Maynard N. Holtz, 93, Everly

A funeral service for Maynard N. Holtz was held Monday, April 19, 2021, at Hope Lutheran Church in Everly. Pastor Dan Taylor officiated.

Pallbearers were Addison Masters, Paul Swancutt, Nathan Holtz, Cody Holtz, Bob Schoorman and Doug Holtz. Interment was at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Maynard Norman Holtz was born May 11, 1927 in Moneta, to Henry and Norma (Janson) Holtz. He was baptized in the Christian faith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hartley and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Royal. During his youth he lived in the Moneta and Hartley communities, graduating in 1944 from Moneta Consolidated School. He was proud to be a part of the 1943 Moneta baseball team as their right fielder. The team took second place in the state high school tournament, going up against much larger schools.

In March 1946, Maynard joined the United States Army and was stationed in Tokyo, Japan with the Military Police until his return home on Christmas Day, 1947.

He met Leona Mae Schmeling in 1953 at a dance at the Woodcliff Ballroom. They were married on Feb. 21, 1954, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Terril. They welcomed four children to their family. Maynard farmed in the Everly and Milford areas until 1980 when he and Leona moved to Des Moines. Later he was employed with Ruby-Miller Equipment, the local co-op, Electrolux vacuums, True Value Hardware, Consumer Lumber, Coast-to-Coast and CornBelt Equipment; he never really retired. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, baseball, dancing old-time concertina style and, most of all, visiting with friends and relatives. He served as a Hope Lutheran Church trustee, helped serve senior meals, served on the dance club board, and was a member of the Everly American Legion Post #414 for 30 years.

On Thursday, April 15, 2021, Maynard passed away quietly in his sleep at his home, at the age 93 years. Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Melvin Henry Holtz; a sister, Berneice Irene Holtz; a nephew, Gayle Holtz; sons-in-law: Vernon Schoorman and Peter Masters; four sisters-in-law; and four brothers-in-law.

He is survived by Leona, his wife of 67 years; his children: Beverly (Ross) Rinehart and David Holtz, both of Everly; Vivian Masters, of Des Moines; and Kevin Holtz, of Sheldon; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.