Evelyn Marie Holst of Andover, Minnesota | 1922 - 2019 | Obituary

Evelyn Marie Holst

November 23, 1922 - December 25, 2019

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Evelyn Marie (Beckman) Holst, age 97 of Andover, slipped into arms of Jesus on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at the Farmstead of Andover.

Evelyn Marie was born on November 23, 1922, the 3rd child of Carl and Alice Beckman in Freedhem, MN, a small Swedish settlement in Morrison County. Raised in the Depression Era on a small farm and coming of age during WWII, Evelyn’s life was characterized by hard work, frugality, perseverance and keeping God’s Word central as a life guide.

She completed her education at the U of M Agricultural School for farm kids that did not have high school available to them, and then followed other farm girls to Chicago where she worked as a house maid.  She was engaged to Ivan Holst in April, 1944 before he was sent overseas in WWII. When Ivan had military leave time in August 1945, they married and began a 69 yr marriage.

The war ended soon after and they moved to Indiana where Ivan was stationed to finish out his service. Then it was back to Freedhem where Ivan took over his family farm and Evelyn set up housekeeping without electricity for the first 3 years.  Four baby girls came along, and she perfected her sewing skills making most of their clothing.  She also became an excellent cook and baker and always had a big garden.

The move to the Twin Cities in 1961 was a huge adjustment. The church next door to their house was an Evangelical Free Church and became a wonderful church home where she made many friends.  She will be fondly remembered for her love of the outdoors, especially flowers and sunsets, and good music.

Evelyn was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her hearty laugh of delight as she watched her great-grandchildren is a favorite memory of her last years.  She would often say watching them play was the best reality show.  She especially loved when they sang for her.

Evelyn loved Jesus and lived her life following His word. Her ‘Bible school’ education and heart for missions came through Christian radio and faithful study of God’s word.  There was nothing more important to her than that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to know Jesus for themselves and love and follow Him.

In addition to her husband, Ivan, Evelyn was preceded in death by an infant son; daughter, Peggy; parents; sister; and 2 brothers.  She is survived by daughters, Jane (Larrie) Hanson of Ham Lake, MN, Audrey (Harry)  Brown of San Jose, CA, and Nancy (Steve) Lefler of Coon Rapids, MN; 9 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; brothers, Herb (Joyce) Beckman of Wilmar, MN and Jim (Barb) Beckman of North Port, FL; sisters-in-law, Beverly Beckman and Florence Beckman; nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2020 at Constance Free Church, 16150 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover.  Visitation one hour prior to the service at church (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)  Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to New Generations, PO Box 5412, Wheaton, IL  60189

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home of Andover (763) 767-7373

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SERVICES
Visitation

Monday, January 13, 2020
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Constance Free Church
16150 Crosstown Blvd. NW
Andover, Minnesota 55304

Get Directions on Google Maps

Memorial Service

Monday, January 13, 2020
11:00 AM

Constance Free Church
16150 Crosstown Blvd. NW
Andover, Minnesota 55304

Get Directions on Google Maps

A luncheon will be held in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.