Joel Edgar Holt

In Loving Memory of Joel Edgar Holt December 3, 1953 – February 20, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Joel Edgar Holt, who left this world on February 20, 2025, at the age of 71. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished grandfather, and a great friend to many.

Born on December 3, 1953, in Plymouth, NH, Joel was the son of Jacqueline Audrey Kimball Holt and Woodbury William Holt. He grew up surrounded by the values of kindness, integrity, and hard work—principles that guided him throughout his life. A true son of New Hampshire, Joel spent his entire life in the Granite State, finding joy in its beauty, especially the Old Man of the Mountain.

Joel met the love of his life, Ann Louise Coleman, in the most unexpected yet meaningful way—while recovering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a nursing home at the age of 21. What began as a chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong love story lasting over 50 years. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, warmth, and endless devotion. His greatest joy came from his family—his son, Mark, and his wife, Kimberley, and his daughter, Stacey Boettcher, and her husband, Keith.

Joel was a proud and loving grandfather to Jeffrey Holt, Elijah Burker, Austin Tillery, and Willow Boettcher. He adored his grandchildren and found immense joy in watching them grow, always offering guidance, love, and a steady presence in their lives. His love and kindness also spread to his cherished extended family, including Catherine Bourdon, Michelle Martin, Christine Bourdon, Megan Stebbins and her husband Kyle, Lauren Martin and her husband Kaden, Nathaniel Martin, Katie McDonald, Victoria and her husband Brandon Doucet, Ciara Martin, Liberty Stebbins, Henry Martin, Denise Dwyer, Nancy Scott, and David Kimball.

He dedicated 38 years of his life as a devoted and compassionate respiratory therapist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where he helped countless patients through some of their most difficult moments. His kindness, expertise, and calming presence brought comfort to many. Even after retiring from healthcare, his love for people led him to work as a Walmart greeter for over five years, where he continued to brighten the days of everyone he encountered.

A man of many talents, Joel was also a gifted woodworker. He spent many hours crafting beautiful picnic tables and cribbage boards, which have become cherished pieces for his family and friends. His work was a reflection of his patience, skill, and love for creating something lasting for others to enjoy.

He was predeceased by his siblings Lewis Kimball, Ernest Holt, Paul Holt, and Kathy Comeau. He is survived by his sister, Jacqueline King, who, like so many, will deeply miss his warmth, humor, and unwavering support.

Joel was known for his generous spirit, his wisdom, and his ability to bring people together. Whether sharing stories around the dinner table, offering a helping hand, or simply making others smile with his humor, he had a gift for making everyone feel loved and valued.

Joel leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 PM at the Upper Valley Senior Center in Lebanon, NH. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN) at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in his honor.

Rest in peace, dear Joel. You will forever be missed, but your love will remain in our hearts always.