Walter V. Holt, a respected community leader and loving family man, passed away on August 21, 2023, at the age of 88. Mr. Holt, who resided in Vero Beach, Florida, was originally from Glencoe, Illinois. His legacy is marked by a commitment to education, community service, and a deep love for his family.
Born in Evansville, Indiana, Mr. Holt was the son of Walter A. and Eleanor Horton Holt. He was affectionately known as “Bunk” and met his future wife, Elizabeth, while attending Bosse High School. Their bond, which lasted for 68 years, began during their teenage years, where they formed friendships that would last a lifetime.
Mr. Holt’s summers spent with his grandparents, Wilbur and Mary Holt, in Buffalo, Wyoming, were formative. He played in a local baseball league during these summers, enjoying the camaraderie of friends and family. His love for competitive sports and fly fishing in the mountains fostered values that shaped his character: integrity, gratitude for nature, and the importance of relationships.
Education was a cornerstone of Mr. Holt’s life. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he also showcased his athletic abilities in both baseball and basketball. His achievements earned him the Chicago Tribune’s Big Ten Medal of Honor for outstanding scholarship and athletic prowess.
In 1958, Mr. Holt and Elizabeth welcomed their first child, William. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Milwaukee, where he began his professional career at M&I Bank. He continued to pursue his passion for sports, playing baseball locally and serving as a batting practice pitcher for the Milwaukee Braves.
The family relocated to California in 1960, where Mr. Holt earned his MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. During this time, their daughter Ann was born in 1961. Grateful for the opportunities education provided, Mr. Holt established the Walter and Elizabeth Holt Scholarship Fund, which awards an annual scholarship to a member of the University of Wisconsin Men’s Basketball team. Additionally, he set up an endowment scholarship at Stanford in gratitude to his parents for their support during his studies.
After completing his education, the family settled in Chicago, where Mr. Holt built a successful career in finance. He worked as an analyst at Stein, Roe and Farnham from 1962 until 1982, becoming a partner in 1967. He continued his passion for baseball by throwing batting practice for the Chicago White Sox. Following his tenure at Stein, Roe and Farnham, Mr. Holt joined William Blair as Director of Research and later worked in the Investment Management department until his retirement in 1995.
The Holt family made their home in Winnetka, Illinois, where they welcomed a third child, Amy, in 1970. Mr. Holt was an active community member, serving as Park District Commissioner from 1975 to 1981 and as President during the final two years. His commitment to youth development was evident when he supported the local Boy Scouts, hosting a troop from Norway at their family cabin during an International Scout Jamboree.
In 1969, the Holts joined the Skokie Country Club, where they created lasting friendships and shared numerous family celebrations, adventures, and stories. Mr. Holt’s competitive spirit was evident in his love for golf and tennis, and he remained an eager participant in community sports.
Mr. Holt’s character and generous nature left a profound impact on his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; sisters Carolyn Andress and Eleanor Dase; daughters Ann Angel and Amy Oliphant (Rence); and grandchildren Kalli (Ashley), Emily (Alex), William, Erin, Maggie, Holt, and Mack. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, William Holt.
A memorial service is scheduled for September 4, 2025, at 4:30 PM at North Shore United Methodist Church in Glencoe, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bill Holt Pediatric and Adolescent HIV Clinic at Phoenix Children’s Hospital or the Skokie Educational Foundation. For more information, visit donnellanfuneral.com or call 847-675-1990.
