Katie Holtz

Katie Holtz, 96, Rib Mountain, died Sunday, March 6, 2011 surrounded by her loving family at her home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Katie was born on November 26, 1914 in Oklahoma to the late Thomas and Josephine (Schneck) Powers. She married Otto C. Holtz on Groundhog's Day, February 2, 1935 at the St. Paul's United Church of Christ church home by Reverend Grauer. The couple was blessed with the additions of their children; Dick, David and Sherry. Katie and Otto loved to dance together and Otto nicknamed his beloved wife the "Texas Butterfly". Katie was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Katie and Otto celebrated 76 years of marriage this year.

Katie was a very strong willed and private person. She always had a wonderful and modern sense of style. When she went out of the house, her clothes, make-up and hair were just right. She kept weekly hair appointments at Hair Designers for decades. Katie's most favorite place to be was in her flower gardens. Year after year, the garden would expand a little more after prodding by Otto, and more flowers, especially her favorite flower, day lilies grew. When the latest seed catalogs would come, Katie would carefully plan out her forthcoming garden. She won garden of the month twice over the years, but was often rather modest about it when people would stop by. When not "playing in the dirt", Katie was a wonderful seamstress making many of her own clothes and clothing for her children and grand children. She was also an excellent cook and baker, well known for her red Waldorf cake, canned pickles and chocolate chip cookies that the family often fought over. Katie demanded silence during Sunday afternoons when NASCAR was on, and followed many of the driver's accomplishments.

Katie's spirit will live on in the hearts and memories of those who were blessed to have known her.

Katie is survived by her beloved husband, Otto C. Holtz; children, Dick (Beverly) Holtz and Sherry (David) Tanck; daughter-in-law, Marlene Holtz; grandchildren, Becky (Wade) Weiland, Jon Holtz, Nonie Holtz, Bart (fiancé Dawn Filkouski) Holtz, Kim (Cory) Gladden, Fritz Holtz, Heather (Tim) Grace and Heidi (Eric) Presteen; great-grandchildren, Kyle Holtz, Baylee Holtz, Brenna Holtz, Sydney Weiland, Hannah Grace, Isabella Grace and Lauren Presteen; sister, Cinda Andreshak; sister-in-law, Edna Powers; and many extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her son, David Holtz and siblings, Annie, Peggy, Irene, Jane, Tommy, Dick and Jim.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Friday, March 11, 2011 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ. Reverend Phil Schneider will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday at the church and last until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at www.helke.com.

The family would like to specially thank the nurses and staff of the Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their compassionate and loving care for Katie and the family in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Katie's memory. (426 Washington Street, Wausau, WI 54403) or to the Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services (Aspirus CCHS Fund, Aspirus Health Foundation, 425 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau, WI 54401).