Louis Holstad

Williamsburg - Louis "Lou" Holstad, Jr. 82, of Williamsburg passed away peacefully Monday, April 30, 2012 at his home, with his beloved wife Ellen at his side.

Lou was born on October 16, 1929 to Louis and Gertrude (Anderson) Holstad, Sr. in Mancelona. Following his graduation from Mancelona High School, and on a scholarship, Lou continued his education at Michigan Tech University (previously The Michigan College of Mining and Technology). In 1951 Lou graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in civil engineering. On November 21, 1951, he was commissioned in the U. S. Coast Guard, serving his country in MI as ensign on the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, until he was honorably discharged on March 3, 1954. On June 14, 1952, he married Marjorie "Marge" A. Anderson in Sault Ste. Marie. They settled in Muskegon where their daughter Amy and son Chris were born. They moved to Traverse City in 1971, raised their children and celebrated over 51 years of marriage together until Marge's death in February 2003.

Lou was a founding partner of Grand Traverse Construction, worked in his field of engineering, and ran a very successful business. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and a life member of both the Elks Club and the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. Lou enjoyed golf, travel and many times spent at the cabin on the Betsie River. He also enjoyed winters with his numerous friends in Arizona. In Green Valley in 2005 he was fortunate enough to meet Ellen Budig. They were married in Las Vegas on June 16, 2006 and though they shared only seven years together, Lou and Ellen cherished each other and treasured the memories they made together.

Lou is survived by his beloved wife Ellen; daughter, Amy (Jeffrey) Gauthier of St. Louis, MO; son, J. Chris Holstad of Traverse City and his grandchildren, Catherine and Nicholas Gauthier and Andrew, Erin, Benjamin and Jillian Holstad. Also surviving are his step daughters, Susan (Michael) Duckworth Mollick of Atlanta, GA and Patricia (Edward) Andrews of Chatsworth, CA; his step grandchildren, Jessie, Carissa, Brahm, Andrea, Nathan, and Kristen; and his former daughter-in-law, Karen Holstad of Traverse City. Lou was preceded in death by his first wife, his parents, a sister Edna Aydt, and a step son, Harold Michael Duckworth.

A service celebrating and remembering Lou's life will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 10 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The Rev. Sandra Murray will officiate and military honors will be offered by the Honor Guard of Cherryland VFW Post 2780. Inurnment will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Your memories of Lou may be shared with his family by visiting his online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.