John Alfred Holst

John Alfred Holst passed away at home, with his loved ones by his side on Friday, August 30, 2024, after a long illness.

He was born on September 1, 1943, to the late Alfred and Ellen (Mort) Holst.

John was a graduate of Paul V. Moore High School in Central Square. John was a United States Army veteran, and was stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky where he was a Track Vehicle Instructor from 1965 till 1967. In the same year, John went on to marry the love of his life, Carol, and they were happily married for 57 years. John worked as a home builder, mostly on the north shore of Oneida Lake, for many years. He was also the proud owner of Holst Blueberry Farm. John was a member of the Bernhards Bay United Methodist Church (affiliated with Jewell Chapel in North Bay), the Oneida Lake Association, and was a longtime member of Ducks Unlimited.

Some of his enjoyments in life were hunting, fishing, and trapping. John was an avid metal detector enthusiast, who loved hunting for the next big treasure. In his retirement years, John enjoyed attending auctions and estate sales.

In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his brother, Gary M. Holst.

Those who are left to cherish John’s memory are, his wife of 57 years, Carol (Williams) Holst of Bernhards Bay; his children, John (Angela) Holst of Cleveland, and Gretchen (Brian) McLauchlan of Cicero; grandchildren, John Joseph and Joshua Alan Holst and Ryleigh Jean McLauchlan; as well was many beloved extended family members and friends.

Calling hours will take place on Saturday, September 14 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at Traub Funeral Home Inc., 684 N. Main Street, Central Square. A funeral service will follow immediately at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s memory to the Oneida Lake Association, PO Box 3536, Syracuse, NY 13220-3536 or to Clear Path for Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Road, Chittenango, NY 13037.

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