Jeffrey L. Holte

Jeff’s service will be livestreamed below starting 11:00 AM Friday, July 10, 2026.

Jeffrey Lynn Holte was born on January 28, 1957, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Fernald and Dorothy (Wilkens) Holte. He passed away while hiking on July 5, 2026, in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. His final moments reflected the same love and selflessness that marked his entire life.

Jeff grew up in Moorhead, Minnesota, and graduated from Moorhead High School. On April 28, 1978, he was united in marriage to Rae (Richardson) Holte in Jamestown, North Dakota. Together, they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and many cherished memories.

Jeff worked as a chef for many years, beginning with his first job at a hotel in his late teens. His career later took him to the Lincoln University Club in Lincoln, Nebraska. He eventually moved to Lake Ida, Minnesota, where he worked at Lakeside 1891 in Detroit Lakes. He later joined Sysco as a food representative before retiring in 2018.

Jeff had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, gardening, and traveling. He also loved cooking and collecting music, interests that brought him joy throughout his life.

Jeff will be remembered for his generous heart and his desire to help those in need. For many years, he led short-term mission teams to Casa de Fe in Shell, Ecuador. This mission work became an important part of his life, and Jeff and Rae later spent more than four years living and serving there. After returning home, Jeff continued to be active in mission work and served on the Global Mission Committee at Cormorant Lutheran Church.

Jeff also served others close to home. He helped provide free lunches at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Moorhead. Together, Jeff and Rae prepared food and basic necessities for people in need. They delivered these care packages while biking local city trails and in downtown Fargo, calling them “bags of love.”

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Fernald and Dorothy Holte; his brother, Bruce (Toni) Holte, and his daughter, Rebekah.

He is survived by his wife, Rae; his children, Levi (Elisha) Holte, Rachel Holte, Adam Holte, Ben (Joanna) Holte, Jacob Holte, Zach (Kate) Holte, and Rachel Olsen; his grandchildren, Julie, Zaden, James, Ariel, Claire, Robby, and Maggie; his great-grandson, Novian; his brother, Brad (Michelle) Holte and his sister, Jodi (Mike) Rogers.

Jeff will be remembered for his faithful and generous spirit, quick wit, and quiet intelligence. He had a wonderfully dry, deadpan sense of humor that often caught people by surprise. He was endlessly curious, always eager to learn something new, and never afraid to make a fool of himself if it meant bringing a smile to someone else’s face. A true Minnesotan, Jeff found joy in the outdoors, treasured time with family and friends, and remained a kid at heart throughout his life. “He would give the shirt off his back to anyone if they needed it.” He lived with authenticity, humility, and a servant’s heart, leaving behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, July 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Cormorant Lutheran Church, 14314 MN Co. Highway 4, Lake Park, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Casa de Fe via https://www.lacasadefe.org/