Col. Donald A. Hollsten, MD

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Col. Donald Hollsten, Jr., MD, in the early morning hours of September 22, 2026, at the age of 74, after a brief illness and a stoic health battle. Known to many as Dr. Don or “Doc,” Dr. Hollsten was an admired member of the medical community, beloved by patients and colleagues alike (except one doctor who apparently didn’t appreciate his taste in holiday music), and loved and adored by his family.

Born in Minnesota, Dr. Hollsten followed the footsteps of his father into military service. In 1973, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, followed by medical school at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. He served his country as an Army doctor for 21 years, 7 months, 25 days, and — we’re guessing— 6 or so hours before entering a 27-year career in private practice in San Antonio, TX. Known professionally for his unparalleled gifts as a surgeon, he also cherished his role as teacher and mentor to the students and fellows he took under his wing. Guiding future generations of surgeons brought him immense pride and joy.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Hollsten contributed greatly to the medical and Oculoplastics communities and received many prestigious awards:

● Army Commendation Medals

● Army Meritorious Service Medals

● Army Legion of Merit

● Chief of Ophthalmology at Brooke Army Medical Center: 1991-1994

● Clinical Professor in Oculoplastics at UT Health San Antonio: 1988-present

● Former President and Board Member of San Antonio Society of Ophthalmology

● Fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for 38 years

● Program director of a prestigious ASOPRS fellowship: 2016 - 2026

● Repeated Texas Super Doctors Recognition

● Repeated peer-selected Best Doctors Recognition

● Scottish Lord for a territory of 1 acre of land

He is survived by Lolli, his loving wife of 48 years, his four daughters, Jordan, Shannon, Tiffany, and Brandi (one of whom was his favorite, although he never admitted which one), his sister Carole, and two grandsons, Wyatt and Paul. He is preceded in death by his son, Sean, as well as the tip of his middle finger on his left hand, which left this Earthly realm after losing a tussle with a table saw in the spring of 2001.

Dr. Hollsten left behind a life and legacy too large to fit onto a single page. He was a gifted carpenter and craftsman; he inspired and mentored countless young surgeons on their journey in medicine, epitomized the meaning of compassionate care, and he raised four wildly independent and capable daughters who learned from him the importance of following their own paths as well as how to do proper military corners. He gleefully took on turkey duty every Thanksgiving, shuttled four girls in three different age groups to swim meets all over the state of Texas, and was

an unwavering fan of the Vikings, Twins, and Spurs. As a true leader in his field, he never hesitated when someone asked for his help. He loved his country, his job, his patients, and, above all else, his family. He was a singular force whose absence will be profoundly felt.

Dr. Hollsten was a man of many interests, but flowers were not one of them. In lieu of flowers, his memory can be honored by donations made in his name to West Point Premedical Education Fund or The Gary Sinise Foundation. Finally, although he never expressly said so, we are confident that he would want his last words to anyone who knew and loved him to be, “live long and prosper.”

Go Army!