Sheila Holzworth

Des Moines

Sheila M. Holzworth, age 51, passed away of cancer on March 29, 2013. Sheila was born on August 28, 1961 to Dr Paul R. Holzworth, M.D. and Martha W. Holzworth. She attended Holy Trinity Catholic School, Dowling Catholic High School and was a graduate of Central College in Pella, Iowa. Sheila was employed by a Fortune 500 Company for 23 years.

Since going blind at age ten, she achieved many milestones. She was an Olympic Gold Medalist in snow ski and World Cup water ski competitions representing the United States. Among many various awards and recognition events, Sheila was the first blind woman to reach the summit of Mt Rainier, received the honor of one of the Ten Most Outstanding Young Americans, was invited to the White House for receptions with President Reagan and President George Bush, was given the First Lady of Iowa Athletics Award, and is in the Dowling Hall of Fame.

Sheila was a long time member and past president of the Saylorville Dam Snowmobile Club as well as a member of the Iowa Thoroughbred Association along with other organizations and non profits. Her motto was "Seize the Moment" which everyone who knew her knows she certainly lived up to. Her remarkable sense of humor and her zest for life was what set her apart from everyone else and she will be sorely missed in the days that follow. Sheila was a true friend in every sense of the word.

Sheila thoroughly enjoyed a variety of activities ranging from snowmobiling with friends to riding her Harley Davidson motorcycle. Many friends came and wore their purple as they joined her in watching her horse's race at Prairie Meadows. Visiting friends in South Padre, TX and traveling to resort beaches in Mexico and the Dominican Republic were special events she remembered fondly. The activity that topped her list was going on their weekly fishing trip with her Dad to their farm pond. Their time together and fishing stories were unsurpassed.

She is survived by her beloved father, Dr. Paul R. Holzworth, M.D., the Gene De Heer family in Pella, many caring and loyal friends and her dogs, Foster and Arther, and her horses Shooter and Punkin. Sheila had five siblings eight nieces and nephews and two great nephews. Preceding her in death was her mother, Martha W. Holzworth, her sister Mary, and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Alva Holzworth and Mr. and Mrs. Victor (Bud) Walsh. She will be greeted by her Vizsla dogs and again be riding her horse and best friend, Fargo, as she crosses into Heaven.

Funeral services will be held 10 am Monday, April 1, 2013, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Private burial of the cremated remains be will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Sheila asked that any memorials you choose to present be sent to: Iowa Vizsla Rescue %Leanne Lauber, 923 Arkansas Avenue, Ames Iowa 50014. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Mar. 30 to Apr. 1, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Sheila Holzworth

66 Entries

Kimberly Smith

March 24, 2023

I still miss her everyday and her wicked sense of humor! I have so many wonderful memories of our adventures together! Love you girlfriend!!! Have a drink on me while you wait for me to join you!

Judy Wilson

March 24, 2020

Still miss her and her wonderful laugh! She always brought a smile to everyone... especially Dickie... lot of good memories

Jane Johnson

May 22, 2013

Dr. Holzworth: I am so very sorry that you have lost another child. I just found out that Sheila passed. I must have been in your office just a day or so prior to this happening, because I remember you said she wasn't doing well with her treatments. I remember Sheila from when she came into the Department for the Blind and she was such a nice person to speak with. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences and know that I am thinking of you and your family. Sheila was quite an inspiration to others. Jane Johnson

Pam Harlow

April 16, 2013

Stephen,
You've been a loving a devoted brother of whom I know she was so proud and loved you the same. Thanks for sharing her life with us.

Dr. Holzworth,
I cherish the time I met Sheila and still marvel at her strength and enthusiasm and joie de vivre. You have a family of which you can be very proud. I am honored to know all of you.

Terri Hallberg

April 7, 2013

Dr. Holzworth and Family,
I have many fond memories of Sheila and the rest of your family, and want to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you at this time. I am Jim (and Rosie) Bell's daughter.
I smile when I recall the day I went to see Gone With the Wind with Sheila...a truly unforgettable experience. She was amazing in so many ways. Please know that my thoughts are with you at this difficult time and I am truly sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Terri(Bell)Hallberg

April 5, 2013

Dr Holzworth, My family were your patients for years. I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy Kubler ( Roy and Catherine's daughter)

Sharon Fuson Stevens-Edwards

April 3, 2013

Dear Dr. Paul I was saddened to hear of Sheilas passing, the many things she accomplished in her lifetime were amazing and such an inspiration to all. My parents would tell you Sheila was a very special gift from our Heavenly Father. A verse that has given my family strength is: They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 May our Lord give you strength and hold you in His arms in this time of loss.
Sharon Fuson Stevens Edwards

Crystal Phelan

April 3, 2013

Dear Holzworth Family
I am so sorry for your loss! I am deeply saddened by her passing. She taught me a lot when I worked for Principal Financial. She was inspiring and amazing and really opened my mind and my heart and my spirit.
My sincere sympathy for your loss.
Crystal

April 3, 2013

Dear Holzworth Family,

May our thoughts and prayers be with your family and friends. There are so many special moments with Sheila to love and cry and laugh. May these memories heal your hearts.

