Robert Holtz
July 12, 1932 - February 18, 2017
Obituary
CROSS PLAINS-Robert J. Holtz, age 84, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at Meriter Hospital. He was born on July 12, 1932, in rural Richland Center, the son of William and Reba Holtz. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War with Foreign Service in North Africa. Robert met and married Janet Smelcer while in the service. They were married on May 16, 1953. Upon his discharge, Robert and Janet decided they would like to farm, so they rented the family farm from Robert's grandfather in 1954; purchasing it in 1957. They sold out and quit farming in 1960 and Robert began his carpentry career. He worked for various contractors until 1979 when he formed his own corporation and went into business for himself, which lasted until his retirement in 1995. While on the farm, Robert was elected Chairman of the Town of Ithaca, with a seat on the Richland County Board of Supervisors. He was a member of the VFW in Richland Center and served as trustee for two years. After moving to Cross Plains in 1961, he joined the American Legion where he served as post historian and commander. Robert is a member of St. Martin's Lutheran church since 1963, having served as vice president and member of the building committee. Robert is survived by his children, Richard (Patty) Holtz, Ronald (Julie) Holtz and Randy (Debbie) Holtz; eight grandchildren, Ronald James, Brandon Lee, Rachael, Jennifer, Joshua John, Lindsey Jean and Rhonda Kay Holtz and Troy John Irby; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet in 2013; infant son, Robert Jr.; daughter, Rhonda Lynn Irby; son, Robert D.; brother, William Holtz; and sister, Lois Duhr. Burial will be at FIVE POINTS LUTHERAN CEMETERY, Akan Township, Richland County, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2017, followed by a Celebration of Robert's Life at the AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 245, 2217 American Legion Dr., Cross Plains, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Robert's name to American Legion Post No. 245 or to St. Martin's Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Cross Plains
Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church Street
(608)798-3141
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Memories
L
Lindsey
Other •
I love you grandpa and im glad to see you in pease up in heaven with grandma, rhonda, bobby, uncle dickie and everyone else thats up there with you!!! You will be missed and never forgotten!!! I love to death!!!
JH
Jim Holtz
Other •
Very few people leave such an indelible imprint on our lives the way my Grandfather did with everyone who knew him. His generosity, kindness, humor, and love will be missed greatly. It was a privilege to be your Grandson and in every aspect of my life I will continue to honor you as I carry on your name and legacy. I know that you're home now and happy to be reunited with Grandma. Give her a hug and kiss for me and I'll see you both again one day. I love you Grandpa.
MR
Michael Roessler
Other •
Mike Roessler
I worked with Bob and when I was just out of high school. He was knowledgeable, kind and very forgiving. He had to be to train a left handed carpenter. Bob and Janet raised a great family . The Cross Plains community will surely miss his dedication to the American Legion post 245, his exceptional witt and humor.
JS
Jamie Schultz
Other •
Holtz Family, I cherish the memories of growing with Rhonda and living on Esser Street. Bob was a special man and always loved his family dearly. Blessings and Prayers to all of you, Rest in Peace Bob~Jamie Schultz and Family.
DC
Dan Cady
Other •
A Great Friend will be dearly missed, Bob, Jan, Pat & I had great times together , legion events, bowling etc. These are the times to remember good people. Bob & Jan's 34th Anniversary in Dubuque, Iowa.
Dan & Pat Cady
CM
Cynthia Matz
Other •
I am so sorry for your loss! I just buried my Dad, Bob Matz, this past Friday.
On February 9th, upon hearing the news that my Dad was dying, Bob Holtz said in an email to me:
"Seems that my old Buddy Bob is about to leave us. I pray that if it is to be, let it be painless. He has suffered enough. I feel as though I am losing another brother. This will be the passing of the fourth member of the Biggs Field Five: Ken Lamaere, Al Lamberty, Greg Reuter, Bob Matz, and Bob Holtz. We had a friendship unequaled by anything. Please give my salute to your dad for me, Cindy".
Your Dad was the last of the team, so now they can play baseball together.
On my Dad's last day, February 10, 2017, he talked to everyone who visited him about Bob Holtz, and that Bob Holtz had saved his life. They were stationed together in El Paso. My Dad hated El Paso though, and one day after coming off of duty that night, he pulled aside Bob Holtz and said "Bob, get me the hell outta here." Bob warned my dad that a transfer would likely mean being sent to Korea. My Dad, unwisely, said "I don't care. Get me outta here."
My Dad went to get some shuteye after his shift. About an hour later, Bob Holtz woke him up and said "Pack your gear. You leave in an hour". Bob found a way to transfer my Dad to England, rather than Korea.
Bob Holtz is, and always will be, honored in my family for this act of kindness. He saved my Dad's life, and my Dad knew it and told everyone so. I told Bob this in an email on February 11th, after my Dad passed away peacefully in his sleep.
I mourn for you, as I mourn my own Dad. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
...and so passes the last of the Biggs Field Five.
Cindy Matz