| Graduation Year | Class of 1956 |
| Date of Birth | Mar 21, 1938 |
| Date of Passing | Feb 07, 2024 |
| About | (no additional information) |
| Events | Merlin A. Holtz, 85, passed away on February 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with complications from COVID-19 and recent years' struggle with dementia. Merlin was born on March 21, 1938, to Ervin and Amanda (Ruehlow) Holtz, and was a lifelong resident of Watertown, Wisconsin. Merlin graduated from Watertown High School in 1956 and honorably served in the Army National Guard as a Sergeant E-5 (P), from October 15, 1961, to January 23, 1964. He dedicated many years to Holz Motors in Watertown as a salesman, where his work ethic and personable nature were well-regarded. On May 2, 1959, Merlin married Sheila E. (Lenz) Holtz, who preceded him in death on October 15, 2002. He found love again and married Marion L. (Gaugert) Holtz on November 12, 2005, who survives him. Merlin was a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church in Watertown. Earlier in life he was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Watertown where he actively participated in numerous school and church committees. His commitment to community service was evident through his involvement with the Izaak Walton League, Ducks Unlimited, Watertown Auxiliary Police Force, and various other organizations. Merlin's zest for life was contagious, and he enjoyed a wide range of activities including dancing, fishing, hunting, golfing, bowling, playing cards, woodworking, traveling, and especially spending time with friends, family, and his beloved dog, Buddy. He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Marion; children, Sandy (Scott) Christian, Dennis (Mary) Holtz, and Donna (Dan) Schleicher; grandchildren, Justin (Nicholette) Kimble, Natalie (Jesse) Heaton, Zac (Kate) Christian, Greg (Abby) Christian, Josh (Kari) Holtz, Allie (Joe Boyle) Holtz, Eric (Holly) Schleicher, Brian (Trinity) Schleicher, Kendra (Andy) Ziarnik, and Jonathon Schleicher; eleven great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Lynn (Jim) Zautner, Lori (Steve) Homann, Karen (Todd Haselau) Mueller, and Mary (Pete Richter) Gaugert-Rinka; step-grandchildren, Caleb (Sami) Zautner, Lauren (Ethan Thao) Zautner, Andy (Michelle) Homann, Nathan (Lisa) Homann, Josh (Laura Bielinski) Mueller, Tarah Mueller, and Erika Mueller; four step-great-grandchildren. Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Amanda Holtz; his first wife, Sheila E. Holtz; sister, Arlene Schmidt; brothers-in-law, Ralph Schmidt, David Lenz, Leonard Lenz, and Fred Albertz; granddaughter, Alyssa Kimble; and great-grandson, Stetson Ziarnik. A funeral service to celebrate Merlin's life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Watertown on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Seth Hoeppner officiating. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial with military honors provided by American Legion 189 will follow at Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials in Merlin's honor may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or Rainbow Hospice. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hafemeisterfh.com. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and doctors at Watertown Regional Medical Center, Pastor Seth Hoeppner, Rainbow Hospice, and Hafemeister Funeral Home for their care and support during this time. |
