Albert "AJ" Holtz Jr.

*ALBERT ‘AJ’ HOLTZ, JR. *age 84 of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Tuesday afternoon July 1, 2008 at the Sturgis Hospital.

He was born October 25, 1923 in Sturgis a son to the late Albert & Cleo (Dunafin) Holtz.

AJ was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1942.

On June 19, 1948 he married Helen Markus in Sturgis.

Following 40 years of dedicated employment as a foreman with the Kirsch Company in Sturgis he retired in 1982.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis AND Neuman-Wenzel Post #73 American Legion.

AJ was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army earning the rank of PFC. He was proud to have served under General George S. Patton with the 3rd Armored Division. AJ was involved in the battles of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon with 5 Bronze Stars, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorius Unit Award and the WWII Victory Medal. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

AJ is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Helen, 2 Daughters; Brenda (George Derbalian) Edmonds of Manistee and Ellen (John) Schull of Sturgis, 3 Granddaughters; Carissa (Peter) Newman of Battle Creek, Amber Schull of Kalamazoo and Kileigh Schull of Sturgis, 1 Grandson; John (Chasity) Goucker of Irons, 1 Great Grandson; Ajae Gouker of Irons, 1 Sister; Caroline (Nelson) Wooster of Sturgis and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, 1 Daughter; Kim Holtz, 2 Brothers; Dale Holtz and Charles Holtz and 1 Sister, Sharon Holtz.

A private graveside service and burial took place today at Lakeside Cemetery in Colon. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis officiated. Full military rites were conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.

The *Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis* handled the arrangements.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Holtz’s memory consider the Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or the American Diabetes Association, 648 Monroe Avenue NW, Suite #004, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

The obituary is also at www.Legacy.com