Walter L. “Walt” Holz
It pleased Jesus to call Walter L. Holz to his Heavenly home on Monday, October 10, 2022. Walt was 92-1/2. Walt was a life-long Lutheran.
Walt grew up in Holt, MI. He had 2 older brothers (Russ and Eric), and two younger sisters (Lucille and Helen). Helen survives him. As a youngster, Walt was active in 4H and academics.
June 1953 graduated Michigan State College with Bachelor of Science degree – Chemistry.
September 12, 1953 married JoAnne Neff.
September 22, 1953 drafted into US Army. He served as a clerk-typist (a Radar O’Riley).
Son Chris was born 1954, Son Karl born 1955, Ft. Benning, GA. Son Peter was born 1957 in Lansing.
September 21, 1955 honorably discharged having achieved the rank of Sergeant E5.
October, 1955 Walt started with Michigan Dept. of Public Health as bacteriologist. He transferred to Engineering Division as analytical chemist with the water pollution control mobile lab. Next step up was to the Health Dept. Crime laboratory. The crime lab was eventually combined with the Michigan State Police Crime lab. The highlight of his career took place during this time.
1982 Walt became Deputy Director of the Michigan Dept of Agriculture-Laboratory Division.
He was instrumental in forming the International Association of Arson Investigators and served as Michigan president.
August 1984 Walt retired. He and JoAnne took a vacation trip and then Walt joined Fire Control Lab as an analyst.
1986 Walt was called by the Spirit to join with many others to establish a new Lutheran congregation.
He and JoAnne joined Laborers For Christ, a group of laypeople who travel to help congregations build and renovate their facilities. They served on 7 projects.
He also served with Christmas In April, Kiwanis Club, as a congregation elder, and many others benefited from his participation and wisdom.
The joy of Walt’s life was and remains his family. He and JoAnne raised three sons who, along with their wives gave them 6 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 21, 2022, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5589 Van Atta Rd., Haslett. Interment will follow in Glendale Cemetery, Okemos. His family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorial donations in memory of Walt may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
4 Messages to “Walter L. “Walt” Holz”
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Judy Bierlein
October 13, 2022 at 6:42 pmSo sad to hear of Walt’s passing. Great St Luke memories with him. Loved doing Christmas in April and helping Laborers For Christ build the first part of our church in Haslett. Walt loved the Lord, his wife, family and friends. He had a great passion for helping people in times of need. He and Joanne had a big influence on our family. I miss them both. I’m sorry to miss the service, but Joanne our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tell Walt we’ll see him on the other side and he can put us to work. To Peter and Becky, sorry for your loss. Miss seeing you. Much Love, Judy
Scott Smith
October 17, 2022 at 7:48 pmIt was always good to chat with Walt. He was a quiet man, but always was a pleasure to talk with. His words were always sincere and well spoken and I always appreciated our conversations. His life and his life experiences no doubt touched and enhanced many people’s lives. My most sincere condolences to JoAnne and their families.
Art & Mary Hartig
October 20, 2022 at 3:38 pmMary & I have fond memories from when Walt & I was stationed at Camp Rucker, Alabama. I also went to Holt High School together. Walt also always had a good sense of humor and always attended the High School Reunions. We could always depend on He and Jo to be at the reunions. May he now RIP.
BRENDA F LOOK
October 22, 2022 at 12:18 pmWhat a remarkable history in the life of Mr. Holz. He accomplished much in his life on this earth! May the peace of God be with the family during this time.