Robert William Holste

Robert William Theodore Holste, 91, formerly of Evansville, went to be with his beloved Savior Jesus on Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, with family by his side. He was born on September 17, 1931, in Ludell, Kansas, the youngest of 11 children of Herman and Mary (Hoffbauer) Holste, and was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ludell. Bob graduated from high school in Atwood, Kansas, and received his degree in education from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska and his master's degree in education from the University of Evansville. On August 26, 1956, he was united in marriage to Betty Jean Prange, who preceded him in death in February 2021. This love-filled marriage lasted almost 65 years and was blessed with four children: daughter Kathy (Steve) Johnson, son Scott (Carla) Holste, son Richard Holste, and son Timothy (Cynthia) Holste. Bob and Betty had four grandchildren: Laura (Chris) Stein, Vanessa Holste, Max (Nicolette) Holste, and Nathan Holste; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Reagan. They all miss their beloved Nana and Papa very much. Bob spent more than 40 years teaching in Lutheran grade schools, first in Stuttgart, Ark. and Chester, Ill., and then in Evansville beginning in 1967. Bob was a teacher and principal at Trinity Lutheran School before becoming the 8th grade teacher at the newly formed Evansville Lutheran School in 1971. He served ELS and its students until his retirement in 1994, and was joined on the school faculty at different times by Betty and their son Richard. Bob and Betty combined their love of travel and their joy for spreading the Gospel of Christ long into retirement by serving as missionaries in Thailand for several years before moving to Florida from Evansville in 2012. Bob was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas State Wildcats and wore their attire frequently. He also had a wry sense of humor and a fondness for math puzzles, sometimes combining the two. Above all, those who knew Bob could attest to his deep faith in Christ, his humility, and his love of his wife and family. In addition to his wife, Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his ten brothers and sisters. A memorial service and celebration of life for both Bob and Betty will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 22 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Evansville; a visitation with the family at the church will begin at 10 a.m. Those who knew Bob and Betty, including their former students, are invited to attend. Contributions in Bob and Betty’s memory can be made to Evansville Lutheran School.

Robert William Holste

September 17, 1931 - May 6, 2023