Service Details
A private burial was held at Graceland Cemetery.
A service to commemorate the life of Minnie Holz is planned for January, 24, 2021, at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Minnie had boundless love and included everyone in her life. She was an inspiration and mentor to many. As we wait out these trying times, she would want us to be safe. More details will be provided as the date approaches.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, Minnie suggested memorial donations to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
RACINE – Minerva (Minnie) Holz, 93, passed away May 30, 2020 at Ascension All Saints Hospital.
Minnie was born in Racine on Jan. 23, 1927 to Greek immigrants John and Jane Simopulos. She lived all her life in Racine.
She graduated in 1945 from Washington Park High School and worked at many and varied jobs in Racine. On Oct. 3, 1959 Minnie married Lud Holz, her sweetheart and best friend forever and ever.
In 1972 Minnie earned an education degree from UW-Parkside. She taught briefly in Racine Unified School District and then became a partner in her husband’s photography business, L.A. Holz Studio.
Minnie was very active in church activities, both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and later at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. She also enjoyed folk dancing, rock hunting and tutoring at Mitchell Elementary School.
She is remembered for her steadfast and genuine care for her friends and relatives and her relentlessly upbeat outlook on life. She also made the world’s best poppyseed cake.
Minnie didn’t have biological children, but cherished her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and loved them unconditionally.
Minnie lived the last year of her life at St. Monica’s Senior Living and became a vital and active part of the community enjoying new friends and actitivties.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lud, her parents and her siblings, Mary Ulrich, Angie Kapellusch, Bessie Petak, Louis Smith and Andy Smith.
Minnie is survived by her sister-in-law Carolyn Smith, nephews and nieces John (Carol) Kapellusch, Robert (Sue) Kapellusch, Ron (Cindy) Kapellusch, Karen (Andy Brooks), Jeff (Kim) Petak, Jane (David) Ray, Kathy (Dan) Leininger, Cindy (Jim) Madson, Susan Smith, David (Kelli) Smith, Nancy Smith, Steve Smith, Mark (Janelle) Smith, Paul (Caroline Krider) Smith, Carolyn (Tim Moran) Smith, Ruth Holz and Virginia (Michael) Price, as well as honorary niece Debbie Munch.
A private burial was held at Graceland Cemetery.
A service to commemorate the life of Minnie Holz is planned for January, 24, 2021, at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Minnie had boundless love and included everyone in her life. She was an inspiration and mentor to many. As we wait out these trying times, she would want us to be safe. More details will be provided as the date approaches.
In lieu of flowers, Minnie suggested memorial donations to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
Robert (Bob) Kapellusch, nephew says
My aunt, my Godmother…a lady who always reflected Christ’s love in the world.
Lux aeterna
Requiem aeternum
Linda Godson says
I will miss you and your ever present smile.
Kate Ostojic, Terry and Margaret Ostojic-Jenison and Roman Ostojic. says
To Minnies family…I am writing for my mother Kate Ostojic and family. Minnie and Kate were friends for many many years. Neighbors for years, then still friends through their church. They celebrated their birthdays together, born the same years a couple of days apart. Minnie was invited to many of our family events. We would pick her up and take her home. We have a pin Minnie made with her husband Lud. They picked the stones, tumbled them smooth and mounted it in a pin. Minnie’s poppy seed cake was magnificent! I still remember that cake from my childhood. We will miss Minnie she had a wonderful laugh and such a warm personality. Rest in Peace Minnie we love you. Hugs to all of Minnies family.
Linda Johnson says
Minnie was so playful and fun. When my daughters were little church kids she used to get down on the floor and crawl with them. My favorite VBS moment was when the two of us dressed as convicts acting out the scene of Paul and Silas in prison singing hymns. Then we busted out of our cardboard jail! Minnie was a gift to Redeemer Lutheran Church and the community.
Timothy Moran says
One of my favorite people ever. A true example of how God would want us to treat each other.
Tammy L Tomich says
Our family will forever cherish our times shared with Minnie . She is a neighborhood legend !
Her daily walks, her embracing hugs, and her ever cheerful greetings made growing up on Gillen St the best for my children and myself. She introduced us to Luther Church of the Redeemer and walked with my children to preschool there and then to Mitchell. Grace and integrity seemed to propel her way. Heaven sure is lucky to have her and I’m so happy she’s reunited with her husband and our Lord Savior.
Patti Griffith Kondrat says
So sorry to hear about the passing of Minnie Holz. She was the wife of a cousin of my dad, Ken Griffith. She was the life of the party in many of the relative get togethers years ago. She was an amazing lady and always had the zest for life. Loved her annual Christmas pictures too. Her parents lived behind me, when I was growing up. She will be missed.
Mary Gail (Tucker) Vilmann says
Andy was in high school with me and Minnie and Lud introduced me to my husband and was my Maid of Honor. I met Minnie when we both worked at Young Radiator Co. I met and enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Simopulos. I now live in a nursing home in
Indiana where one of my daughters live. I have a daughter living in Mt. Pleasant who was just thinking of calling Minnie for me, as she had done in the past.
My sympathy to you, Minnie will be missed.
Anonymous says
Minnie was a dear friend and maid of honor to my mother, Mary Gail Vilmann, who is very sorry for her loss. She was always a delight to spend time with.
Paula Vilmann Swafford
Kim Vilmann Ferraro says
Minnie literally gave me the gift of life – she introduced my parents Mary Gail Tucker and Bud (Ward) Vilmann. The rest is history. Minnie remained my mom’s lifelong friend and attended family events like grandchildren’s weddings. Her boundless energy and positive outlook made everyone around her a better person. We will always hold fond memories of Minnie. Hugs to all who were touched by her joy and will miss her presence.