Carl Richard Holtz's Obituary
Carl Richard Holtz of Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin, passed away at home on Wednesday, September 13. He was born on October 27, 1939, to Clara and Carl Holtz. Carl and his four sisters—Alice, Gladys, Dorothy, and Marion—grew up in Birnamwood.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, siblings, and son, Tim Heath. Mourning his loss but celebrating his vibrant life is his devoted wife of 37 years, Diane Holtz, and their children: Brian Holtz and Michaela Koenig (Mitterfels, Germany), Catherine Holtz (Oconomowoc, WI), Debbie (David) Holmquist (Janesville, WI), and Dawn (Bill) Leibly (Salem, WI). Carl's legacy shines on through his 13 beloved grandchildren: Abigail, Katelyn, and Ben Holmquist; Stephanie and Jennifer Holtz; Alexander and Sophia Koenig; Becky (Tony) Vis; John (Chelseah) Heath; Brad (Jessica) Leibly; Vicky (Ken) Hopkins; and his eight great-grandchildren: Mason, Carter, and Levi Heath; Tucker, Miles, and Emery Vis; and Ava and Sofia Leibly. Carl is also survived by his nieces, nephews, and their families. Additionally, he held a special bond with Kim and Tim Zelko, and their children Tyler, Noah (Sara), Sydney, Allie, Ian, and Lucas, cherishing the moments and memories they shared together. All will deeply miss his playful antics and warm heart.
A Navy veteran from 1956-1959, Carl enjoyed his time in the service. Later he devoted his work life to General Motors in Oak Creek, WI, where he met his beloved wife, Diane, and made many friends. He retired after 32 years of dedicated service.
In his free moments, Carl could often be found in his treasured garden, or cherishing moments with his rescue dogs, showing them the same boundless love he shared with his family. He relished his early morning coffee with friends and made frequent visits to Menard’s, nurturing his intrinsic love for the “art of repair.” A true master handyman, Carl had a reputation: if he couldn't fix it, it probably wasn't broken!
A memorial service to commemorate Carl's incredible journey will take place at the Wilson Funeral Home on Monday, September 25 with visitation from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, and service at 1:00 pm. Committal services with full military honors will follow at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove, WI 53182.
To truly pay homage to Carl's memory, in lieu of flowers, the family recommends channeling his passions. Consider planting a tree, letting his love for nature perpetuate, or supporting Rescue Outreach in its mission to save animals. For those touched by Carl’s boundless compassion, donations to suicide prevention organizations would be profoundly appreciated.
Carl R. Holtz: Our eternal guiding star, our forever comedian, and indisputably the best “fixer of all things.” Heaven better be ready for his jokes!
Rescue Outreach, Inc., 1023 Main Street, Union Grove, WI 53182, 262-864-5015. In-kind or financial donations accepted: Venmo @Rescue-Outreach-3 or https://rescueoutreach.com/
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