Theodore Karl Holsten, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024 surrounded by his family in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ted was born in Minneapolis Minnesota on June 26, 1939 to Nels and Eleanor (Brick) Holsten.

He grew up very close to his siblings. He was a cub scout as a child. At age 16 he bought his first horse. He later sold his horse for a 1947 Ford.

In June 1961, he married the love of his life, Beverly Vance, in Middletown, New York. They were married for 63 years. They enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling together, and raising their 3 sons and granddaughter Ashley.

In February 1958, he joined the United States Air Force, where he eventually earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Through the years Ted worked on numerous Air Force bases, and for NASA at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. He was a Flight Engineer. At NASA, he worked in space shuttle trainers, training astronauts how to land space shuttles. After retiring from NASA he worked for ATA, Kalitta,& Evergreen airlines. He had many achievements over the years. He even survived a plane crash in 1980!

In 1999 he retired to his farm in Wilburton, Oklahoma. He spent his remaining years living his life to the fullest. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, horses, cruises ships, and airplanes. He enjoyed traveling to other countries, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family. He believed that his last 15 years were the best of his life. He would tell anyone who would listen that great-grandkids are what made life worth living.

Ted is survived by his wife, Beverly Holsten; sons: Todd Holsten, Eric Holsten, Tim Holsten and wife Lori all of Wilburton, OK; Grandchildren: Ashley Cooley and husband D.J. of McAlester, OK, Brittany McIninch and husband Zeth of Caney, OK, Travis Holsten and wife Cheyenne of Shawnee, OK, Andy White and wife Kirby of Panola, OK, Ethan Holsten, Jacob Holsten, John White, and Eric Holsten Jr. all of Wilburton, OK; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Jeanne Holsten and husband Merl of Broken Arrow, OK.; brother, David Holsten and wife Lynda of Eufaula, OK.; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Eleanor Holsten; grandparents, John and Christine Holsten; grandmother, Blanche Taylor; and sister, Dorothy Mattson Frickel.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 27, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Waldrop and Dr. Paul Brady officiating.