John Holtz

John A. Holtz, 81 year old resident of Little Falls, formerly of Sobieski, MN passed away Saturday, May 26, 2007 at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 30 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN with Father Leo Moenkedick officiating. Friends may call from 4-8 PM on Tuesday evening at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Fall, MN. Burial will be held at a later date in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN. John was born on April 14, 1926 in LeSeuer County to the late Michael and Anna Holtz. As an infant he moved to Swan River Township. John attended St. Stanislaus Parochial School in Sobieski, MN. He enlisted in the Maritime Service in 1945, serving on the Santa Cruz transporting supplies to the armed forces throughout Italy, South America, and Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in 1947. He was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Clara Kokett on May 26, 1947 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN. The couple then moved to the family farm. He worked at Crestliner for over 35 years, until his retirement in 1994. After retiring, they remained on the family homestead where he liked wood crafting and raising pumpkins, thus being known as “The Pumpkin-Man.” In his spare time John enjoyed sharing his love of hunting, fishing, gardening, farming, and playing cards with his wife and family. John passed away on he and Clara’s 60th wedding anniversary, with all of his children by his side. He is survived by his wife; sons, John Holtz of St Cloud, MN, Gerard (Darlene) Holtz of Royalton, MN, Mike (Sue) Holtz of Little Falls, MN, Rick (Barb) Holtz of Little Falls, MN, Marty (Kelly) Holtz of Sartell, MN; daughters, Ann (Carroll) Schmidtknecht of Waseca, MN, Mary (Doug) Gwost of Shoreview, MN, Betty (Joe) Schumacher of Rogers, MN, Terri (Joe) Pickar of Clear Lake, MN, Joan (Pat) Mackedanz of Mora, MN, Sue (Denny) Heath of Kimball, MN, Kathy (Curt) Robbins of Cold Spring, MN; brother, Patrick Holtz of Little Falls, MN; special family friend, Joyce Holtz of Little Falls, MN; 38 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Holtz, Evelyn Barton; brothers, Michael Holtz, Fritz Holtz; and one great-grandchild, Gunther Schmidtknecht. www.shelleyfuneralchapels.com 320-632-5242

Tributes

John Holtz

April 14, 1926 - May 26, 2007