Janet Marlene Holst

Janet Marlene (Sherwood) Holst, 92, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025. She was born on August 21, 1932, in Ogden, Utah, to the late William and Zella (Robinson) Sherwood.

Janet graduated from Ogden High School and began her career at Hill Air Force Base, where she met the love of her life, Airman Donald L. Holst. They married on September 26, 1953, beginning a lifelong partnership that lasted more than 70 years.

After Don’s service in Korea, the couple lived in California before settling in Don’s hometown of Lafayette, Indiana. There, they built a warm and welcoming home that became the center of many cherished family gatherings and celebrations.

While living in Lafayette, Janet worked at Alcoa, was a stay-at-home mom, and later served as Executive Assistant to the president of First Federal Savings and Loan. She also supported Don in his travel agency business.

In retirement, Janet and Don split their time between Indiana and Florida, where they enjoyed golf, card games, and community life in Ruskin. They eventually returned to Indiana to be closer to their family.

Janet had a deep love for exercising, reading, playing the piano, and traveling. She was admired for her strength, her elegance, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Donald L. Holst; their three children: Donald W. Holst, Janalee (Robert) Kane, Jacqueline (Steven) Wylam; and four grandchildren: Marlene Kane (fiancé Spencer Maley), Carson Kane, Camryn Wylam, and McKenna Wylam. She also leaves behind her siblings Deborah Hayner and Tom Sherwood.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 3, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Holy Spirit Parish at Geist Catholic Church, located at 10350 Glaser Way, Fishers, IN 46037. The funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Janet will be interred at Crown Hill National Cemetery, 725 W 42nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Crown Hill Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Power Over Dementia Fitness, 11650 Olio Rd, Ste. 1000-187 Fishers, IN 46037. Donations can also be made by Zelle or Venmo at [email protected].

Janet’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Anchor of Hope Hospice, Sycamore

Reserve Senior Living, Heritage Woods/White Oaks Memory Care, Julie Gatanco, and the care partners from My Extra Hands.