John Wesly Holmstedt Jr.

John W. Holmstedt passed away February 24, 2014, in Astoria, Oregon, at the age of 87. He was born in Paxton, Nebraska, on November 26, 1926, to John W. Holmstedt, Sr. and Minnie (Crook) Holmstedt, one of six children. John served in the U.S. Army before attending Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska, where he met his wife, Donna (Liudahl); she was the love of his life.
He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years; his children, Mike Holmstedt (Christene) of Lake Oswego, Becky Nelson (Phil) of Astoria, and Scott Holmstedt (Sandi) of Warrenton; grandchildren, Jayson Holmstedt (Andrea), Angie Holmstedt, David Nelson, Todd Holmstedt (Emma), Caryn Hilmes (Todd), Christopher Holmstedt (his special friend, Leah Brand), and Ryan Holmstedt (Kirsten); several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Amy Nelson.
He was a teacher/educator, beginning his career as a high school teacher in Lebanon, Oregon. He was recruited by Clatsop Community College in 1964 to teach business classes. While teaching in Lebanon and at Clatsop, he obtained his master’s degree at OSU, and was six hours short of obtaining his doctorate degree.
During his years at Clatsop, he spent many years as head of the Business Department. Following his retirement from Clatsop in 1987, he was hired by Linfield College to establish the four-year continuing education program in connection with Clatsop College. He developed the nursing program at Clatsop College, a program he was very proud of.
John was a man of strong faith; he was a member of First Lutheran Church, teaching adult classes and serving several terms on the church council. He was one of the organizers for Men in Mission, and served on both national and state boards, as well as guiding the men of First Lutheran Church. He was an active member of Gideons International, enjoying the outreach and fellowship of the men in the program. John was instrumental in establishing the Summer School Lunch Program in Astoria, and received an award from the governor for his services.
A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church on Monday, March 3, 2014, at 11:30 a.m.