Ellen "Janet" Holtz

Ellen “Janet” Holtz, 94, of Seneca, Wis., formerly of Wauwatosa, fell asleep in death on Sunday, May 9, 2021. Janet was born in Green Bay on December 18, 1926, daughter of Fenton Winfield Bender and Ione A. (Storzer) Bender. Her early years on the Bender farm in Suamico had a profound influence on her life. This was reflected in her love of the outdoors, nature, gardening (what a green thumb she had!) and even fishing. Working as waitress in Appleton, she served a young man who recognized her beauty and charm and promptly decided to court her. She married her lifelong husband, Arnold Holtz May 13, 1949. Soon after, Arnold took a position as a sales executive for a large steel fabricating corporation in Milwaukee. Here they started their family, moving to the house in Wauwatosa in 1959, raising her family and ultimately living there for 55 years. Longtime active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Wauwatosa, serving on the Alter Guild, she touched many lives in her congregation with her strong faith and gentle demeanor. In 1965, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given 6 months to live. In a real tribute to her strength, stamina and determination she beat the odds and survived! The earth was blessed with her presence another 56 years. Her love for God and Jesus, active lifestyle and love for walking served her well. Besides her most important work of being loving wife and wonderful mother, over the years she was a waitress, clerk, secretary, seamstress and retail manager of a cutlery franchise. In 1994, her faith and strength were tested when husband Arnold succumbed to cancer. Then again a few short years later in 1996, when her youngest baby, Linda, suffered the same fate, leaving behind a very young son. Strong and determined, she dedicated many years helping to raise her grandson, Adam. In 2014, it was a huge step for her to move from Wauwatosa to Seneca, leaving her comfort zone, her many longtime friends and neighbors, but she accomplished this too with her usual strength and determination. She enjoyed getting back closer to her farm girl roots, tending her gardens and plants, feeding the birds, watching the sunrise as well as the marvelous sunsets. May she Rest In Peace, secure in Almighty God Jehovah's memory until He resurrects her back to the arms of her loving family. When the prophecy at Revelation Chapter 21, verse 4 is fulfilled: “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Survivors include her sons, Kurt (Marie) Holtz of Shell Lake, Gary (Mary) Holtz of Gays Mills; her grandchildren: Alex Holtz of Chicago IL, Selena (Zach) Koopmans of Kenmore WA, Kendon (Tripta) Holtz of Jersey City, NJ, Thomas Holtz of Gays Mills, Adam Reinert of Menomonee Falls, also Josh (Deb) Staum of Soldiers Grove, Stephanie Smalley (Bobby Keena) of Janesville, Alex Doudna of Richland Center, Eleanora Doudna of Fond Du Lac, Naomi Cobb of Gays Mills; her great-grandchildren, Oliver and Robin, Kian and Kaia, also Devon and Brock and Aiden, Baeric and Xavier and Ariel, Ethan and Lily and Marley, Orion and Eddy; and great-great granddaughter, Ariana. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fenton and Ione; her husband, Arnold; three brothers, Fenton, Ralph and Johnny; three sisters, Virginia, Diane and Nora; very special Aunt Diane and her beloved daughter, Linda Ann Reinert. The family would like to thank the many kind and considerate caregivers who assisted her at Vernon Memorial Hospital as well as Soldiers Grove Health Services and Marquardt Hospice. Thanks too for all the love, prayers and support of her family and friends. Also, a very special thank you to dear friend and neighbor, Ica. A gathering will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wauwatosa. The church service is limited to 40 people and guests will need a reservation to attend. Interment will follow at Wauwatosa Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. A family Celebration of Life is planned at a date and time to be determined. Because of COVID-19, please follow your conscience as to attending in person. Online Condolences are perfectly acceptable. Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills is serving the family. 325 Sunset Ridge Ave. Gays Mills, WI 54631 608-735-2100