Dorothy (Dottie) Jean Holst

Dorothy (Dottie) Jean Holst, 76, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on December 21, 2025. She was born on February 2, 1949, in Beatrice, Nebraska, to Elvira and Wilmer Kruse. Dorothy was baptized on February 20, 1949, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bremen, Kansas, and later confirmed there on April 7, 1963.

Known fondly as “Dorothy from Kansas,” she was raised alongside three brothers and two sisters, whom she loved dearly and remained close to throughout her life. Growing up on a Kansas farm, she learned the value of hard work and perseverance at an early age. She loved sharing stories of milking cows, baling hay, and life spent among open fields and close family.

After graduating from Marysville High School, Dottie attended Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska, where she earned a degree in Education. Following her graduation in 1971, she moved to Michigan and taught at a Lutheran school. Her dedication to children and learning continued as she later earned a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Kansas.

In 1975, Dottie moved to Kansas City to continue her teaching career. On December 22, 1979, she married the love of her life, Bill Holst. Together, they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and deep devotion to family, creating a legacy that will continue for generations. They were blessed with two daughters.

Dottie will be remembered as a devoted grandmother and an unwavering supporter of her daughters, grandchildren, and everyone they welcomed into their lives. She was actively involved in her church, the Neighborhood Watch Association, and played an integral role in supporting the family boat business.

She found great joy in passionately cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, planting flowers around her home (and sparring with the deer who enjoyed them), and—most of all—supporting her children and grandchildren. She loved to laugh and brought warmth wherever she went. Dottie leaves behind a family forever shaped by her kindness, steady support, and joyful sense of humor. She will be deeply missed and always lovingly remembered.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; her daughters, Julie Jones (Mitch) and Jaime Murphy (Dennis) her grandchildren, Brody, Bryson, Leyton, Sullivan, Jack, and Jordan; and her siblings, Mel (Pat) Kruse, Ronald Kruse, Carolyn (Robert) Crowe, and Mary Lee Kruse. As well as many nieces and nephews that loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvira and Wilmer Kruse, and her brother, James Kruse.

A Celebration of Life honoring Dottie will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Westside Family Church, Speedway, with visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., followed by services immediately after.