Obituary: Rev. Dr. Robert Holst, former president of Concordia, St. Paul

Holst

The Rev. Dr. Robert (“Bob”) Holst, former president of Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), St. Paul, Minn., died on May 12. He was 89.

Holst was born on Oct. 1, 1936, in Austin, Minn., to Art and Lucinda Holst. He married Lynne Grabowski on Aug. 13, 1960. He earned a Master of Divinity (1961) and a Master of Sacred Theology (1963) from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He went on to get a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary (1974), where he was also a teaching assistant.

Holst served for five years as a missionary to Papua New Guinea. He taught at Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Christ College (now Concordia University Irvine) in Irvine, Calif. He also served for 10 years as assistant pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Santa Ana, Calif. He became president of CSP in 1991 and served as its eighth president until his retirement in 2011.

A press release from CSP described Holst’s 20-year tenure at the university as “marked by tremendous growth.” The press release continued: “Concordia, St. Paul, moved from a college to a university; the number of students and academic programs increased; the student body became more diverse; and major campus additions — including the Gangelhoff Center, E.M. Pearson Theatre, Library Technology Center, Fandrei Center, Cross of Christ Fellowship Center, Residence Life Center, and Sea Foam Stadium — were added to serve students, the community, and the church. One of the most significant milestones during his leadership was CSP’s move to NCAA Division II, a major undertaking that Holst was especially proud to help guide and bring to fruition. These transformations put CSP on a stronger foundation that continues to this day.”

Multiple comments shared on social media spoke of Holst’s myriad contributions to the church. Among them, the Rev. Dr. Dean Nadasdy, former president of the LCMS Minnesota South District, wrote, “Scholar. Christ-like servant leader. Encourager. Missionary. For many years, Bob hosted a breakfast in his home in St. Paul for a small group of area pastors. As he led us, we grew, we laughed, we cried, and we experienced the deep joy of Christian friendship. What a treasure, Bob Holst! Rest with Christ.”

Former South Dakota District President Rev. Scott Sailer wrote, “God’s heart for the lost was beating strong within Bob. He also had a big heart for us alums whenever we visited campus. Sarah and I thank God for His servant, Bob Holst, and his dear wife, Lynne.”

Holst enjoyed traveling, going to the Boundary Waters in northeastern Minnesota and playing cards with his family. He is survived by his wife, Lynne; their children, Mark (Terry), Tom (Susan) and Ruth; his siblings, Helen, Donald (Lois) and John (Janice); six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral was held on May 16 in CSP’s Graebner Memorial Chapel. Interment followed on May 18 at Greenwood Cemetery, Brownsdale, Minn.

Memorials may be made to the Holst Scholarship at CSP or to the Expanding the Kingdom Capital Campaign at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Roseville, Minn.

Posted June 1, 2026