Daniel J. Holstad

Never Give Up! 

Hey! Mr. Holstad! Do you remember me? I was in your class! This question was asked over and over by former students of Dan’s at Eastwood Elementary School, 10 or even 20 years after he was their teacher. Although they didn’t resemble a second or third grade student anymore, the mutual connection, respect and admiration was still firmly there between them, validating his wish, from a young age to be a teacher. Dan was awarded the Teacher of Year award from Granite Education Foundation in 2004. Dan was always the sought after teacher in his school. Everyone wanted Mr. Holdstad! He focused his teaching on respect and kindness. Teaching was his gift and calling and he truly made a difference in the lives of his students.

He took great pride in his work at Home Depot, where he was known for his strong work ethic and for always being willing to lend a helping hand to customers and coworkers alike. He worked at Home Depot for 32 years and he considered them his “second family”.

Dan was born in Mason City, Iowa to parents Lois and Arden Holstad. The family moved to Tucson, Arizona where Dan went to High School and College. He ran track and cross country for Sahuaro High School, ranking 7th of all time in 1973 running a 4 X 880 relay. Dan graduated from Arizona State University with his Bachelors degree of Education.

Dan’s life took on new meaning when in January 2000, he met the love of his life, Linda Adams. Their partnership was marked by deep, unconditional love, and she remained the heart of his life and center of his world from that day forward. They were inseparable and truly enjoyed every moment they had together and made the most of that time together.

His sons meant the world to him, and he was incredibly proud to be a father. Since the moment he was born, Josh was the light of his life. Later in his life, he lovingly welcomed two more sons, Bentley and Quincy, through his partner Linda, happily embracing them as his own. He loved to take them fishing, golfing, and on fun adventures whenever he could. He was devastated by the loss of his son Quincy in November 2021, but cherished his relationship with Quincy’s daughter Kenzi. In 2022 Josh met his love Christina and with their marriage, also brought a grandson into his life, Xavier. Family was truly the most important thing in Dan’s life and always his biggest priority.

He took his role, what he considered his true calling, as “Grandpa” to his granddaughters Dahlia and Kenzi very seriously. He was happiest in life when he was taking care of Dahlia and planning events and activities to make the most out of their time spent together.

Dan had many passions in life. He was an avid Utah Utes football fan, never wanting to miss a game and always supporting the team. He also loved playing golf and was very excited to share that with his granddaughters (Dahlia and Kenzi) and bought them their own “real” golf clubs to learn. Dan was also known for his holiday yard decorating. Neighborhood kids would always bring their parents over after dinner to enjoy the lights and decorations, which made him excited to see them so happy. He had been learning to play guitar and as was his nature, promptly started collecting them. He faithfully practiced on the guitar and was proud to be able to sing and play “I will always love you” to Linda shortly before he passed.

Dan was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in December of 2024. They explained that Pancreatic Cancer is always fatal but treatable. His motto quickly became “NEVER GIVE UP” and “I’ll ALWAYS keep fighting”. “I won’t let cancer kill me” … and it didn’t.

He is lovingly remembered by his partner, Linda Adams; his sons, Josh Holstad (Christina and Xavier) and Bentley Adams (Lizzi and Dahlia); and his granddaughter, Kenzilyn Call, daughter of Amilyn Call and the late Quincy Adams. He is also survived by his brothers, Mark (Cathy), Paul (Denise), Neil, and John (Christine); and his sisters, Beth (Chuck) and Julie (John). And of course his cat Lucky. He joins those who passed before him, his parents Lois and Arden Holstad and his son Quincy Adams, who was joyfully waiting to welcome him home.

Linda and Dan extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Melissa Chan for her kindness and steadfast support during every step of Dan’s medical journey and to thank her for “Never giving up!”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 28 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT.  Guests are encouraged to use the parking on the north side of the building.  Share your photos and memories with his family at www.starksfuneral.com