Ward E. Holz

Ward E. Holz, 88, died peacefully at his home in Rothschild on December 10, 2014, with his loving wife by his side. Ward was born July 2, 1926 in Green Bay, Wis., to the late Earl and Estella (Roy) Holz. He graduated from Green Bay East High School, and went on to serve with the Army Air Corp. during World War II as an airplane and engine mechanic/flight engineer. After his discharge, he attended the University of Wisconsin Extension in Green Bay and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1951 with a degree in Bacteriology and Chemistry. He married Mary Ellen Early at St. John Catholic Church in Green Bay on August 26, 1950. Ward worked at the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewage District and Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Mich. After several years in Kalamazoo, he and Mary Ellen moved to Wisconsin, where he worked for Zimpro, Inc. in Rothschild, Wisconsin as Plant Operations Manager. He spent 28 years with the company, traveling extensively, before his retirement in 1984. In addition to his career, Ward was an active member in several professional and community organizations. He served as secretary, treasurer and executive secretary of the Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Association, a commissioner of the Rothschild Police and Fire Commission (18 years), a commissioner of the Rib Mountain Metropolitan Sewage District (14 years) and was a lifetime member of the Wausau Elk's Lodge #248 and the American Legion. More than anything, Ward and Mary loved spending time at their cottage with family. The pair enjoyed more than 50 wonderful years at their cottage in Lincoln County on Seven Island Lake. Ward was also instrumental in forming the Seven Island Lake Association. Ward is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mary Ellen, his nine children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His children include: Debra (Dennis) Hibray, DePere; Susan (Mark) Pohlkamp, Junction City; Karen (Stuart) Bender, Hamburg; Steven Holz and special friend Trish Jonas, Fort Atkinson; Christine (Larry) Jacques, Luxemburg; Theresa Gideon, Knoxville, Tenn.; Kathleen (Gordy) Karnopp, Green Bay; David Holz, Green Bay; Gretchen (Todd) Bedore, Suamico. Ward is survived by two brothers, Roger (Marilyn) Holz, Green Bay; Wayne (Sharon) Holz, Florida, two sisters-in-law Suzanne McKee and Julie (Pat) Boyden; and several nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his grandchildren; Laurie (Adam) Clayton, Brad (Margaret) Hibray, Erin (Cory) Giacoletto, Kyle Polhkamp , Joe (Kenna) Holz, Dan (Stacy) Holz, Ben (Mandy) Holz, Nick Jacques, Phillip Jacques, Tim Jacques, Katie Johnson, Kelsey Karnopp, Jenny Karnopp, Ashley Holz, Jason Holz, Jessica Bedore and Cassie Bedore. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2014 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. The Very Rev. Allan Slowiak will preside. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com In lieu of flowers please make a donation to one of the following organizations, which were important to Ward: St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild; St. Augustine Church, Harrison; or the Salvation Army. Mary and children would like to thank Aspirus Hospice and Nicolet Staffing for the care they provided, with special thanks to caregivers Diane, Shirley, Macy and Carla RN.