Kenneth G. Holzem

Kenneth Gene Holzem, of Wausau, Wisconsin, lived a life defined by hard work, quiet strength, and an unwavering love for his family. Born on December 17, 1935, to Laurence and Gertrude (Baumann) Holzem, Ken was raised with values of loyalty, dedication, and family values - he carried with him in everything he did.

In September of 1962, Ken met the love of his life, Carolyn Vlietstra. From that moment on, his path was set. They were married on October 30, 1965, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, beginning a partnership that would span 60 years. Together, they built a life grounded in love, commitment, and standing by each other through everything. Their wedding was celebrated at the Colonial Ballroom, where family and friends filled the dance floor to the music of the Jerry Goetsch Orchestra - a night that marked the beginning of something truly lasting.

Ken spent his working years as a professional welder for Marmet Corporation, mastering the art of welding aluminum. He took pride in doing things the right way - with precision, patience, and skill. He was also a proud member of IAM Union, standing shoulder to shoulder with others who believed in hard work and taking pride in what you build.

And Ken built things that lasted.

His work became part of the landscape around him. Many buildings in Wausau and the surrounding area still stand today as a reflection of his craftsmanship - the cross in the gym at Newman High School, the windows at Aspirus Hospital, and the Marathon County Courthouse and Jail. His work reached far beyond home as well, with projects across the United States and even abroad. Long after he is gone, pieces of his life’s work will remain standing - strong, steady, and built to last, just like him.

When Ken wasn’t working, he was where he loved to be most - outdoors. Whether it was camping in the Nicolet National Forest, trout fishing, or hunting grouse, duck, and goose, he found peace in those quiet moments. One of his favorite traditions was pheasant hunting in South Dakota with his lifelong friends, the Ostby’s - trips filled with stories, laughter, and memories that stayed with him. In later years, some of his most meaningful time was spent deer hunting with his grandchildren, passing down not just skills, but stories, values, and a way of life.

Above everything else, Ken’s world was his family.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Wendy and her husband Steve Bauer; and by his grandchildren, Timothy Holzem and his wife Leanna; Dylan Wagner and his partner Ashley Schult of Wausau, Wisconsin; Malysa Wagner and her partner Cody Ostricki of Rothschild, Wisconsin; and Bailey Bauer and her partner Evan Simonis of Plover, Wisconsin.

Being a grandfather - and great-grandfather - was something Ken carried with deep pride. He leaves behind the next generation he loved so fiercely: Abraham Kenneth Holzem, Aubrey Wood, Alijah, Bella, and Alexa Prasoeuthsy. They brought him joy, laughter, and a kind of happiness that only family can give.

He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Ruby (Otto) Holzem and Helen (Jossart) Holzem; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Corrine and Jerome Spatz; and many wonderful nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved deeply and held close to his heart.

Ken was also honored to have had many wonderful friends throughout his life - friendships he cherished and carried with him always.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Lawrence Holzem of Wausau, Wisconsin; Joane (Holzem) Engman and her husband Richard Engman of Wausau, Wisconsin; Robert “Bob” Holzem and his wife Joan (Incha) of Arcadia, California; Richard Holzem and his wife Edith (Tapper) of Weston, Wisconsin; Karen (Holzem) Seliger and her husband Mark of Hamburg, Wisconsin; Roger Holzem of Wausau, Wisconsin; Marlene (Holzem) Konopacki and her first husband Clarence, and later her husband Lyle Wolf of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; and his sister Mary Ellen Holzem of Wausau, Wisconsin, who was taken far too soon. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Klaas and Cornelia Vlietstra; sisters-in-law and their husbands, Henrietta and John Fraaza, Minnie and Henry Holstein, Grace and Daniel Merriam, Jeanette and Larry Anklam; and brother-in-law Jacob and Marilyn Vlietstra.

Ken will be remembered as a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and found joy in the simple, meaningful moments - quiet mornings in the woods, a line in the water, stories around a campfire, and the laughter of the people he loved most.

To the incredible people at Aspirus Hospice House - thank you. You didn’t just care for Ken, you gave him comfort, dignity, laughter, and love in his final weeks. He could not say enough good about all of you, and neither can we. You turned a difficult time into one filled with warmth and even moments of joy. Our family is forever grateful for the compassion you showed him and all of us.

Ken’s life will continue to live on - in the family he loved, the stories that will be told, and the work he left behind that will stand for years to come.

The Funeral Liturgy will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 621 Second Street, Wausau, with Deacon Peter Burek presiding. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Private burial will take place in Restlawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.