Barbara M. Holtze

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara M. Holtze, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who left this world on November 13, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska. Born on December 31, 1933, in Webster, South Dakota, she was a woman of great strength and compassion whose legacy will be carried on by her loving family and friends.

Barbara’s academic journey began with her graduation from high school in Lily South Dakota, followed by the attainment of her teaching degree from Northern Teachers College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Her passion for education saw her teach fourth grade in Webster for a brief time before furthering her studies with a Bachelor of Teaching degree at the University of South Dakota-Vermillion. It was there, she met her future husband, David R. Holtze. They married in 1958 and together built a life with love and adventure.

In 1956, Barbara began her career as a dedicated teacher at Central High School in Sioux City, Iowa, where she taught shorthand, typing, and business classes, as well as a role of school counselor. In 1959, she embraced her new role as a full-time housewife with the birth of their first child, fully immersing herself in her family’s life.

As a devoted mother and wife, Barbara created many memories preparing holiday dinners, particularly during Christmas and for various birthday celebrations, which were treasured by all that attended. She thoroughly enjoyed traveling to Acapulco and Florida, as well as embarking on numerous adventures with David that took them to England, Germany, France, Hawaii, and Australia to name a few. Her enthusiasm for life extended to spending summer vacations with her family in various locales such as Kansas City, Minneapolis, Mount Rushmore and a memorable vacation to Europe.

Her commitment to her family was matched only by her dedication to her community. Barbara was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux City. She embraced social connections through participation in PEO, bridge club, and Questers, enriching the lives of those around her through her compassionate friendships. Barbara was always entertaining and planning parties. She also enjoyed cooking and interior decorating. She was extremely proud of the family home that she helped design and decorate with her husband David.

Barbara was immensely proud of her family and all they achieved. She held dear the moments spent with her son, Rex and his wife Michele, her grandchildren Amanda Reyes, David Holtze III, and Anne Holtze, along with her great-grandchildren Adrian, Avery, Ace, Axel, and Savannah. Her legacy extends beyond her immediate family to memories of caring for her late son Mark during his terminal illness and lovingly supporting her husband David in his later years.

She is survived by her son, D. Rex Holtze Jr. and his wife Michele, sister-in-law Susan Duerre, nephew Blake Duerre, nieces Jennifer Horner and Marisa Glass, her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, David R. Holtze, her son Mark D. Holtze, her brother Chester William “Bill” Duerre, and her parents, Chester and Alice Duerre.

Barbara Holtze will be dearly missed but will be forever remembered as a caring mother and wife. Her light will shine on in the lives she touched with her love, dedication, and unfaltering support. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family, and they will designate to charities that were near and dear to Barb.

A visitation will be held on November 20, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1122 Jackson St, Sioux City, IA, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM.