Dennis C. Holt Obituary (1944

Dennis Holt, age 80, of Elk Mound, WI passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at home after a very brief battle with cancer. He was born January 3, 1944 in Menomonie, WI to Freeman and Phyllis Holt. He graduated from UW Stout with a BS in Industrial Technology, which led to a successful 34-year career with Xcel Energy. In addition to becoming the GM of Customer and Community Service at Xcel, he served as Chair of the Wisconsin Inter-Utility and Wisconsin Demand Side Research Committees. Additionally, he was a keynote speaker with the Southeast Electric Exchange, which led him to being recruited to consult with the Victoria Australia State Electric Commission, where he and his family spent a year living in Melbourne, Australia. Dennis placed special importance on giving back to the community. He served as a board member for numerous organizations, which included Junior Achievement of Northwestern Wisconsin, Eau Claire County Economic Development, Visit Eau Claire, Boy Scouts, and Chippewa Valley Innovation Center. Dennis lived a full life and in his last moments, he was sure to tell everyone that his bucket list was complete. He spent several summers working on the George Parks Highway during college, leading to an overall love of Alaska, which he visited several times throughout his life. He and his late wife Jeri traveled extensively within the United States and abroad. Their annual fishing trip to Canada was a highlight of their year. They loved entertaining, hosting family and friends for holidays, dinners, card games and special events. Dennis is preceded in death by his wife, Jeri Holt, who he was married to for 26 years. He is also preceded by his parents, Freeman and Phyllis Holt. He is survived by his son, Daniel Holt of Hudson, WI; daughter Jennifer Remme of Forest Lake, MN; Stepdaughter Jennifer Ruedebusch (Jeffrey) of Madison, WI; four grandchildren Michaela Holt, Elizabeth Holt, Kayla Ruedebusch, and Kaden Ruedebusch; his sister Deb Verdon (Ron); and brother Bob Holt (Bonnie). A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to the family or a charity of their choice. A special thanks to the Doctors, Nurses, and Hospice staff that cared for him. Dennis will be dearly missed, never forgotten, and forever in our hearts. Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie is serving the family. To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com