Robert E. Holtz

Robert "Bob" Earl Holtz, age 91, died on Saturday April 20th, 2024, in St. Paul, MN after suffering a stroke. He was preceded in death by Lois, his wife of 68 years, and is survived by their children, Debra, Joel, Timothy (Gladys), Michael (Katie) and Jon (Ning Ning) and many other relatives.

Bob was the fourth grandchild of 51 of Otto and Sophia Holtz. He was the oldest of three sons (brothers Don and Paul). Bob was born in Plato, MN on January 20th, 1933 to Reuben and Bertha (nee Rolf). He attended Concordia Academy and Junior College in St. Paul from 1946-1952 and a summer school session at Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska. He then taught all eight grades at the Lutheran Elementary School in Dodge Center, MN before finishing his final two undergrad years at Concordia in Seward, Nebraska, in 1953-1955.

Shortly after graduation, he married Lois Brakenhoff of Columbus, Nebraska. They then moved to Albany, NY where Bob started Our Savior’s Lutheran School in the fall of 1956. By the fall of 1961 the school had grades K-6. In the spring of 1962 Bob received an invitation to teach at his alma mater, Concordia College in St. Paul. After teaching one year in the college and a year at the academy, he took off a year from teaching and earned a Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota and returned to teach at Concordia College/University. He retired in October of 1996, but taught part time for another five or six years. In 1972 he also earned his doctorate. His last service at Concordia was at age 81, helping team teach an honors course for talented college freshmen.

Bob served on a variety of committees, local and national. He was also a serious birder locally and worldwide. He birded on all continents except Antarctica. His life list of birds observed was nearly 2500. His other hobbies included being an avid reader, a regular walker and a singer. He was a choir member for many years at his church, St. Stephanus Lutheran, in St. Paul, where he was one of several soloists.

Memorial service 11:00 AM Saturday, April 27 at St. Stephanus Lutheran Church, 739 Lafond Ave., St. Paul.    Visitation from 10-11 AM Saturday at the church. Private interment Roselawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Biology Bob Scholarship fund at Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, to the attention of Mark Hill, or any place of your choosing.