bruce, Hibbing, Minn .; three grandsons, Bryan, Christian and Jonathan Holst; and four great-grandchildren, Caleb, Addison, Derek and Brenda Holst.

John's parents and one grandson, Dustin Holst, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Living Hope Church, County Rd. O, in Winchester, to continue on Monday from 11 a.m. until noon funeral services, with the Rev. Richard Krenz, pastor, officiating.

Full military honors will be accorded at the church by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.

Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Committal and interment will be in Pinelawn Cemetery, Manitowish Waters.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Inc., Ironwood. Online condolences may be given to John's family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.