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John Holstein Obituary
Judge John Charles Holstein, a distinguished jurist and devoted husband and father, passed away on Dec. 31, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 79.
A native of Springfield, Mo., he was born on Jan. 10, 1945, to Wanda and Earl Holstein. He and his older brother, Dr. David Holstein, were raised to value education and were instilled with a strong sense of faith, justice and service - principles that guided his remarkable life and career.
He married the love of his life, Mary Brummell in 1967.
God was central to his life, guiding his actions both personally and professionally. He was baptized at the age of 8 at Second Baptist Church in Springfield, he served as a deacon and teacher at First Baptist Church in West Plains, and sang in the choir at Concord Baptist in Jefferson City. He later returned to Second Baptist as the faithful greeter at Door No. 4 for almost 12 years. This love of God gave him strength and purpose, and his commitment to his faith was reflected in the leadership of his family and his unwavering dedication to justice and service.
John graduated from Parkview High School in 1963 before earning a bachelor's degree in political science from Southwest Missouri State University in 1967. He went on to receive his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1970. He later went on to earn an LLM from the University of Virginia in 1996. John and Mary moved to West Plains in 1970, where he joined the law firm of Moore and Brill.
He left private practice and joined the judiciary starting as a probate judge in 1975, he progressed to associate circuit judge in 1978 and circuit judge in 1982. In 1987, Gov. Ashcroft appointed him to the Missouri Court of Appeals, and in 1989, to the Supreme Court of Missouri, where he served as chief justice from 1995 to 1997. He authored over 300 majority opinions and participated in over 1,500 cases before retiring from the court in 2002 to return to private practice with Shughart, Thompson & Kilroy (now Polsinelli). From 2015 to 2023, he focused on mediation and arbitration.
His legal career was distinguished by his service as a judge at every level of the judiciary, an accomplishment no other Missouri judge has achieved. He would humorously say "he couldn't hold a job." Judge Holstein was also deeply committed to public service and legal education. His dedication to the welfare of children and the integrity of the legal system was evident through his active participation in various committees and initiatives aimed at improving the judiciary and supporting vulnerable populations.
Throughout his career, Judge Holstein received numerous accolades recognizing his contributions to the legal profession and his community. In 1996, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Southwest Missouri State University. In 2014, he was honored with the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association's Distinguished Attorney Award. The following year, he earned both a Missouri Lawyers Weekly Award and The Missouri Bar Foundation's Spurgeon Smithson Award, celebrating his profound contributions to Missouri's legal field. Most recently, in 2022, Judge Holstein was inducted into the Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame, a tribute to his extraordinary career and achievements.
In addition to his legal career, John Holstein served his country with honor. Commissioned in 1969, he served on active duty in the United States Army, Army Reserve and National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1997. His military service was a testament to his dedication to his country and his commitment to leadership and duty.
Beyond his legal, civic and military accomplishments, John was a devoted husband and father guided by his faith in Christ.
John is survived by his wife Mary, of 57 years, and their three daughters Robin Camacho (Jesse), Katy Link (Paul) and Erin Cutler (Michael). He was a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren, finding immense joy in their lives and accomplishments. His family remembers him as loving, fair, humble and kind.
Judge Holstein's life was a testament to integrity, faith and service. His contributions to the legal field, his unwavering commitment to justice and his love for his family have left an indelible mark on the community and the state of Missouri. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of the Honorable John C. Holstein's life and faith will be held on Jan. 8 at Second Baptist Church, with visitation at 10 a.m. and a service at noon. A private burial will follow the next day at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pregnancy Care Center, Springfield.
A native of Springfield, Mo., he was born on Jan. 10, 1945, to Wanda and Earl Holstein. He and his older brother, Dr. David Holstein, were raised to value education and were instilled with a strong sense of faith, justice and service - principles that guided his remarkable life and career.
He married the love of his life, Mary Brummell in 1967.
God was central to his life, guiding his actions both personally and professionally. He was baptized at the age of 8 at Second Baptist Church in Springfield, he served as a deacon and teacher at First Baptist Church in West Plains, and sang in the choir at Concord Baptist in Jefferson City. He later returned to Second Baptist as the faithful greeter at Door No. 4 for almost 12 years. This love of God gave him strength and purpose, and his commitment to his faith was reflected in the leadership of his family and his unwavering dedication to justice and service.
John graduated from Parkview High School in 1963 before earning a bachelor's degree in political science from Southwest Missouri State University in 1967. He went on to receive his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1970. He later went on to earn an LLM from the University of Virginia in 1996. John and Mary moved to West Plains in 1970, where he joined the law firm of Moore and Brill.
He left private practice and joined the judiciary starting as a probate judge in 1975, he progressed to associate circuit judge in 1978 and circuit judge in 1982. In 1987, Gov. Ashcroft appointed him to the Missouri Court of Appeals, and in 1989, to the Supreme Court of Missouri, where he served as chief justice from 1995 to 1997. He authored over 300 majority opinions and participated in over 1,500 cases before retiring from the court in 2002 to return to private practice with Shughart, Thompson & Kilroy (now Polsinelli). From 2015 to 2023, he focused on mediation and arbitration.
His legal career was distinguished by his service as a judge at every level of the judiciary, an accomplishment no other Missouri judge has achieved. He would humorously say "he couldn't hold a job." Judge Holstein was also deeply committed to public service and legal education. His dedication to the welfare of children and the integrity of the legal system was evident through his active participation in various committees and initiatives aimed at improving the judiciary and supporting vulnerable populations.
Throughout his career, Judge Holstein received numerous accolades recognizing his contributions to the legal profession and his community. In 1996, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Southwest Missouri State University. In 2014, he was honored with the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association's Distinguished Attorney Award. The following year, he earned both a Missouri Lawyers Weekly Award and The Missouri Bar Foundation's Spurgeon Smithson Award, celebrating his profound contributions to Missouri's legal field. Most recently, in 2022, Judge Holstein was inducted into the Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame, a tribute to his extraordinary career and achievements.
In addition to his legal career, John Holstein served his country with honor. Commissioned in 1969, he served on active duty in the United States Army, Army Reserve and National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1997. His military service was a testament to his dedication to his country and his commitment to leadership and duty.
Beyond his legal, civic and military accomplishments, John was a devoted husband and father guided by his faith in Christ.
John is survived by his wife Mary, of 57 years, and their three daughters Robin Camacho (Jesse), Katy Link (Paul) and Erin Cutler (Michael). He was a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren, finding immense joy in their lives and accomplishments. His family remembers him as loving, fair, humble and kind.
Judge Holstein's life was a testament to integrity, faith and service. His contributions to the legal field, his unwavering commitment to justice and his love for his family have left an indelible mark on the community and the state of Missouri. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of the Honorable John C. Holstein's life and faith will be held on Jan. 8 at Second Baptist Church, with visitation at 10 a.m. and a service at noon. A private burial will follow the next day at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pregnancy Care Center, Springfield.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by West Plains Daily Quill from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2025.
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