Obituaries : Richard Ronald Holst

Richard Ronald Holst, 78, passed away Monday, August 15, 2022 at the Sunrise Hill Care Center in Traer.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church, Dysart. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, August 19, 2022 at the church. Burial will be in the Dysart Cemetery, Dysart.

Richard was born in the Vinton Hospital on June 28, 1944, the son of Harry and Angeline (Wieben) Holst. As a child, he attended Oneida #9 country school through the 3rd grade. He then transitioned to Dysart where he completed his education, graduating in 1962.

After graduating, Rich started working for Winter trucking and began driving school bus for Dysart-Geneseo schools. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Schuchart, in 1963.

In 1964, Richard and Mary bought their home farm west of Dysart and began raising and milking Holstein dairy cattle, farming the land and just about everything else a farmer could do. Richard loved his farm dogs and loved his antique tractors even more. He bought and refurbished 13 John Deere tractors and loved participating in tractor rides and sharing them with his family. In 2018, at the Iowa State Fair, they reached a prestigious milestone by being recognized as having a Heritage Farm (150 years) in Tama County.

Richard is survived by his wife, Mary of Dysart; two daughters: Brenda (Ron) Hager of La Porte City and Kristi (Curt) Hilmer of Dysart; four granddaughters: Lexi (Mat) Ayers of Swisher, Abby (Nolan) Rolston of La Porte City, Laryn Ewoldt of Traer and Kortlyn (Austin) Frush of Clutier (all of which he would never miss an opportunity to brag of their many special talents); and one brother, Larry (Vickie) Holst of Vinton.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

If you were lucky enough to meet Richard, it was assured that you walked away knowing him. He was a kind, strong and hard-working man who loved his family, God and church. He will be greatly missed by many.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Richard and his family. Online condolences may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.