Dr. Donald A. Holt

Dr. Donald Alexander Holt was born on January 29, 1932, in Joliet, Illinois, and passed away peacefully at home with his family present on December 31, 2025, in Monticello, Indiana. He grew up on the family farm near Minooka, Illinois, and attended grade and high school at Minooka Consolidated School.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Marilyn (Jones) Holt; their children, Kathryn Holt Stichnoth (Kerry) of Brook, Indiana, Steven Holt, M.D. of Ada, Michigan, and William Holt of Panama City Beach, Florida; eight grandchildren, Rachel Stichnoth McGee (Ryan), Justin Stichnoth (Corri), Jennifer Kempfer Keith (Levi), Rachael Kempfer Harvey (Kyle), Fischer Holt, Ryan Holt (Kaylee), Christine Holt, and Sage Holt; and one great-grandson, Jayden Stichnoth. Also surviving is his beloved cousin, Marilyn Kloeppel (Pete), with whom he was raised.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Holt (Lindi); his parents, Helen and Cecil Holt; his brother, John B. Holt; his great-grandmother, Olive Wardle Holt; his grandparents, Mary Anna and Otto Eickhoff and May and John Holt; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Don graduated as valedictorian from both Minooka High School and Joliet Junior College. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science (Bronze Tablet), a Master of Science in Agronomy from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Purdue University. He met the love of his life, Marilyn, while singing in the choir of the McKinley Foundation at the University of Illinois. They were married in the fall of 1953 at the First Presbyterian Church in Pontiac, Illinois.

After completing his master’s degree, Don and Marilyn farmed the family land for seven years before relocating to Otterbein, Indiana, and Purdue University, where he completed his doctoral studies. In 1967, he joined the faculty of the Purdue Agronomy Department, where he rose through the ranks to become a full professor in 1976.

In 1982, Don became head of the University of Illinois Agronomy Department, and the following year he was named Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station. In 1996, he was promoted to Senior Associate Dean of the newly formed College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES), a position he held until his retirement in 2002. Even after his official retirement, Don continued contributing to the University of Illinois, including serving as Interim Director of the National Soybean Research Laboratory, until his full retirement in 2006.

Dr. Holt’s career spanned 68 years as a farmer, educator, researcher, and administrator. He served as president of the American Society of Agronomy, the Agricultural Research Institute, and Gamma Sigma Delta. He was named a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of America, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His leadership and vision helped shape agricultural research nationally and internationally, earning him numerous honors and awards throughout his career.

Among his many professional contributions, Dr. Holt played a central role in advancing biotechnology and agricultural research in Illinois. He helped establish the SOHIO Center of Excellence in Crop Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering and the Edward R. Madigan Laboratory. His leadership also led to the development of the Agricultural Bioprocess Laboratory and the founding of the National Soybean Research Center. He was instrumental in the passage of the Illinois Food and Agricultural Research Act of 1995, which created and funded the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR).

Above all, Don was deeply devoted to his family and his church, where he served as an organist and choir member. He took great pride in his heritage, his work with students and colleagues, and his lifelong dedication to agricultural advancement. His legacy endures through those he mentored and inspired.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Monticello United Methodist Church music fund.

Funeral services celebrating Don’s life will be at 3pm (EST), Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Monticello United Methodist Church with Rev. Justin Cason officiating. 

Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church.

Burial will be in Seward Mound Cemetery in Minooka, IL at 2pm (EST) or 1pm (CST) on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Friends and family are encouraged to share a photo, a memory, or messages of condolence at www.springervoorhisdraper.com

Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello is entrusted with care.