Thomas Dryden Holt

Thomas Dryden Holt, 66, died on February 28, 2026, due to a Glioblastoma brain tumor. Tom is survived by his wife, Anita, canine companion, Ziva, Aunt Nan, Uncles Dieter and Peter-Paul, multiple sisters, brothers, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the USA and Europe.

Tom courageously battled this uninvited invader (aka Glioblastoma) with ALL of his resolve. Despite adding unnecessary personal discomfort and additional time to every cancer treatment, Tom selflessly participated in multiple Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins brain tumor research projects to help search for a cure for this dreadful disease. As we navigated his fight against this uninvited invader, we quickly learned that family and friends who helped us when we were at our worst are the most special people in the world! We are forever grateful!

Tom was born to Mary and Herbert Holt Jr. in Illinois. When he was 2 years old, his family moved to Deephaven, MN where Tom spent his childhood until he graduated from Minnetonka High School. His days were filled with lake Minnetonka swimming, hockey and goalie, golf, lettered in soccer, baseball and traveling summer baseball team, ice skating, and bike riding. Although humble about his skills, Tom was always really good in sports.

Tom graduated from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse (also known as Harvard on the Mississippi) with a BA degree in English and Pre-Law. His grandmother, Agnes, offered to pay for Tom's law degree; however, Tom graciously turned down her offer and spent his work career in multiple roles. From Sales, Real Estate, Commercial Driving, Logistics Planning, Warehouse Management, Business Ventures Development, and Team Member Management and Leadership roles, Tom's favorite job since he was a child was driving trucks. Tom drove for United Van Lines, and most recently as a proud Union member and a hazmat endorsed commercial driver of international freight for UPS.

Tom loved spending his life with, Anita, and his adored Maltese canine companions. Tom and Anita were together for 41 years, married 39 years, and one of his final wishes was to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Tom and Anita shared travel adventures, mostly in the USA and a few in Europe; and lived in multiple east coast states, as they navigated career opportunities. Tom also enjoyed cooking for family and decorating each of their homes, as they moved to different locations.

Tom made many good friends, near and far. Some of his most hilarious and/or shocking moments were made with his dear college friends. Tom loved his Saturday coffee with the boys and a round of golf on Sunday mornings. Even as Tom was journeying through his death process at N.C. Little Memorial Hospice in Edina, Tom's playful personality shined through. EVERYONE at Little Hospice was incredibly compassionate, and they provided Tom with the absolute best personal care, for which he consistently rated them with perfect YELP scores! Tom and Anita are also beyond thankful for the most excellent care provided by hospice RN Kate and hospice RN Gretchen from AccentCare Hospice.

There is absolutely no doubt that Tom is in heaven, where he will be reunited with Anita someday in the future. Through this journey we have learned that the only thing eternal in this life is love! As Tom would say, "You've got this; you know what you are doing." And most importantly, "Turn Wide and Don't Back Up!"

A private family celebration of Tom's life will be held in May. Memorial donations can be sent to American Maltese Association Rescue (AMAR) or N.C. Little Memorial Hospice of Edina, MN or donor's favorite charity.