Fondly,

Glenda Anderson and family

April 2, 2013

So sorry to hear of Sheila's passing. We are sure she is enjoying all her animal friends. Remember all of your good fishing memories. Bob and Pat Merkel, Wrenegrade Kennels, Jesup,Iowa

Jeanie Johnston

April 2, 2013

Dr Holzworth, Steve and Bev,
Sheila - an unparalled zest for life, for adventure, for laughter, for breaking stereotypes, for redefining her world and for dragging the rest of us along with her (happily, no less). Your loss is profound. She will be missed by so many, yet I know she will be making her same indelible mark on this next phase in her journey. How could she not? You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dave and Pat Graczyk

April 2, 2013

Dear Stephen,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister, Shelia. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deepest Sympathy.

April 2, 2013

Bev: Just bet Sheila and Dickie are sitting on the porch having a cold one! I can just see them laughing once again about BOOT SCOOT BOOGIE!
Paul: Your daughter! Wonderful gal. I was so PROUD to call her my friend. She loved driving our golf cart around Paton. Take care..thinking of you all..
Judy Wilson aka Juice
Jefferson Iowa

April 1, 2013

Well, I bet Sheila is laughing so hard about now...I wrote a note in this Guest Book after Jeff had text me this morning. HA I must not have done it correctly...duh. Well try it again.
Judy Wilson aka Juice
Paton/Jefferson Iowa

Linda Kelly

April 1, 2013

I send heartfelt messages of sympathy on behalf of the vizsla club of America upon learning of Sheila's passing. I remember meeting the Holzworth family when victor was being shown at dog shows
God speed, Sheila !

Amy Lynde

April 1, 2013

I work at Principal and had the opportunity to attend a class that Sheila taught. She was so funny and inspiring at the same time. I was so impressed by her. I learned more from her that day and on so many different levels. She made an imprint that will last forever. Also, I never met her dad, but my uncle, Shie Foudree, used to talk about her dad, the Doctor, to me all the time. However, now I can't remember the connection, whether you were neighbors, or hunted his land or worked for him in the past, but if he were here today, he would want to send well wishes to you, so I will send them for him. :) God Bless!

April 1, 2013

Dear Paul, Stephen, Bev and Family:

My heart is saddened to hear of the death of Sheila. She was a special lady and a good friend. Sheila was a real trooper and loved to travel. I will always remember when we were on a trip together in Alaska, and we were shopping for clothes. She told me her favorite color was purple and she wanted a purple cap!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless!
Bonnie Humble

Janet Irish-Somerville

April 1, 2013

I am so sorry and saddened to hear of the loss of my childhood friend. Shelia was my horseback riding and field trial buddy. I have such fond memories of our sleepovers and horseback riding adventures. My prayers and thoughts go out to the Holzworth family.

The Sabin Family

April 1, 2013

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.

April 1, 2013

Bev; Thanks to you I had the pleasure of
knowing Shelia. WOW What a Gal! Bet
she is doing the BOOT SCOOT BOOGIE
and having a cold one with Dickie!!
Paul: An amazing daughter. We all have
learned a great deal from Sheila.
I am so proud to call her a FRIEND.
Will always treasure our many
laughs!
Prayers and Hugs to you all...
Judy Wilson aka Juice
Jefferson Iowa

Prayers and hugs to you all.
Judy Wilson aka Juice
Jefferson Iowa

Jill Powell

April 1, 2013

Although the loss of a daughter, sister, friend is so painful, know that Sheila has moved on to her most amazing journey of all. You are much in my thoughts and prayers.

April 1, 2013

I know you are w/your Lord & Savior.You are seeing w/incredible sight. You go girl!!

Mark Nelson

April 1, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all I am deeply saddened with the news of Sheila's passing she was a great babysitter,

April 1, 2013

Stephen, our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Our prayers are with you. Bridget and family

Namcy Smith

April 1, 2013

Our sympathy to Shelia's family and Bev. We had the honor to know her through Bev. She was an amazing gal! May God be with you during this difficult time. Nancy and Kenny Smith. Britt,Ia.

