Mary Joan Holst

Indianapolis, Indiana – Mary Joan Holst, 89, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026. Her kindness, devotion, and faith will be forever missed by all who knew her.

Mary was born on January 29, 1937, in Huntingburg, Indiana, to parents John Raymond & Goldie (Hanselman) Gehlhausen. She graduated from Huntingburg High School in 1955 and went on to work several jobs throughout her life. Mary loved to stay busy, so she dabbled in many things including being a special events program director for Elaine Powers Spa in Evansville, IN, a model for antique fashion shows throughout Indiana, and retail worker/manager at CVS on 56th Street of Indianapolis for over 17 years.

From about 1980 to 2012 Mary was a key member of the National Association of Auto Racing Fan Clubs (NAARFC), winning several club awards, meeting in person Indianapolis 500 owners and many of the top Indianapolis 500 race car owners and drivers. Mary for decades was Treasurer and Secretary of NAARFC alongside her husband and NAARFC president Lee Holst. Mary finally became a vice president for a year after the passing of her husband Lee in 2010, finally stepping away from NAARFC in the year 2012.

A caring woman, Mary was most dedicated to her family. She was always there for her children and grandchildren, making sure they knew how much they were loved. She made lifelong friendships everywhere she went, her kindness and love a true inspiration to all.

When not at work, Mary loved spending time with her family, watching sports and racing with her husband Lee, gardening, painting, golfing, bowling, solving crossword puzzles, traveling, caring for her animals, especially her last doggie and best friend Chase.

In 1954, Mary was first married to Dencil Edward Emmons for 25 years. She later married Aubrey Lee Holst in 1981 and spent happy 30 years together until his passing. A couple of years after Lee’s passing in 2010, she was lucky enough to find another companion in Sherman Neal. They spent several wonderful years together before Sherm’s passing in 2019.

In addition to her parents, Mary, the middle child, is preceded in death by her husband Aubrey Lee Holst, and siblings Ronald Ray Gehlhausen, Doris Ellen Butler and Robert Ray Gehlhausen.

She is survived by her children Karen Jo Walz (Michael Lunn) of Indianapolis, Rodney Keith Emmons of Lamar, IN, John Edward Emmons of Bloomington, and Denise Renee Emmons (Hollingsworth) of Indianapolis; as well as being blessed with 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 10 am – 2 pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East (10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229) with funeral services following at 2 pm. Entombment will take place at Washington Park East Cemetery following services.