Karl Emrud Holte

Karl E. Holte, 94, passed away December 6, 2025 in Pocatello, ID. He was born on a small farm in northwest Iowa near Graettinger to immigrant Norwegians, Karl J. Holte and Petra K. Hansen Holte. Dr. Holte was an Emeritus Professor of Botany and Emeritus Curator of the Ray J. Davis Herbarium at Idaho State University for 34 years officially plus another 11 years gratis.

His education included Waldorf Junior College, Forest City, IA; Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD (BS, History); Northern State University of Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA (MS, Biology); University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (PhD, Systematic Botany). His Iowa summers were at Lakeside Laboratory, Wahpeton, IA. He served two years in the United States Army, stationed in Hanau, Germany.

Dr. Holte loved teaching. He taught Field Botany at Malheur Field Station near Burns, OR for 21 summers. Among his many classes at Idaho State, his favorites were Spring Flora and Fall Flora, taught in the evenings so more folks could attend. During final exams he baked and served waffles and drinks to the students (and janitors). With his ever-present sense of humor, on field trips he labeled magnifying lenses "bigger-makers" and his microphone a "louder-maker." Douglas fir cones, he pointed out, had "mouse feet" protruding from the scales – all ways to spark student interest in learning about plants and their habitats.

Karl loved talking with students, peers, or anyone he chanced to meet. He created his own Compliment Club, which required that courtesy and a sincere compliment be offered to those who might not receive such, like cashiers and wait staff.

Karl published numerous botanical studies, some with others. Notable was a revision and update of Dr. Ray J. Davis' 1934 Botany of Idaho. Co-authors were Emeritus Professor Bruce Ronald and Karl's former graduate student and long-time friend, James M. Glennon. He completed requested studies on areas that were being changed to determine the impact on the vegetation. A staunch environmentalist, Karl supported many organizations, serving as president of several, eg. Sawabi Chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society, the Idaho Wildlife Federation, and Idaho Academy of Science. He hunted deer and elk with family and friends, processing all species on the kitchen table. He and his wife loved to dance and spent many evenings at the Green Triangle.

Karl's family wishes to thank all the workers at The Gables #1 where he lived his last ten months. He said they were all so kind and caring, tending to his every need. Hospice doctor Dr. John Fenstermaker and nurse Shell were special to him.

Karl is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ardys, and their three daughters, Amber Anderson (John, Pocatello), Heather Hoffman (Jeremy, Salt Lake City), and Kara McGee (Kraig II, Boise); 6 grandchildren, Kathryn Guy (Jack,Boise), Kraig McGee III (Amanda, Boise); Brenden Hoffman (Nian, Salt Lake City), Ryan Hoffman (Kelsi, Vancouver WA), Hailee Hoffman (Cupertino CA); Karl (Kade) Anderson (Pocatello); and 5 great grandchildren, Petra, Iris, Alfred (Guy) and Kraig IV, August (McGee); plus a nephew, Ron Holte (Ogden IA) and a niece, Becky Berrett (Ron, Huxley IA).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Karl's birthday, April 25, 2026 in Pocatello.