Julie

April 1, 2013

Dr. Holzworth and Family,
Our deepsest symapthies to you and the family. Sheila's smile and laughter was contagious; she could brighten the day by walking in a room. She leaves an amazing legacy. God bless you all.

MIke & Nini Long

April 1, 2013

Dr Holzworth and family.... our prayers and thoughts...Sheila was a very special and truly amazing person...Rest peace Sheila

April 1, 2013

Our deepest sympathies

Dr. Dixon and Liz Appel

March 31, 2013

Our most heartfelt sympathies to the Holzworth family and Bev. Sheila always made us laugh and could dish it out as well as she could take it especially from my husband Dixon. She certainly loved her animals and was an inspiration to me the way she lived her life. I will always remember her strong spirit and her sense of humor.

Jim Pizinger

March 31, 2013

To all of the family,I'm truelly sorry for the recent losses of your family.I have a lot of great memories.Thank all of you for those. God bless and knowing Sheila was a bonus in my life. J.p.

Cindy and Richard Boyce

March 31, 2013

My dad, Richard Boyce, just reminded me of another story about how Sheila was training our dog, Ace, and then had to let him go because of her accident. We want to tell you how much we LOVED ACE and how well she had trained him. We will always be forever grateful to her and you for him. Now, she is with him in Heaven waiting for all of us to be reunited again.

Denny and Ellen Grant

March 31, 2013

To Dr Holzworth and Family,
Our deepest sympathies to you and the family. We heard many stories about Sheila's remarkable life from Joel. We pray that she is gazing on heavens glorious beauty now and basking in the Father's love.

Ginger and Bob Downing

March 31, 2013

Paul and Bev, I wish I could be there with you at this sad time. We have all made some wonderful memories with our friendship through Sheila. Words fail to bring solice today, but our meories will remain clear and bright.
Travel is out of the question right now, but Bob and I send our love.

Cathy Flaherty

March 31, 2013

Stephen - My thoughts and prayers are with all you. Although I didn't really get to know Sheila, I felt like I did through your stories of her courage. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family.

Nancy Johnson

March 31, 2013

Dr. Holzworth and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Sheila and this difficult time for your family. I worked at Principal at the same time as Sheila and would say Hi to her in the sky walks and lunch room and she always showed such a positive spirit and was an immediate inspiriation to myself and others. May precious memories become healing Blessings in the days to come. God Bless!

March 31, 2013

Sheila, May your days ahead be filled with laughter and love with your beloved horses and dogs. My prayers are with you and your family.
Melanie & Doug Germann

Terri Artis

March 31, 2013

May you see ,and smell all the flowers. Ride like the wind, my friend!

Terri Artis

March 31, 2013

The lives you touched were many. You will be greatly missed. My prayers are with your family. Rest well, my friend.
" Dancing Queen"

June 1973

Prudy (Libby) Varnado

March 31, 2013

I had the pleasure of meeting Sheila shortly after she lost her sight, when I was working at the Top of the Tower restaurant in Des Moines. I was impressed with her upbeat attitude even then and it appears she went on to do remarkable things with her life. I'm sure she will be missed my all and my thoughts and prayers are with your family. (I have attached a photo taken on that visit to the Top of the Tower showing, Sheila, with Mr. Ray, the maitre'd and Kevin DeWitt, who was their server on this occasion.)

Peggy Clarahan

March 31, 2013

Dear Paul and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Sheila's death and also learn of Mary and Martha passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May your memories bring you comfort.

March 31, 2013

Sheila will be missed. She was a truly amazing person. When we would see her it always put a smile on our faces, knowing she would bring laughter into our hearts. Rest in peace dear Sheila knowing the lives you have touched are many.
Cindy and Ken Miller

Fr. Albert Sherbo

March 30, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Sheila's passing. She was an inspiration to us all, with a life filled with great accomplishments ... and some great stories to remind us of her determination, upbeat character and sense of humor.
I will remember her at Mass on Easter Sunday and will follow up with another soon. I am unable to attend the funeral: I have a family appointment in Omaha that day. Be assured that all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come. May the promise of the resurrection we celebrate be a promise that has come true for Sheila and a consolation to you all in this time of loss.
God bless, Fr. Al Sherbo

March 30, 2013

This is a very sad day. I knew Sheila from Principal Financial Group and she was a delight at work as well as outside of work. Rest in peace, Sheila.
Larry Leonard

Ardis Glace Jay Nichols

March 30, 2013

Paul and Bev... We can't begin to express how sorry we are. Sheila. There is a void in the world's level of energy... Because Sheila brought so much energy to everything she did and every project she tackled. We are sorry.

donna leto

March 30, 2013

To the Holzworth family....
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sheila will never be forgotten. She touched and inspired so many, including me. May God bless you in the days ahead.

