Gerald “Jerry” L. Holtz
1941-2021
Gerald “Jerry” L. Holtz, age 80, of Rib Lake passed away on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at the Aspirus Medford Hospital in Medford. Jerry was born in his home on May 12, 1941, in the Town of Browning, Wis., to the late Norman and Eleanor
(Schlais) Holtz. going to as many polka festivities as possible and learned later in life to play the concertina. Jerry had a love of barbequing on the grill year-round with his polka music on the radio and loved to watch Marlene dance. In their younger years, Jerry and Marlene vacationed all over the United States. They would travel after the veal calves were shipped to market and were free to go until it was time to get new baby calves in and begin the process all over again. Together, Jerry and Marlene fed 589 calves per batch. Jerry was active throughout his entire life, working until the age of 76. His favorite job was trucking for J. Bauer Trucking Company. Poor health finally led him to full retirement.
Survivors include his wife, Marlene Holtz; his children, Debra (Wayne) Fuchs, Michael (Chrissy) Holtz, Scott (Renee) Zondlo, Paul Zondlo, and Laurie Zondlo; his grandchildren, Josh (Anna) Fuchs, Andrea (Ted) Peche, Alex Holtz, Jake (Brooke) Holtz, Breanne (Kelly) Polacek, and Brooke (Pete) Klingbeil; his great-grandchildren, Annalee Roder, Zayne and Rylee Peche, Waylon and Ellis Klingbeil, and Lenora and Kearan Polacek; his brother, Jim (Diane) Holtz; his sisters, Beverly (Mike) Peterson, and Carol Zahnen; his sisters-in-law, Liz Carroll and Barb Carroll; his sisters and brother-in law, Kathleen (Ray) Synol, Karen (Ken) Steinman, Joanie (Jim) Gebauer, Sandy (Rod) Klimeck, Billy (Mary) Niggemann, and Teri Zimmerman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Eleanor; his first wife, Madeline; his sister, Shirley Miller; his brothers-in-law, Bill Miller, Albert Carroll, and Larry (Judy) Holtz; his grandson, Brent Zondlo; his in-laws, Emily Niggemann and Oliver and Edna Carroll. Last but not least, he leaves behind his fur babies, Kuhn the Boxer, and Neldy the barn cat.
View Jerry’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk Memorial services for Gerald Holtz will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021, at 11 a.m., at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Rib Lake. Pastor Kenneth Bittorf will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the St. Peter’s Cemetery.
He attended the Mathey Grade School and later graduated from Medford High School with the Class of 1959. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served in the 23rd Engineer Battalion, Hanau, Germany. He was honorably discharged SP-4 in 1962. Jerry was married to Madeline Carroll on Oct. 26, 1963, at the Medford Emmanuel Church; she preceded him in death in May of 1987.
Jerry entered the workforce holding various positions with Greenheck, American Motors, Ohio Medical Equipment, Oscar Mayer, Gad Cheese, O& N Lumber, Hurds, Melvin Co, Kenosha Sand & Gravel, Swift Fertilizer, J. Bauer Trucking Company, and was the operator of a veal farm and calf stall business.
On July 22, 1988, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Rib Lake, he married Marlene Niggemann Zondlo. Together, they raised milk-fed veal for many years.
Jerry enjoyed his large family and all the gatherings they had. He loved driving his 18-wheeler over the road and seeing the country. He also enjoyed is assisting the family.
Paid Obituary 112788
