John “Jack” Oscar Holt passed away on May 14, 2021 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN. He was born in Havana, Cuba on October 5th, 1932 to Charles A. Jocelyn-Holt and Ora S. (Kieren) Holt. He moved to Rochester in 1934. He proudly served in the Army from 1953 to 1955. On September 4th, 1954, he married Margaret Terese Finley of LaCrosse, WI. They were blessed with and raised four wonderful children.
From 1955 to 1961, he owned and operated The Pub Bar at Miracle Mile. Due to his love of flying, he moved his family to Wyoming where he purchased an interest in West-aire at the Cheyenne airport. Returning to Rochester in 1963, he became involved in the Campbell Hotel, a family owned enterprise begun by his beloved grandfather, Oscar F. Kieren. In 1975, he acquired a controlling interest in the hotel and served as President and General Manager until the property was acquired by the Mayo Foundation in 1999.
Jack was active in many associations, including the Minnesota Hotel and Motor Hotel Association, the American Hotel Association, the Rochester Hotel Association, and the Rochester Innkeepers Association. He was an active member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. He was a charter member of the Rochester Ambassadors and served with them for 20 years. He was a charter board member of the Downtown Council. Jack was active in the Boy Scouts serving as Cub Master, Commissioner, camping committee member, and Bear Creek District Chairman on the Gamehaven Council Board.
In his retirement years, Jack loved to travel in his motor coach with his wife, Margaret. He loved to fish and spend time in his much loved cabin in Northern Wisconsin.
Jack is survived by his bride of 66 years; his daughter, Mary Beth (James) Holt-Perkins of Sammamish, WA; sons, John O. Holt, Jr. (Raquel) of Colorado Springs, CO and Patrick M. Holt of Fargo, ND; and daughter, Theresa Mota of Tracy, MN. He leaves behind eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021 at St Pius X Catholic Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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