Donald P. Holstrom

Donald P. Holstrom, 94, of Four Seasons, MO, went to be with Jesus surrounded by his family and friends on Monday, March 2, 2026, at his home, at 7:00 a.m., God's perfect number.

Donald P. was born on June 11, 1931, in Pomona, CA, the son of Paul and Marie (Hanson) Holstrom, who preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Susan (Holmgren) Holstrom, on August 3, 1985, in Newbury Park, CA.

Donald P. served in the Army from 1953-1955 during the Korean War conflict and participated in three atomic bomb testing operations. He was also chosen to represent the Army to play football and Judo during his time of service. In May of 2023, Donald P. was selected as a recipient of the Central Missouri Honor Flight #66, which transported him to Washington, D.C. He was extremely excited to be blessed with the opportunity to visit the veterans' memorials and was amazed at the crowds of people greeting him with a hero's welcome at every stop along the way.

During his life, Donald P. attended multiple universities and held multiple degrees. He was just short of his Doctorate, which would have only given him an extra $500 a year, and said "I'm done after twelve years of college". He was student body president for two universities and twice was "Who's Who" in American Universities and Colleges. He held two lifetime teaching credentials, pre-school through college. He did not have a set subject and never had to attend any workshops or teachings.

Donald P. began his career in education as a schoolteacher for 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grades, and taught each grade level for one year. He then advanced to the position of School Principal. His first job was with the Conejo Valley School District in 1964, and he remained there until he retired in June 1999. After retirement, he continued to work as a substitute teacher as well as supervised student teachers. He moved to Four Seasons, MO in March 2015, and began substitute teaching for the School of the Osage District. He quickly became loved by all and earned the title of singing sub. Students would yell across the hallways, "Donald P." and he would yell back "that's me". Remarkably, he did not end his career in education until he was 89 years old.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and leaves behind a legacy of a servant's heart, hard work, quiet strength, and deep love for others, that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He loved to go camping with family and friends. He would load up the motorhome and off they would go dirt bike riding, boating, pulling kids on tubes, beach trips and amazing vacations.

Donald P.'s greatest love was for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His greatest prayer was that he would be a shining light for Jesus, so others would see it and come to Jesus. He was a licensed minister of Foursquare Church and has led multiple people to Jesus. He has served as head of men's ministries for years and served on church boards; however, his most favorite role was being the church greeter. His life radiated Jesus Christ, full of love, joy, peace and compassion. He was a man of his word with great integrity.

Donald P. was and will always be the love of Susan's life, and he was truly "one of a kind". She also would always share that God made only one Donald P., as he was such an incredibly wonderful man in every way. One of the last things he said to Susan was, "The English language does not have a word that expresses our love for each other and that's the truth".

Survivors include: his wife of 41 years, Susan Holstrom; two daughters, Stacy Ingram (Luke) and Paula Rhoads (Jeffrey); one son, Tyler Holstrom; nine grandchildren, Joshua Ingram (Sabrina), Jacob Ingram (Shannon), Shannon Crandell (Travis), Jesse Ingram, Ashleigh Venema (Taylor), Christopher Roads (Makenzie), Timothy Rhoads (Bailey), Mikayla Radloff (Jackson) and Sarah Rhoads; 18 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Burdette Holstrom, Johnny Holstrom, and William Holstrom, and two sisters, Georgine Marshall and Donna Holstrom.

A gathering for family and friends will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Calvary Chapel – Lake of the Ozarks in Kaiser, MO. A Celebration of Donald P. will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Nick Pierce officiating and will include full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Calvary Chapel (Calvary Students) – Lake of the Ozarks, 3271 Osage Acres Road, Kaiser, MO 65047, (In Memory of Donald P.), as this ministry was dear to his heart.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 State Hwy 42, Osage Beach MO 65065 - (573) 348-3232. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.