Roger Holtz

Roger Norman Sr. Holtz, age 80, of North Port, FL, (formerly of Sussex, WI) passed away on Sunday, August 29th at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI.  He was born on October 4, 1940 in Waukesha, WI to Norman and Hattie (Sonderman) Holtz.   He married Julia (Novak) on May 26, 1962 in Muskego, WI.

Roger grew up in Muskego, WI where his father Norman owned and operated Muskego Hardware Store. Roger worked full time in the family business until Norman sold the business.  Roger attended West Milwaukee High School his freshman year. Health issues for his father required the family to relocate to Florida during his sophomore year then they returned to Wisconsin where he attended Rochester Agricultural High School and then graduated from Muskego High School.

Roger moved on to GE Medical Systems in 1975, where he and Julia worked together for 22 years, always exemplifying the work ethic and dedication that they have passed down to their family.

Roger reveled in the simple things in life.   He was a lifetime member of the Muskego Moose Lodge 1057. He loved sports. Brewers; Packers; Badgers; Bucks. Those who knew him will have fond memories of either watching games with him or engaging in conversation with him about the current season and the Wisconsin team’s chances.

More than that, he loved time with family and his friends. Whether it was relaxing at one of the “up-north” properties they held in Wisconsin, at home in The Falls or Sussex, or down in North Port, Florida, those times usually involved coffee and good food. Usually lots of food.

Most of all, he cherished his family. He is survived by wife, Julia (Novak) Holtz. His four adult children; Brenda (Rick) Demos, Roxane (Rick) Godager, Renae (Jim) Pingel and Roger Jr, “Hodge” Holtz.  His 6 wonderful grandchildren; Kevin and Justin Demos, Devin Godager and Meghan, Charlie and Greta Pingel.  His one and only brother Bill (Debbie) Holtz and their four sons (Tony, Jon, Jeff, and Billy).  He was proud of all of them. And they all have fond memories. He always made holidays and impromptu get-togethers memorable and funny. They will all always hear, “Roger, put your teeth back in!”  He was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Hattie Holtz.

The family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the staff at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital. The nurses, doctors, and staff on 8th floor Southwest including the current president of St. Mary’s Hospital - the combination of professionalism and compassion that you have shown us in these days has been invaluable to helping us navigate this time the right way.  THANK YOU.

In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Private services will be held.