Robert Holsten

Robert “Bob” Dwight Holsten, 91, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, returning home to eternal rest and into the loving arms of God. He was reunited with his beloved wife, Mary, his daughter Stacy, his parents, and his sister.

Bob was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1935, to Pearle and Clarence Holsten. He proudly served in ROTC during high school and continued his service in the Army Reserves. While attending the University of Nebraska Omaha, Bob met the love of his life, Mary Strater. Together, they shared 68 remarkable years of marriage.

Bob and Mary built a life together that was a beautiful example of unconditional love, devotion, and partnership. They led by example, showing their family what it meant to love, forgive, stand by one another, and find joy in the everyday moments of life. Above all else, Bob fiercely loved his bride, Mary.

Bob was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was hardworking, compassionate, and deeply dedicated to his family. A man of quiet strength and steadfast character, he lived his life with love, faith, and an unwavering commitment to those he held dear. His greatest joy was simply being surrounded by his family and sharing in their lives.

Bob also had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for making his family laugh. He entertained them with his made-up songs and his determined attempts to speak Latin, Swedish, and, occasionally, German. These moments of laughter became cherished memories that his family will carry with them always.

He loved IndyCar racing, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, traveling with lifelong friends, and singing in the choir. Music and faith were important parts of his life, and singing with others was one of the many ways he shared his joy.

In 1993, Bob retired from Eli Lilly after a long career in finance with Elanco and the Elizabeth Arden and Pharmaceutical divisions. He brought the same dedication and integrity to his work that he brought to his family and all that he did.

Bob's faith was an important part of his life. He loved God and found comfort in the promise of eternal life. After 91 years of a life well lived, Bob has finally come home to rest. While our hearts ache at his absence, we find comfort knowing that he is once again with those he loved and has been welcomed into eternal life.

Dad, as you always told us, we will love you forever and a day, 'til the walls shall crumble to ruin and moulder in dust away.

Robert is survived by children Jeff (Donna) Holsten, Sara Clark, Alison (Rick) Bond; Son-in-law, Steve Hutson; Grandchildren, Brad Holsten, Bobby (Edu) Clark, Megan Clark, Alie Hutson, Jorie Hutson (Ken) , Alexandra (Brandon) Villa, Nick Klepinger, Madalyn Klepinger, Elaina (Jonny) Rubio, Chloe (Tanner) Pray, Luke Bond; Great Grandchildren: Addi, Riley, and Bennet Holsten, Finley, Luca, and Vincent Villa, Fiona Klepinger, and Francesca Rubio.

He was preceded in death by: parents Clarence and Pearle Johnson Holsten, wife Mary Strater Holsten, daughter Stacy Holsten Hutson, sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Dwight Larson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Carmel United Methodist Church.

Visitation will take place from 10:00-11:00am, Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Carmel United Methodist Church (621 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana, 46032. The funeral service will be held at 11:00am with burial to follow.

Special thank you to the loving care provided by Myra, Lydia, and Konah.