Matthew Holte, 39, died on May 31, 2008 in Duluth, MN of natural causes.

Memorial service will be at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, August 4, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, at the church on Monday.

Matthew Henry Holte was born on November 27, 1968 in Cambridge, MN, the son of Henry O. and Carole (Lovas) Holte. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.

In 1969 the family moved to Thief River Falls, where Henry was employed at Northwest Medical Center Day/Night Unit. Early 1972 Henry and Carole divorced. Matthew stayed with his father. On October 16, 1976 Henry married Eldonna Sunsdahl Ulrich and together they raised Matthew. In November, 1981, when Matthew was in 7th grade he moved to Duluth, MN and attended Northwood Childrens Home, where they cared for him 24/7. In late summer of 1984 Matthew returned to Thief River Falls and lived with Henry and Eldonna. In 1988 Mathew received his certificate of completion from Lincoln High School. At the time Henry died in 1989 Matthew was living in a group home in Biwabik, MN. Later, he was able to live independently and moved to Duluth. Most recently he worked for a custodial service there. As an adult Matthew was diagnosed with Asbergers Autism.

Matthew was a very devout Christian and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, where he was active in the youth group. He was also active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He enjoyed traveling with the family and fishing. Matthew worked delivering the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Matthew could be very theatrical at home and enjoyed playing Santa Clause at Christmas. During the last several years he had become politically active working for the rights of the handicapped. One of his greatest accomplishments was when he passed his drivers test and earned a drivers license.

Matthew is survived by his mother, Carole (Jack) Donn of Manitou Springs, CO; his step mother, Eldonna Holte of Thief River Falls, MN; half brothers, Aaron (Van) Donn and Ben (Teresa) Donn of Denver, CO; half sister, Sarah Donn of New York, NY; step sisters: Jackie (Scott) Bultman of Grand Rapids, MI, Becky (Steve) Bendickson of Terre Haute, IN and Susie Ulrich of Moorhead, MN; maternal grandmother, Clarice Lovas of Ada, MN; very special friend, Kristi Carr of Duluth, MN; seven nieces and nephews; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry; grandparents: Herman Lovas, Clarence and Tilda (Anenson) Holte; step grandparents, Kenneth and Elvina Sunsdahl.


Family condolences may e sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Ida Nordvall
SOLOIST: Diane Johnson
Precious Lord, Take My Hand and Borning Cry