Richard Holtz

Richard ‘Dick’ C. Holtz, age 79 of Litchfield, MN died on Friday October 20, 2023 at his home in Litchfield, MN.  A funeral service will be held at 9:00 AM on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 29 at Johnson Hagglund Funeral and Cremation Service in Litchfield, MN.  Interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.  Military Honors will be provided by the Litchfield Military Honor Guard. 

Richard Carlton Holtz was born December 5, 1943 in Richmond, California.  The son of Robert and Bernice (Kunze) Holtz.  Richard was baptized as an infant and confirmed in his faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN.  He graduated from Litchfield high school in 1961, and then enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1961.  Richard attended various schools and graduated from submarine school in August 1962.

He served abroad USS Balao (SS285), USS Sea Poacher (SS406,) and USS Pickerel (SS524), and he also served in Washington DC for 2 years.  Richard traveled entirely around the world, and was a Veteran of the Vietnam war.  He was honorably discharged from the US Navy on Dec 10, 1970.

Richard married LuAnn Gimse in 1974 and they had three chilldren together. Although they divorced in 1985, they were able to remain friends throughout the years. Returning home to Litchfield he had various jobs.  He was employed by Cargill for 12 years, managed the Darwin elevator for 2 years, and then went to work for Sparboe Farm in 1989, where he worked in the Ag-tech department for 20 years.  He retired from Sparboe Farms in May 2009.  Richard worked part-time for Runnings starting in May of 2010.  He loved this job and looked forward to going to work every day.

Richard was a life member of the VFW Post 2818, and a post commander.  He was a life member of the USSUI, Holland Club, ISA, USS Sea Poacher, post commander of the USS Meeker County Navy Club, and a member of the Litchfield Military Honor Guard.

Richard loved politics, the Minnesota Vikings, NASCAR, playing poker and helping older Veterans. He also loved having morning coffee at Swans Cafe with his group of Veterans.  He loved telling his “SO THERE I WAS” stories as his friends can attest to.  He loved family gatherings, spending time with his daughters and watching his grandchildren grow up. 

Richard loved music, either dancing with the grandkids or going out to bands with his friend Wanda! He especially loved the annual Holtz reunion picnic every year at Lake Ripley.

Richard is survived by his daughters; Jennifer (Craig) Fearing of Monticello, MN, Sadie Rae (Tim) Tyler of Mercer, WI.  Son Orrin of Phoenix, AZ.  Sisters; Karen (David) Winters of Byron MN, Mardell Starr and special friend Dale Johnston of Milford, IA.  Sister-in-Law; Pat Holtz of WA.  Grandchildren; Lucy, Lewis, Alex, Lilyan and Brayden.  Many nieces and nephews, and his long-time friend Wanda Rath of Hutchinson, MN. 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; Robert and Bernice Holtz, sister Diane (Donald) Dougherty; Brother Darrell Holtz, brother-in-law Dick Starr; former wife, LuAnn Gimse and of course beloved dog, Scooter.