Holtz, Terry 1962 - 2023

HOLTZ, SEXE, LUNDGREN, WALLACE, YAUGER, SOWIEJA, HINDEN, ALLEN, REICHEL, ARNDT, ROMO

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 8/18/2023 at 11:13:46

U.S. Veteran

Terry Holtz, age 60, of rural Decorah, IA passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at his home after a long battle with cancer.

Committal service and burial will be at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston, MN, with a Celebration of Life to follow at Terry and Jodi’s home (3868 279th Ave, Decorah IA 52101). If you are planning to attend the Celebration of Life, bring a lawn chair if desired.

Terry was born August 27, 1962, in Mankato, MN, to Darrel and Mildred (Sexe) Holtz. Terry spent his childhood playing and working outdoors. He enjoyed spending time with his grandparents and cousins. During high school, Terry began working at a mink ranch, where he was introduced to hunting, fishing, and trapping, furthering his love for the outdoors.

He graduated from St. Peter High School in 1980. After graduating high school, Terry proudly served his country in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Terry returned to St. Peter to raise his family. He was passionate about working hard and doing what he loved, including working with animals, hunting, fishing, trapping, and horseback riding. Terry participated in rendezvousing, where he continued his love for the outdoors and reenacting the life of a mountain man. He began raising livestock with his grandfather and later continued raising them independently. He loved working with horses and appreciated their role in working livestock and trail-riding. He went so far as procuring and taming wild mustangs. He enjoyed gardening and preserving its harvest.

Terry lived life to the fullest and never wanted to have regrets. It was his adventurous spirit that led him to tour the country as a teenager, guide elk hunters in Colorado, and drive a stagecoach in North Dakota. Terry worked various jobs and owned businesses in construction, Christmas wreaths, birch branches, and logging and milling. He loved working with wood and made rugged, cabin-style furniture.

Terry was an avid storyteller and truly loved just talking to people. He was known for being blunt and honest, yet people were drawn to him. He had a deep voice that could be heard in a crowd, loved harassing others, and enjoyed being harassed in return.

Terry’s joy for life included quality time and adventures with his soul mate, Jodi. Together, they made situations that were hard appear easy. He was truly whole when they were together and that was evident by their mutual respect and love for each other.

Terry was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching and participating in sports and school functions. He found joy in teaching and passing along his knowledge and passions. He believed the best gift he could give was time.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Millie Lundgren, and brothers, Timothy Holtz and Terry Lundgren.

He is survived by his wife Jodi Holtz; children Jessica Wallace, Junction City, KS; Holly (Mike Yauger) Holtz, Mankato, MN; Travis (Kirsten) Holtz, Le Sueur, MN; Samuel Sowieja, St. Peter, MN; and eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his father and stepmother Darrel and Ruth Holtz, Mankato, MN; stepfather Richard Lundgren, St. Peter, MN; siblings Kari Hinden; Angie Lundgren; Ronda (Bruce) Allen; Becky (Michelle) Reichel; Richard (Amy) Reichel; Robert (Holly) Reichel; Todd Lundgren; Jamie Arndt; Father-in-law and mother-in-law Jay and Mary Jo Sowieja; Brother-in-law Jay (Kari) Sowieja; Sister-in-Law Nichole (Andy) Romo; and many nieces and nephews.

Source: Helms Funeral Home database