Obituary of Victor L. Holtz

Victor L. Holtz, lovingly remembered as “Gramps”, 89, of the Town of Sigel, passed away on his family farm, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, May 31, 2019.

Victor was born June 17, 1929 in the Town of Leola, WI to Leslie and Margaret (Femling) Holtz.  Victor grew up on the family farm in Vesper, WI.  He worked at Preway, Sanna Dairy, and Weyerhaeuser before farming full time.  In 1971 he fulfilled his lifelong dream and purchased his Uncle Dave’s dairy farm in Rudolph.   He passed the love of farming on to his two sons and grandchildren.  After retirement, he enjoyed running errands for the farm, mowing lawn and keeping an eye on the “boys”.  You would never catch him without his pipe, even if it was smoking in his pocket.  Every fall, he looked forward to helping with the cranberry harvest. Gramps loved watching his grandchildren show cattle at the fair.  He loved his collection of antique John Deere tractors.  At family gatherings you would often find Gramps enjoying time with the grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He also loved spending time at the cabin up north.   In later years, he enjoyed traveling to Florida in the winter with his brother, Gary. Victor enjoyed following the Packers and Brewers. 

Victor married Mary Alyce Schmitt on May 23, 1959 in Wausau, Wisconsin.  They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.   They were blessed with three children, Lyle, Laurie and Les.

Victor is survived by his wife Mary, and his children: Lyle (Ruth) Holtz, Laurie (Chris) Van Ert, and Les (Audrey) Holtz.  Grandchildren: Samantha (Jake) McCormick, Kyle and Danielle Holtz; Matt and Kayla Van Ert; Nicole (Russell) Clarke, Barb Lucas, and honorary grandchild, Curt Agen.  Great grandchildren: Mia, Sean, Jacob, and soon to be Baby McCormick.  His siblings: Lois Gellerman of Wisconsin Rapids; Dorothy Berger of Racine; Sue (Ron) Flynn of Stoughton; his sisters-in-law: Bertha Holtz of Westfield; Bonnie Holtz of Vesper; and Janet (Jerry) Meddaugh of Wisconsin Rapids. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. 

In addition to his parents, Les and Margaret Holtz, he is preceded in death by his brothers: Keith, Gary, Loyal “Bubs”, Floyd, and Wendell; and his sister, Neva Marceau. He is further preceded in death by his brothers-in-law: Erwin Gellerman, Dave Marceau, and Werner Berger.

A Celebration of Life gathering will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the Vesper Community Center from noon until 5 p.m. Food and beverages will be served.  Please bring your favorite memories of Victor to share. A private burial will take place at a later date. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Holtz Family.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Heartland Hospice Care, especially Melissa and Laura, for the wonderful care given to Victor and the entire Holtz family.