John P. Holzhauser

John Paul Holzhauser, 89, of Gettysburg, passed away January 29, 2023, at Gilbert, AZ in the House of the Valley Hospice after 80 days of illness. His heart had worn out by years of loving people and life.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 6, 2023, at the church with visitation one-hour prior.
John Paul Holzhauser was born October 30, 1933, at Plankinton, SD to John Joseph and Elizabeth (Kesel) Holzhauser as their eighth of nine children. He grew up in the White Lake area and attended school until the eighth grade. He started working at an early age and continued to work hard throughout the rest of his life.
On June 2, 1955, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Mitchell, SD he married Patricia Louise Crawford on a very hot day. They would live in the Pukwana, SD area until moving to Agar, SD in 1958 and eventually moved to Gettysburg, SD in 1976. During those years they were blessed with four children. John Joseph was born in 1956, Michael James in 1957, Craig Lee in 1960 and Paula Rae in 1964.
He was employed as a heavy equipment operator by Sully County Highway Department for 16 years and then by the South Dakota Department of Transportation for another 18 years. He worked many other jobs during those years as well. He retired in 1994 with a desire to be away from the snow and cold, therefore he and Pat began traveling to Arizona and did so for the next 29 years.
John and Pat had many great memories including when their son was ordained a Catholic priest, Fr. Joe Holzhauser, Pierre SD, when their son Michael, Pierre SD, married Ann Kratochvill, when their son Craig, Houston TX, married Kate Tooman and when Paula, Madelia MN, married Doug Paterson. As a grandfather, John enjoyed his eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. John along with Pat were known to visit a gambling casino over the years. Since John and Pat were members of large families, they had many siblings and extended families that John cherished.
John was very open to engage in conversation with everyone he encountered. As a result, he will be missed by many, but his Catholic faith was very important to him and carried him through the joys and sorrows of life. It was important that his bride of 67 years and children be with him for the Masses and the Sacraments during the final days. Requiescat in pace!
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with John's arrangements.