Roger Lloyd Holtz

Roger Lloyd Holtz, devoted husband, father of three daughters, and phenomenal musician, died suddenly on June 3rd, 2025. He was at his dream home in Chelsea, Michigan, where he and his wife Kathy moved in 2020 after living in Ann Arbor for 45 years. He had just turned 75. Roger was born April 4, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan to Charles Lawrence, and Audrey Margaret Holtz (nee Williston).

Roger grew up in Birmingham, MI and graduated from Seaholm High School in 1968. He then went to the University of Michigan School of Music where he earned his Bachelor of Choral Music Education, with a focus on conducting. He was involved in a myriad of musical groups, including the Youth for Understanding Chorale, Michigan Men's Glee Club, and the U of M Chamber Choir. At one point, he was a member of twelve choirs at the same time. Roger never did anything on a small scale.

This musical savant then moved to Midland, Michigan, where he taught High School choral music and met the woman who was to be his great love, Kathy (Kathleen) Heffernan. They married in 1974, and moved to Ann Arbor the next year. He started work at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital as a transporter, eventually becoming a purchasing agent. His girls loved visiting him at his office, where he would give them treasures like latex gloves (which they would make into balloons), pen lights, and whistles. In addition to the hospital, he worked part-time as a musician at Christ the King Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, MI. Roger was hired on full-time as Music Director at Christ the King in 2000.

Attending Mass where Roger led music was a holy adventure. He knew how to pull the most passion and emotion out of a choir, which filled the entire church, and our hearts, with worship. After his retirement in 2017, Roger volunteered at the Saint Mary Mission in Flint, MI doing handyman work, and continued to compose, play, and lead music.

Roger was tremendously loved by many, though he did not realize this. He was humble and kind and led his life in this way. He took his family on summer vacation every year, camping in National Parks across the country-even in the rain. He loved to read, landscape around the house, and was a Michelin star breakfast maker. Roger was lighthearted, intelligent, and generous and he instilled a love of nature, music, and service in his family and friends.

Roger is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy. He is also survived by his daughters, Bridget, (Austin, TX), Margaret, (Eagle River, Alaska), Christine (Livermore, CO) and her honey, Craig Pytlik; brother Charles "Chuck" Holtz; sister, Carol (Dana) Holtz-Martin; and many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Audrey; in-laws, Dr. Daniel and Beverly Heffernan; and his nephew, Chris Stout.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, with a scripture service starting at 6:30 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, June 11th, 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church, with visitation starting at 10:00 am. The funeral will be live-streamed; a link is provided below. Luncheon will follow the mass. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Clinic, https://thehopeclinic.org/, or Saint Mary Mission Flint, 2500 North Franklin, Flint, MI 48506. Please put "Catholic Worker Fund" in the memo. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.