Tony Holt

Tony Holt, age 99, of Ralph, SD, passed away on Saturday morning, April 1, 2023 at the Five Counties Nursing Home in Lemmon, SD.

Funeral services for Tony were held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the Slim Buttes Free Lutheran Church near Reva, SD.  Following a time of fellowship, burial was held at 4:00 p.m. at the Holt Ranch Family Cemetery near Ralph, SD.

Visitation was held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a time of sharing stories for family and friends at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023 at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, SD.

 Tony Holt was born on March 12, 1924 in Hettinger, ND, to Dolphus Jack and Rose (Friez) Holt.  He grew up south of Hettinger, ND, in Perkins County, SD.  Tony attended rural country school and began working for the railroad in Hettinger unloading coal trains.  He continued that work until going to Chicago, IL, in search of a job.  He worked for the railroad building water towers along the track before eventually returning to the Ralph, SD, area.

After his move to Ralph, Tony began delivering mail and along his route met Dorothy Olson. They were united in marriage in 1950 and to this union six children were born.  Tony continued delivering mail, starting on horseback, and even using an airplane flown by his neighbor, Buck Olson, when weather required; and soon began working as a ranch hand for a local rancher.  While working and raising his family Tony began brand inspecting for the State of South Dakota.  A job he held for over 40 years.

Tony and Dorothy eventually moved to their own ranch near Ralph, SD, where in addition to raising cattle, Tony trained horses.  He ranched until entering the Five Counties Nursing Home in Lemmon, SD, in December of 2021.  Tony was a member of the Slim Buttes Free Lutheran Church, he enjoyed fishing and playing Yahtzee.  He also enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica and really enjoyed his music for many years.  Tony also loved auctioneering, volunteering to auction items for various church and charity benefit functions.

Tony is survived by his wife, Dorothy; three sons, Tom (Mary Lu) Holt, Mike Holt and Bill (Becky) Holt; three daughters, Wanda (Mike) Pullen, Kathy Larsen and Barb (Jeff) Harper; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen Holt and Judy Grover; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 13 brothers and sisters; one great-grandson, Kelton Pullen; and son-in-law, Charles Larsen.

The funeral service for Tony will be livestreamed and can be viewed the day of the service by clicking "Click Here to View the Funeral for Tony" found at the top of Tony's obituary.