Rev. Walter Jay Holston

Rev. Walter Jay Holston, 71, Moorhead, MN, died Wednesday, April 8, 2009, in MertiCare Medical Center, Fargo, ND.
The Rev. Walter Jay Holston was born in Boise, Idaho, October 24, 1937. He grew up in Topeka, Kansas where he graduated from Topeka High School in 1955. During his senior year of high school he gave his life to the Lord, and committed his life and service to God. While pursuing engineering studies at Washburn University in Topeka, he discerned a call to full time Christian service, and transferred to Marion College, where he completed a B.A. in Religion, graduating in 1959. Continuing his education he received a diploma in Bible studies in 1961 from Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta and was asked to join the faculty there where he served for six years. During this which time he married Pauline E. Johnson on July 13, 1963 in Breckenridge, MN. He also began graduate level seminary studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and later Winona Lake School of Theology where he received an M.A. in Biblical studies. In the fall of 1969 Rev. Holston was ordained to the ministry.


He served parishes in Council Bluff, IA, Dodge City, KS, North Delta, B.C., and Fargo, ND. His deepest desire in life was to fulfill his calling to the ministry; however when he felt led to put down roots in Fargo/Moorhead, in order that his children wouldn't have to pick up and move again, as Pastor's families frequently do, he set aside his ego, and took not one, but two full time custodial jobs, one at MeritCare and the other at Concordia College. Throughout these years he continued to provide pulpit supply not only in churches in the greater Fargo/Moorhead community but as far away as Grand Forks, Minneapolis, and Phoenix, AZ. His final ministry was serving as an ordained Deacon in his home parish, King of Glory Anglican Church of Fargo, where he was much beloved for his ministry to the young children with his Promise Keepers story time each Sunday. Thus he continued serving up until the time he was called home by his Lord and Master.


Rev. Holston's life was rich and full, his time filled by the people and activities he enjoyed. He spent his free time reading books from theology to suspense thrillers, taking his beloved wife Pauline on lunch dates, entertaining his grandchildren, enjoying the sporting events of the season on TV, from the Minnesota Twins, to college basketball and football, and of course attending every FM Symphony concert where he was known for his signature "BRAVO" exclamation following the performances. His was a life well led, providing many with wisdom, encouragement, and laughter. His legacy will be lasting in his home community of Fargo/Moorhead, and far beyond.


Rev. Holston was preceded in death by his parents, Edna Fadrowsky and Lloyd Holston. Jay is survived by his wife, Pauline; two sons, Jeffrey Holston and Douglas (Sarah) Holston; a daughter Annette (Paul) Heidmann; and two sisters, Sally (Richard) Schutz and Jean (Michael) Bolley. Jay is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Laurant, Meagan, Geneva, and Jacob Heidmann and Catherine, Alicia, Timothy, Emily, Abigail, and Jack Holston.

Visitation for Rev. Holston will be on Monday from 5 - 7 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.
The Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at 1 PM, in Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, Fargo.