James Patrick (Jim) Holst, 84, died May 22, 2022. A private family graveside service will be held in Washburn, per Dad’s wishes, where he will be buried next to Mom.
Jim was born, in Minot, ND, October 12th, 1937, to August (Pat) and Margaret (Arnold) Holst. He lived in Portland, Oregon, until his family moved back to the farm, at New Town in 1943.
Jim attended school, primarily in Van Hook, when he left school in the 8 th grade to go to work. He met Ardath Cheryl Patten, from Parshall, when he was 16; joined the Army when he was 18 and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Alaska was a state he enjoyed so much that he and Cheryl went back to visit twice. He was honorably discharged November 30 th , 1961.
September 6 th , 1958 Jim and Cheryl were married. They lived in Gillete, Wyoming where Jim worked in the oilfield. The moved back to New Town, ND and eventually bought the family farm in 1963, after his father died. They carried the mail to Mandaree for 40 years and farmed, proudly winning the ND Conservation award in 1975. They lived on the farm until they moved to Washburn, in 2008. Even after renting the farm out and moving away from it, Dad still worried about moisture, bushels per acre and price. He remarked, “Once a farmer, always a farmer.”
Jim’s large family includes his four children, Luanna (Dave) Fisketjon of Pick City and their combined family of Jonathan (Lisa) Aisenbrey, Shanna Johnson (Jerad Bluem), Jacob Aisenbrey (Emily Wion), Jacob (Megan) Fisketjon, Paige Fisketjon (Josh Oas), and Stephanie (Ryan) Kopseng; Lisa Holst (Don Bochert) of Baldwin and their daughter Clarissa Holst (Cameron Crowley); Kelli Holst of Tioga and her children Heathyr Prevost, McKenzie Holst (Stephen Roberts), Kelsey (Aric) Melberg and Waylyn McRae; Brian (Trina) Holst of Sidney, Mt. and their daughters Marisa (Eric) Lynch and Maci Holst.
He is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren and his sisters Patty Munson and Maureen Locken. He was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl, parents Pat and Marge Holst, his brothers Jack and Dan Holst, sisters Gloria Pochant and Lorraine Thompson, and his beloved grandson Waylyn McRae.
The family asks that any memorials be directed to McLean Family Resource Center, 205 7 th St. Washburn, ND 58577 or to your local animal rescue. We also want to thank Elm Crest in New Salem, for their loving and compassionate care. You all were a blessing, for all of us.