Holtz, Walter "Bud"

Walter "Bud" Holtz, 84, Oconto Falls, died suddenly Friday morning, January 22, 2016 at St. Clare Memorial Hospital. He was born June 12, 1931 on the family farm in the Town of Oconto Falls to Walter and Bertha (Degmair) Holtz. Bud grew up on the farm where they raised thousands of turkeys for restaurants and as a teen, drove the delivery truck to area customers. He attended North Morgan School and graduated from Oconto Falls High School with the class of 1948.

On May 15, 1954 he married Gwen Andersen at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls. Following their marriage, the couple lived and ran the family farm as a dairy farm and is currently being operated by the third generation of Holtz's which will soon be recognized as a WI Century farm. Even after Bud retired, he still made daily trips to the farm to check on things, run for parts or lend a helping hand. He was a 20 year member of the Town Board of Oconto Falls where he also drove snow plow. Bud drove school bus for the Oconto Falls Public Schools for 9 years. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls. Bud loved being with his family, especially during deer hunting season and this past deer season, shot 2 bucks. He also enjoyed dancing and double bubble at Club 32.

Survivors are his wife of 61 years, Gwen Holtz, their five children, Chad (Cindy) Holtz, Bill (Sally) Holtz, all of Oconto Falls; Jim (fiancé Joni) Holtz, Little Suamico; John (Chris) Holtz, Shawano; Sue ("Dime") Johnson, Sobieski; 15 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; two sisters, Louise Wudtke, New London; Ruth Schroeder, Pulcifer; nieces and nephews; his special dog, Ole.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter and two brothers-in-law, Walter Wudtke and Karl Schroeder.

Visitation will be held 3-8pm Monday, January 25, 2016 at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. Visitation will continue after 10am Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at the funeral until the time of funeral services at 11am Tuesday with his classmate and friend, Pastor Bill Kamke officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls.

The Holtz family would like to thank St. Clare Memorial Hospital for the care and consideration given Bud during his short hospital stay.