John "Jack" A. Holst

John “Jack” Holst, 87, of DeWitt, died suddenly Monday morning, October 22, 2012, at Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt, Iowa.

Jack was born Tuesday, August 18, 1925 to Alvin and Anne (Mulvihill) Holst, in Marquette, Manitoba, Canada.  Jack’s family returned to Iowa in October of 1925.  The family then moved to the Welton area in 1936, where he graduated from high school in 1944, and farmed with his father.  Jack was united in marriage to Arlene Schnoor on January 12, 1950, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Davenport, Iowa.  The couple farmed together in the Welton area for over 50 years until retiring to DeWitt.  After retirement, Jack and Arlene were caretakers for the Clinton County 4-H grounds for 10 years.

Jack was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Welton, Iowa for over 75 years.  He was also a member of the Welton Volunteer Fire Department, serving as chief for several years,  the Clinton County Farm Bureau, where he served as township director, the Welton Lions, and Clinton County Cattlemen’s Association.  He was also a past 4-H leader.  Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, collecting toy tractors, playing cards, and camping. 

In addition to his wife of 62 years, Arlene, Jack is survived by his children, DeAnn (David) King, Cedar Rapids, Dean (Lori) Holst, Dale (Annette) Holst, Donn (Nanette) Holst, and David (Tina) Holst, all of DeWitt, Tom (Kim Dominato) Holst, Valrico, Florida, and Michelle (John) Rausenberger, of Clinton; 24 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; a twin sister, Mary Darlene Ward, Center Junction, and sisters, Virginia (Ray) Carstensen, DeWitt, and Janet Schnack, Marion, and a brother Eugene (Cyndy) Holst, Bettendorf; numerous other relatives.

Jack was preceded in death by an infant son, Dennis John Holst.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2012, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, Iowa.  A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 26, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt.  The Reverend Father Paul Connolly will officiate.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, DeWitt.

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