Carol (Smith) Wohlmut

March 30, 2013

Sending my condolences to Dr Holzworth, and all who loved Sheila.

Barbara Gieseke

March 30, 2013

I love you with all my heart. Our special connection, made us the best of friends. I will miss you deeply.

March 30, 2013

Dr Holzworth and family, we are sorry to hear of Sheila's death. Knowing she was ill with cancer, we prayed for her every day. May God be with you in the coming days. You have many great memories of her. What an inspiration to all. Dennis and Harriet Manning

linda ultang powers

March 30, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family.

Kathy Flanagan & Gene Garton

March 30, 2013

Gene and I were saddened to read about Sheila. She inspired so many people in her life. Sheila accomplished so much. It was a blessing to have known her. Sending our thoughts and prayers to your family.

Ann Hamilton-O'Reilly

March 30, 2013

Stephen, You and your family are in my prayers.

Marti Johansen

March 30, 2013

I first met Sheila at Bortell's Ranch before she had her eye accident. The first summer that she returned after the accident we were on a trail ride and her horse was being led by Uncle Glen despite her constant LOUD protests that she could handle her horse and did not want the assistance!! Next thing we knew she had grabbed her reins and off she went NEVER letting anything stand in her way again. She was an inspiration to many and left a huge legacy. My thoughts to her friends and family.

March 30, 2013

What an inspiration to us all. We were privledged to spend time with Sheila many years ago in Colorado. She had the most positive attitude. We learned a lot from her. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Holzworth family.
Bob and Debbie Morlan

Bob and Debbie Morlan

March 30, 2013

Obedient humans will soon receive the full benefit of Jesus' ransom sacrifice.
This will occur under the rule of the Kingdom for which the upright have long prayed, saying:
“Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come.
Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matthew 6:9, 10)

~Volunteer Minister~

Tom Underwood

March 30, 2013

Kevin Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. From the Tom Underwood family

Mark and Stacey Singleton

March 30, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Holzworth and Bev at this very difficult time. Sheila will be deeply missed.

Belle and John Hand

March 30, 2013

Our family is so sorry for your loss.

March 30, 2013

I was so sorry to read of Sheila's passing. I worked with Sheila in 1988 at The Principal Financial Group. My fondest memory was when we were in a leadership class for Quality Circle. Our group of 15 people made a video as our 'final exam.' The video showed Sheila's wonderful sense of humor. She always had us laughing. It was truly a gift to have known and worked with her. Rest in peace sweet Sheila.

Lisa Lavia Ryan

March 30, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the Holzworth family -- two such profound losses in such a short period of time -- and with Sheila's loyal friend and companion, Bev. May God's peace be with you all.

Beverly and Harold Harker

March 30, 2013

To the Holzworth family. It has been a joy in knowing Sheila. May God hold each of you in His comforting arms. We will always remember Sheila with love.

Barb White

March 30, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sheila was such an amazing women and will be missed deeply.
Barb and John White

Mary Whisenand

March 30, 2013

My sympathies are with you at this time of grief and my prayers are with you as you find the joy in Sheila being in heaven.

Danielle Palazzini

March 30, 2013

Stephen & Family:

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

With Deepest Sympathies,

March 30, 2013

Stephen and family-
May God's grace of peace and comfort be with you during this difficult time. My deepest sympathies,
Edie Caldwell (DFW)

The Nettles Family

March 30, 2013

We are deeply saddened by the death of Ms.Shelia. Although limited in sight, she was never really limited because of the extraordinary things she was able to accomoplish! She was such an inspiration to many! Please be comforted by the fact that God will rid of death, bring to life those who passed away, and restore sight to those who lost it. Can you imagine what she will be able to do with full sight? We can't wait to see! Take care.

Kim and Caitlin Smith

March 29, 2013

Our sincerest sympathies to Dr. Paul, Bev Boyd and all of Sheila's family in losing someone so special. What an amazing woman she was!! Sheila was and will continue to be an inspiration to many! We were very lucky to have called her friend and neighbor! She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered!!

Showing 1 - 66 of 66 results