Robert Holte, 85, Minot and former longtime educator and coach passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2020 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Robert Neal Holte was born on July 19, 1935 on the family farm near Voltaire, ND to Arthur and Bernice (Chilson) Holte.  He was raised on the family farm, educated in Bergen and graduated from Bergen High School in 1953.  While in high school he was involved in choir, 4-H, basketball and baseball.  It was during this time that he developed his love for music and sports.

Following his high school graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 10, 1954 and served until his honorable discharge on February 9, 1956.  He had received the National Defense Service Medal during his military service.  It was during this time period that he played baseball for the Minot Mallards and a highlight for him was batting against Satchel Paige.

Bob married Zona Halstengard on October 25, 1957 at Oak Valley Lutheran Church - Velva.  After attending Bottineau State College, Bob and Zona moved to Mayville, ND where Bob was employed as a law enforcement officer for six years in Mayville and Fargo.  The family moved to Ellendale, ND when Bob attended Ellendale State Teachers College.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science and Physical Education in 1968 which led to a long career in Education Administration and coaching in Ellendale, Gwinner, Wolford, Riverdale, Arthur and Makoti.  Also, he was appointed by Governor Sinner to the Seat Belt Law and Prairie Public Television advisory boards.

Bob was known for his great sense of humor and the love for his students.  It was not unusual to catch him in the band room playing the piano and singing the "Green, Green Grass of Home".  His love for baseball extended over many years where he coached multiple high school athletic teams and American Legion baseball teams.  He was known to many as "coach" and ended his coaching career as the Head Coach for two years of the Minot State University Beavers Baseball team and as the Equipment Manager for the Minot Mallards semi-pro baseball team.

While in Minot he became interested in the sport of Horseshoes and received numerous awards in North Dakota and Arizona where he and Zona spent the winter months for more than 20 years.  More recently, he enjoyed mentoring his grandchildren and attending their sports and music activities.

Robert's  loving family includes his wife of 63 years: Zona; children:  Cindy Holte Kittelson (Greg) Wiest of Velva, Jodi Holte Melander (John Bartlett) of Mandan and Todd (Rebecca) Holte of Moorhead; thirteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; brothers:  Duane of Montana and Roger (Larina) of West Virginia; brother-in-law:  Edward Schmaltz of Bergen and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, son: Scott, son-in-law: Cary Kittelson and siblings: Merle, Dale and Norma Schmaltz.

A Private Celebration of the Life Service will be held.

Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.