Loren H. Holzinger

Loren H. Holzinger, age 81, of Lancaster, died on Saturday, June 27, 2009, surrounded by his family at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

He was born on March 10, 1928, in Lancaster, the son of Ellsworth and Ruth (Petty) Holzinger. Loren was baptized and confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church. He attended Rock School and graduated from Lancaster High School in 1946. Loren enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Japan during World War II. Following his honorable discharge in December of 1947, he was employed by the REA. On June 9, 1948, Loren was united in marriage to Shirley Johnson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. They were dairy farmers at Hurricane until 1960, when they moved to Five Points, the Johnson family farm, where Loren raised Herefords and Simmentals. During this time, Loren was also a DeKalb Seed Corn Dealer. He retired in 1989, when he and Shirley moved to Lancaster. Loren will be remembered for his special personality including his many famous comments. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, his family always came first. His interests included the Chicago Cubs, deer hunting, fishing, and the Flying Arrows Softball team.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Shirley Holzinger, Lancaster; his five children: Nancy (Tim) Coles, Lincoln, NE; Charles Holzinger, Carrollton, TX; Peggy (Greg) Jackson, Loyal, WI; Linda Holzinger, Cheyenne, WY; and David (Lynn) Holzinger, Lancaster. Bumpa will be greatly missed by ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two nieces and two nephews.

In addition to his parents, Loren was preceded in death by his sisters: Agnes Gates and Dorothy Holzinger and his brothers: Harold and Howard Holzinger.

Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial with military honors was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends called on Monday, June 29, 2009, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be given to the Lancaster High School Softball program.