David Holter

David Holter, 89, of Hatton, ND, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at his home in Hatton. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Hatton. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

He was born on April 17, 1936, in his parents’ home in Hatton, to Jerome and Esther Holter. He was one of eight children and grew up surrounded by family and farm life.

David graduated from Hatton High School in 1954 and proudly served his country in the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1957. Upon returning home, he attended college at both Wahpeton and North Dakota State University. He then joined his father in the family farming operation, which he later took over and continued for more than 50 years.

On July 17, 1959, he married the love of his life, Dawn Wegenast of Portland, ND. Together they built a beautiful life and raised three children: Kari (Harold) Ennulat of Woodbury, MN; Nancy (Kevin) Buckley of Dayton, OH; and Nathan (Sue Nelson) Holter of West Fargo, ND.

He was a proud grandfather to Karin (Jacob) Bunker of Princeton, MN; Alex (fiancée Moné Ford) Buckley of Dayton, OH; and Morgan Buckley of Cincinnati, OH. He was also blessed with one great-granddaughter, Sophia Bunker.

In his younger years, while actively farming, he was deeply involved in agricultural organizations and research. He worked with the North Dakota Farm Bureau and NDSU Extension on research and testing programs. He also served his community through involvement with the Chordsmen, St. John Church, Hatton American Legion, the Traill County Water Resource District, and the Tri-County Health Care Foundation.

They spent some winters in both Florida and Arizona and loved to travel including Norway and Alaska. After retiring from farming, he enjoyed a quieter life spending time fishing (especially with his nephews), reading good books, and watching and feeding the birds he loved so much. Later on they moved from the farm into Hatton Prairie Village and were surrounded by a wonderful community of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Esther Holter; his brother Gordon Stoa; and his sister Janice Grotte.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Dawn; his three children; three grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and his siblings Marilyn Stoa, Neal Holter, Carl Holter, Rick Holter, and Michael Holter.

David will be remembered for his hard work, love of family, commitment to community, and his lack of patience.

If you would like to make a donation in David's memory, please consider St. John Lutheran church in Hatton at www.hattonstjohn.com