Jonathan Sherburne Holzapfel II

Jonathan Sherburne Holzapfel II, age 46, of Vero Beach, mercifully was released from the iron-grip of the universe's twistedness (aggressive cancer) as he drifted peacefully into the next realm on September 24, 2024. He was at home surrounded by members of his family, a multitude of Yoda figurines guiding him to a new alliance in the great beyond, and his eternally faithful and protective ChiWeenie, Olive, who was prone to loudly put herself in the way of anyone who came between her and her person.
Jon, Jonny, Jonathan - he answered to all names - is survived by his partner in all things (except crime) Angel, his wife of 22 years and love of his life. She will accept any and all condolences for having been left with now a lifetime love of the Chicago Bears.
He is also survived by his mother Elizabeth Holzapfel; sisters - Connie (Brian) Eaton, Robin Prue, Mary Medeiros, Cathy (Ronald) Willer, and Kelly Ann (David) Markowitz; stepchildren, Jonathan Little and Brittany Little; step grandchildren - Sophia, Luke, Addie, and Alora; and a multitude of adoring nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jonathan Sherburne Holzapfel, as well as his cherished and extensive Budweiser beer stein collection, both of which were taken from this Earth much too soon.
Despite a fervent wish to be driven across the state line so he would take his last breath outside of Florida, Jonny's life started and ended in Vero Beach. While there were stints in various places across the country, Vero was his home. It was where he met and married his wife and where they created a life to be nearby his stepchildren, grandchildren, mother, nieces, nephews, friends, favorite karaoke bars, and college football (Go 'Canes).
Jon was extraordinarily talented at many things, leading him to be a jack of all trades. There's nothing he couldn't figure out, from plumbing to computers. He was the go-to person to anyone who knew him, which made him the first person those wanting free service would go to. He would always grudgingly, but lovingly, oblige. Deep down he loved helping others.
Unsure if Jonathan's love for the Star Wars franchise inadvertently began at just 6 months old when he had his first movie experience to see Empire Strikes Back, but whatever it was, he maintained that passion throughout his life. Just prior to his cancer diagnosis, Jonny was able to attend a May the Fourth Be With You Star Wars marathon with his best friend, Joe. For Jon, it was a time of light in the midst of darkness.
Jonny's passions didn't end there – from his family (normal and dysfunctional), whom he loved more than life, to his friends to the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks to the University of Miami Hurricanes. He loved reading, history, collectibles, and of course, let's not forget Dr. Pepper, barbecue, and steak and lobster. But thanks to his preschool from way back, he definitely hated peas and tuna fish.
Tremendous and heartfelt thanks go to Hospice in Vero Beach, who provided much more than nursing care for Jonathan, but also provided his family the guidance they needed to help Jonny transition to his next life. They truly embodied the words of Yoda, "In a dark place we find ourselves, and a little more knowledge lights our way."
Memorial donations in Jon's name can be made to your favorite charity or your favorite karaoke bar, where you are instructed to drink a few, as long as it's some good German beer, and reminisce about our beloved Jon, Jonny, Jonathan.