Clara Holtz

Clara Holtz, 87 year old resident of Little Falls, MN formerly of Sobieski, MN passed away Friday, May 27, 2016 at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN with Father Jimmy Joseph officiating. Burial will take place in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN. A visitation will be held from 4-8 P.M. on Tuesday at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls and from 10-11 A.M. on Wednesday at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN. A parish prayer wake service will be at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Clara was born on August 12, 1928 in Sobieski, MN to the late Martin and Anna (Kupka) Kokett. She grew up in Sobieski, MN where she attended school at Country School House #25. Clara was united in marriage to John Holtz on May 26, 1947 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN. The couple made their home in Sobieski for 60 years. John and Clara raised 12 children. She thoroughly enjoyed gardening, reading, bird watching, and traveling to see her far away family. Clara’s family was most important to her as she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She dedicated much of her time to volunteering at St. Otto’s Care Center, St. Gabriel’s Hospital and Alverna Apartments. Volunteering allowed her to stay connected to people and help people which was all done in the name of Jesus whom she loved so dearly. In 2013 Clara received the Volunteer of the Year Award and was very honored by this award and recognition. Clara was a life long member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her large family whom she so greatly loved. Blessed be her memory and may Clara rest in peace. Clara is survived by her 12 children: sons, John Holtz Jr., Gerard (Darlene) Holtz, Mike (Sue) Holtz, Rick (Barb) Holtz, and Marty (Kelly) Holtz; daughters, Ann (Carroll) Schmidtknecht, Mary (Doug) Gwost, Betty (Joe) Schumacher, Terri (Joe) Pickar, Joan (Pat) Mackedanz, Sue (Denny) Heath, and Kathy (Curt) Robbins; sister, Phinee Zak; sister-in-law, Mary Kokett; 36 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Clara was greeted into heaven by beloved husband, John Holtz; grandson, Jonathon Robbins; granddaughter, Benita Nelson; great-grandson, Gunther Schmidtknecht; parents, Martin & Anna Kokett; brother, Ben Kokett; sisters, Dorothy Rudolph, Rose Kokett and infant sisters Bridget and Carolyn. She greeted into heaven grandson Tim Holtz. Casket bearers will be, Arianna Robbins, Hallie Holtz, Cahli Heath, Sarah Buttenhoff, Angie Wadell, Jul Hagen, Jennell Holtz and Amber Harty.

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Clara Holtz

August 12, 1928 - May 27, 2016