Russell and Margaret Holdredge

Russell Morton Holdredge, Sr., passed away on February 21, 2025, at the age of 91 in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was born on July 22, 1933, in Paonia, Colorado, to Myron M. and Pearl C. Holdredge. 

Margaret Ruth Hirst Holdredge passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 91 in Fort Collins, Colorado. She was born on March 20, 1934, in Berkeley, California, to Lester L. and Catherine G. Hirst. 

Russell and Margaret married on June 10, 1955, and together they raised four children. 

Russell received bachelors’ degrees in business and mechanical engineering, and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, from the University of Colorado. He received a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. Russell spent his career as a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Utah State University (USU). He enjoyed mentoring and interacting with the young people he met there. 

Margaret received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Colorado. She was a life-long learner, continuing her studies at USU, studying both computer science, and food and nutrition. She worked for the USDA researching sugar beets. 

Russell and Margaret were strong supporters of parks and the environment, and enjoyed the great outdoors, particularly hiking, camping and cross-country skiing. Together they traveled the world, including six continents. 

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Keith, Myron, and Edgar; and sister, Alice. Margaret is survived by her sister, Louise, and brothers, George and Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband Russell, parents, and brother, Lester, Jr. Russell and Margaret are survived by their daughter Linda, son Russell, Jr. (Susan), daughter Betsy (Manuel), and many grand- and great-grandchildren. They were preceded in death by their son, Kelly. 

Russell and Margaret donated their bodies to science. Their lives will be celebrated by family and friends in the coming months. They will be greatly missed for their wisdom, hard work, good humor, compassion, and unwavering love and support for their family and each other. 

Russell and Margaret established an endowment fund at USU with a preference for first-generation students. Contributions may be made in their memories to the Russell and Margaret Holdredge endowment at usu.edu/holdredge, the National Park Service, or a STEM program of choice.