Frederick "Fritz" Holtz

Closing his final door on his journey here on earth, Frederick Edward Holtz, “Fritz/Fred”, age 86, left us on Sunday, December 8th, 2024, to join his Heavenly Father and his lifelong love and wife of 60 years, Carol (Bergeron) Holtz.

Born in Chippewa Falls in 1938, Fred was the third child and only son of Ezra and Florence (Steinmetz) Holtz. He graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1956 and began college at the University of WI, River Falls. After one year, he transferred to the University of WI, Eau Claire (where Carol Bergeron happened to be in attendance). Following his second year of college, Fred enlisted in the United States Army - Corp of Engineers, where he was taught the intricacies involved in building bridges.

Fred was a talented craftsman with an eye for design and detail. At thirteen Fred built his first work bench in the basement of his childhood home on Elm Street. Little did he know that workbench would spark the beginning of his lifelong career. He followed advice from his shop teacher and saved up money to buy the unused woodworking equipment from his high school. He started with small projects, building doll furniture for nieces and cabinets for his mother, before graduating to remodels for friends and relatives. Fred learned from his father and uncle, who were also craftsmen with a shop in town. He was proud to tell of his time working for Madison Silo Company, furthering his knowledge in the construction field. It wasn’t until after returning from the army that Fred officially began his own Construction Company. Through Holtz Lumber and Construction, he built a name for himself throughout the community with his unique designs and demand for quality construction. “Can’t do” was rarely an option with Fred when it came to his designs. Often times, one would be able to hear members of Fred’s construction crew jokingly complaining that he “didn’t know how to design using easy angles”. Fred had an amazing ability to see potential in a piece of land or abandoned building, and we always said he was a little ahead of his time.

Fred worked tirelessly to contribute to his community in order to make it a place people would want to raise their families. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome. His door was always open to friends, family, and strangers; though they never stayed that way for long. In his mind, his greatest achievement was his involvement in what was once the Elks 9-hole golf course. His vision and knowledge transformed the local gravel pit into Lake Wissota Golf, which is still enjoyed by so many. Fred was an active and an honorary lifetime member of the Elks and Rotary clubs. Years later, he marveled at the evolution of his community, and took great pride in what it had become.

Fred had an incredible love of God, was devoted to his wife and two daughters, and PROUD of his country. He was also extremely proud of his German heritage and the Chippewa Falls community - where he lived throughout his lifetime. However, Fred’s favorite place was his cabin in the heart of the Chequamegon National Forest. His commitment to this wild place led him to be active in the reintroduction of elk to Northern Wisconsin, and aid UW-Madison in studies of whitetail deer and bear. He loved the outdoors, was an avid hunter, and had an incredible knack for navigating the northern forests. He enjoyed the seasonal activities Wisconsin offered, especially golf, snowmobiling, skiing, 4-wheeling, and enjoying the view of spider lake from the screened porch. In his younger years, Fred was light on his feet - an incredible ice and roller skater. Together he and Carol looked like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on the dancefloor.

Fred is survived by his daughters, Heidi (James) Ottevaere and Holly (Mark) Chilson; grandchildren, Hannah and Eric Ottevaere and Hailey and Maggie Chilson. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Florence (Steinmetz) and Ezra Holtz; Uncles Roy and Ed Holtz; his sisters, Ruth Covill, Bernice (Bob) Kleinheinz; and childhood crush and wife, Carol (Bergeron) Holtz.

Fred’s family would like to thank the tremendous staff (and residents) at The Classic at Hillcrest Greens in Altoona. It is here that Fred spent his last few months at his “new home”, which he absolutely loved. The staff gave Fred the love and care far beyond any expectations. In true “Fritzy” form, he quickly brought them into his world and made them family. He was happy once again, and felt he had a place of his own where he could shine…he truly loved his short time he had with them. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you!

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 16th from 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls, WI, with a worship service at 12:00/noon, and a celebration of Fred’s Life immediately following. Rev. Aaron Sturgis will be officiating. Following the service, Military Honors will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Community Foundation of Chippewa County - Holtz Family Endowment Fund, https://www.yourlegacyforever.org/funds/fund.phtml?name=Holtz+Family+Fund, which further supports Fred and Carol’s lifetime mission of supporting the growth and development of their beautiful community.