Norman Holte, president of Bethany Lutheran College from 1978 until 1982, died at the age of 93 on Thursday morning, November 10, 2011, at Pathstone Living in Mankato, Minnesota.
Holte was a 1942 Bethany Lutheran College graduate earning his associate’s degree. After attending Bethany, he worked for two years at the shipyards in Richmond, California. Upon returning to the Midwest, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota and began teaching at Bethany in 1945.
President Holte served Bethany Lutheran College for forty-one years in a number of capacities including teaching in the social science division. He’ll be remembered for his unwavering commitment to Bethany students and his willingness to take on a variety of tasks. Holte served in several administrative positions including dean of men, registrar, high school principal, president, and acting academic dean. His commitment to the College brought him out of retirement to serve as acting academic dean for a brief time.
Holte was an active member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Mankato and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) serving on many boards and committees throughout the years. From 1994 to 2003 he served part-time as the synod archivist and was a member of the ELS Committee on History and Archives. He was also a member of the Downtown Mankato Kiwanis and the Human Rights Commission.
Dan Bruss, Bethany’s current president, said of the passing, “Norman Holte’s faithful service to Bethany Lutheran College spanned four decades. He willingly stepped in wherever he was needed, both in the classroom and in administrative posts. His thoughtful commitment to provide a solid Christian education for young men and women impacted many of us who studied and worked at Bethany. While we have lost a humble leader, we rejoice that he has been called home. Our prayers continue to be with his wife, Violet, and their family.”
A funeral service will be held at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Mankato at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 14.Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 13 at Mount Olive from 4 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral.