Donald "Don" S. Holt

Donald “Don” S. Holt, 95, Rockford, “The Man Behind the Camera”, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Don, (Uncle Don), was a remarkable man that though he never married had many people look up to him. He was a role model for many. He was a veteran and proudly served in the Navy as a photographer during the Korean War. His passion for photography not only served him well but also led to his career with the Rockford Register Star as one of their photographers for 40 years. He attended many sporting events, church events and community events taking pictures wherever he went. He was a walking piece of history and knowledgeable about many platforms that formed Rockford. When he wasn’t working, he was spending time at his cabin on the lake in Hayward, WS. He had two photographs published in Life Magazine which he was very proud of. He was taking and processing film before all the digital technology of today, so to publish in Life Magazine was kind of a big deal. He was a lifetime member of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, served as an assistant Deputy Coroner and was loved by many beyond his family. Once he retired, he continued to take pictures for his beloved church family at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, of his family and of his friends. Much of his work can be seen at Midway Village Museum in Rockford.

Survived by his niece, Bonnie (Daniel) Wojtas; his nephew, Gary Lindblom; his great nieces and great nephews and many beloved friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 8,2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural Street, Rockford, with Reverend Rob James officiating. Cremation rites will take place following the services at church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Private family burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church in Don’s memory. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.