Ethel “Peggy” Holz

Ethel “Peggy” Holz, age 94, was called home by her Lord and Savior on August 18, 2021, following a short illness.

Peggy was born in Onarga, IL, November 19, 1926, to Florence T. and Cecil R. Strayer. She chose to be baptized into the Christian Church in Kankakee at the age of 12. Peggy talked about this with great pride and was a strong Christian lady.

She spent most of her childhood in the Kankakee, IL area until moving to Michigan in high school. Peg attended Grand Ledge High School, Lansing Central and proudly walked to the brand new J.W. Sexton High School from Old Central in the opening ceremony. Peggy got her diploma from Old Everett High School in 1944. She went on to Lansing Business College and studied stenography. She then went to work for the Federal Social Security Office in its infancy, where she loved her job.

She met Eric Holz on a blind date. They married Dec. 1, 1951 at Main Street Methodist Church. After marriage she took the lessons and was confirmed a Lutheran, joining Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church so that she and Eric could attend church together.

Peggy and Eric had two children, daughter Nancy and son Kenneth. They were her pride and joy. She left the work force when she had the children. She was an excellent homemaker, baker, cook and entertainer. She cheerfully shared all of her skills in the Ladies Aid and Morning Circle groups at Trinity. Chairing many large dinners including Sauerkraut Suppers, innumerable parties where she designed and crafted favors, decorations, meals, she immersed herself in the joyful service of her congregation, friends and family. One of her favorite things was to have a party with a coordinating theme, down to writing and helping to perform skits! Peggy also shared her love of the Lord by teaching both Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

She and Eric, along with their children, built a cottage on Round Lake, Mecosta, MI. They spent most summer weekends and the month of August there. Peggy was a gracious hostess there too, inviting many people to share in the water sports and meals she’d prepare. She never shied from a challenge or hard work.

She had many interests including cooking, entertaining, knitting, crocheting, writing scripts and enjoying time with her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, Florence and Cecil Strayer, brothers Merwin and Robert Strayer, sisters Fran Coates and Ruth Rademaker, and husband Eric E. Holz.

Left to mourn her loss are daughter Nancy (Rich) Jenkins, son Ken (Barb) Holz, grandchildren Nick (Joan) Jenkins, Eric (Tiffany) Holz, Krista Holz and fiancé Jason Vera along with one great-granddaughter, Giana Garcia.

The funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 7740 W. St. Joseph Hwy., Lansing. Interment will follow in Delta Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Building Fund. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.