‘Ornery Times’ – stories from Don Holst

(This is the first in a four-part series on the life and “Ornery Times” of Chadron resident Don Holst.)

Don Holst, 81, of Chadron, is something of a living legend around town. Though his isn’t a household name among the current student body, Holst has made indelible marks on Chadron State College, the city of Chadron, and many of its citizens.

Holst is a former athlete and coach with a passion for reading, singing, painting, and educating—several people in the community call him a rural renaissance man.

Originally from Marysville, Kan., he was a child during the Great Depression and World War II. Of his birth and upbringing, Holst said, “I was conceived the day the stock market fell. So I was off to a good start. When I got a little older, we had a world war. It was ornery times.”

Ornery times begat an ornery person—Holst has a quick wit, and a wealth of jokes, stories, and experiences to tell.

When I asked about staying active and productive as a retiree, Holst said, “I guess I’m retired.” His ambitious projects and vivacity speak otherwise.

He is the author of two books and many poems. His paintings adorn the walls in CSC’s Math and Science building. Holst is also a passionate cultivator of the descendants of the Olympic Oak Trees, which were given to gold medal winners at the 1936 games.

He coached track and field, was an assistant football coach, and taught at CSC from 1965 to 1974. When Holst arrived in Chadron on September 10, 1965 there were 10 inches of snow on the ground, and the football team hadn’t yet played a game. He decided to stay anyway.

Holst was good friends with such well-known Nebraskans as Poet Laureate, historian and ethnographer, John Neihardt; State Poet, William Kloefkorn; and Chadron State’s Ron Weedon, late professor of physical and life sciences.

Like many Chadron residents who move away, Holst returned to the area after living elsewhere for many years.

“I came back to Chadron because I didn’t like being around the city. I loved this area for its beauty, and I’ve always loved fishing,” Holst said.

I sat down to talk with Holst at his home, a small cabin south of town, which he helped build about 10 years ago.

For the next three weeks, The Eagle will present a series of stories about Holst’s life and achievements.