PRESQUE ISLE – George William Holst passed away peacefully Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, surrounded by his family at his home. He was born Jan. 20, 1937, in Newark, N.J., to George and Irma (Grimme) Holst.
He shared a long and happy life with his wife of more than 50 years, Jacquelyne, and their daughter, Janet. At the age of 17, he followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the U.S. Navy. His two brothers later followed him into the service, and for many years his parents were proud to say they had three sons serving their country aboard U.S. Navy submarines. During his 20-year career as a submariner, he served aboard the USS Guavina, USS Mackerel, USS Hardhead, USS Piper and USS Fulton. He volunteered for a tour in Vietnam and retired as a senior chief petty officer. In 1967 George and his family moved to Presque Isle, where he served a tour as the U.S. Naval recruiter. They grew to love the County and the people, and decided to make Presque Isle their home after George’s retirement from the Navy. His first job in the County was at Aroostook Communications, now Aroostook Technologies. George went on to work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – NOAA, and finished his career at the National Weather Service station, Caribou. He was a charter member of MARS – Military Affiliate Radio System, which allowed military members and their families to keep in touch before the advent of email and the Internet. George was a lifelong ham radio operator. He was co-founder of Aroostook Amateur Radio Club and taught many classes and helped others enjoy ham radio. He could often be found in his “shack” in the evenings, talking to people around the world. With his rich bass voice, George loved singing in four-part harmony. He was a longtime member of a local barbershop quartet and encouraged others to join them. For the last 2 1/2 years of his life, he had a service dog named Sunshine. She was a dedicated companion and brought him a great deal of joy. George embraced the values and life of the “greatest generation.” He was a patriot. He loved his country. He lived his life as a man who tried to always be honest and do the right thing. He always did his best at any job, never cutting corners. He will be remembered for his sense of duty and honor. Few people knew of George’s quiet generosity; when he saw a need, he tried to meet it. He cherished the memories he made with his family; spending time with his daughter, welcoming new babies into the family, taking honeymoons with his bride. George remained very much in love with her until his final breath.
He is survived by his wife, Jacquelyne (Maloy) Holst; daughter, Janet (Holst) Morrow and son-in-law, Mark Morrow; his two brothers, Robert Holst and wife, Gail, and Richard Holst and wife, Cindy; 14 grandchildren, Rachel (Morrow) Rice and husband, Raymond, Sharon (Morrow) Thibault and husband, Noah, Leeann (Morrow) Ward and husband, William, Jacquelyne Morrow, Seth Morrow, Elizabeth (Morrow) Spragg and husband, Caleb, Tiffany Morrow, Sarah Morrow, James Morrow, Kimberly Morrow, Joshua Morrow, Ansumana Morrow, Faith Morrow and Emily Morrow; and six great-grandchildren, Zachary and Naomi Rice, and Belle, Ryllan, Finn and Zane Thibault. He was predeceased by his parents; and sister, Carol (Holst) Fredette. George was a son, brother, husband, father, Opa, and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 37 Paris Snow Drive, Caribou. Friends may call 1 p.m. until time of service at the church. Interment will be at Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle. Donations may be made in his memory to Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Inquiries may be directed to Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle.