Joan M. Holst

Joan M. Holst, 92, of Red Wing, died Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus. She was born February 7, 1934, in Red Wing, to George and Sophie (Nehring) Mehrkens. She grew up in Goodhue and graduated from Goodhue High School in 1951. On June 9, 1954, she married Merlin Holst at Grace Lutheran Church. They lived in Hay Creek where they farmed and raised their family. Joan was always a hard-working farm woman, but after her family was grown and had families of their own, she began working at the Benedictine in housekeeping, working there from 1997 until 2014, retiring on her 80th birthday.

Joan was social and friendly, always welcoming others with genuine kindness and a caring heart. Her humility made her even more admirable, as she quietly gave of herself without ever seeking recognition. She found joy in simple, meaningful things — especially crafting, cross-stitching, and sewing. Over the years, she lovingly created many pieces of clothing for her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandi (Len) Berg of Welch, Colleen (Dana) Phillips of Hager City, WI and Jean Martin of Red Wing; daughter-in-law, Diane (Kevin Eckblad) Holst of Dover, AR; grandchildren, Jennie (Dave) Bungum, Brianna Berg, Lexi (Ben) Bettis, Chris (Linsy) Holst, Kory (Amanda) Holst and Lucas Phillips; step-grandchildren, Missy Phillips, Nick (Becky) Phillips, Sam Phillips and Yena (Jeff Heilman) Phillips; great-grandchildren, Carter, Gabriella, Hudsyn, MaKenna, Rhett and step-greatgrandchildren, Amara, Alana, Cameron, Owen, Hayden and Karlie and sister-in-law, Alice Mehrkens of Goodhue. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin in 2006, son, Keith Holst, son-in-law, Paul Martin and brother, Roy Mehrkens.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Reverend Todd Engel officiating. Burial will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the St. John’s Church Elevator Fund.  Funeral service will be livestreamed and can be viewed here the day of the funeral :https://www.youtube.com/@SJRW/streams