WILMINGTON — Louis S. Holst, Jr., 96, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2022, at his home in Wilmington, NC.
Lou was born on November 30, 1926, in Denver, Colorado, where spent his childhood. After graduating from Wheat Ridge High School, he was eager to serve his country and enlisted in the US Army. He was a WWII veteran and paratrooper with the 82 Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. After the war, Lou served the state of North Carolina for 30 years as a North Carolina Highway Patrolman and Inspector for the Department of Motor Vehicles. In his career he was also a pilot with the Civil Air Patrol and a US Marshal.
Lou was a lifetime member of Winter Park Presbyterian Church. Where he served as a deacon, little league baseball coach and a delightful seasonal Santa!
In retirement, Lou opened a small engine repair business that thrived for many years. There was not an engine that he couldn’t repair.
His family brought him great joy. In 1947 he married our mother, Barbara Hart Holst. They were happily married for 61 years. Barbara preceded Lou in death in 2008. They provided a loving home for their surviving children. Connie & Carl Davis of Scotts Hill, Mary & Joseph Piner of Wilmington, Robert & Mary Holst of Wilmington, and David & Debbie Holst of Wilmington. Six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Lou was lucky in life to find love once more. Marrying Marlis Rigdon at Winter Park Presbyterian Church in 2015. They enjoyed several years together with Marlis lovingly by his side at the time of his death. Our amazing father will be remembered fondly for his terrific sense of humor, his wonderful gifts and talents that he shared with so many.
He will be greatly missed.
There will be a celebration of his life on January 21, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Winter Park Presbyterian Church.
