Darrel A. Holtz

Darrel Alfred Holtz, age 81 of Mankato, formerly of Le Sueur, MN, died at his home on Tuesday morning, December 19, 2023. Funeral services will be on Saturday, December 23, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Zion United Church of Christ in Le Sueur, MN. Visitation will be at the church that morning from 9:00 a.m. ~ 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Mound Cemetery, followed by morning refreshments at the church social hall. Pastor Jan Crissinger will officiate the services.

Darrel was born on September 19,1942 to Alfred and Helen (Ernsting) Holtz in Le Sueur, MN. He grew up in Le Sueur and graduated from Le Sueur High School. When he was younger, he worked at Finger Hut in Gaylord and later Osborne Labs in Le Sueur, MN before starting his long career at Midwest Electric. He married Mildred Sexe in 1962, they were later divorced.  On May 24,1974 he married the love of his life, Ruthie (Palmer) Reichel in Sundance, WY.  Fulfilling a retirement dream, they relocated to a rustic cabin in Pine River, MN.  They resided there for 22 years before moving back to Mankato which allowed them to spend precious time with family.  Darrel enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life.  Traveling the Western states, watching Western movies, studying history and was an avid storyteller.  You could often find Darrel riding the open road on his Harley-Davidson with Ruthie settled in behind him.  He also spent time in the reenactment of the fur trading era and had a deep passion for Native American and early American Settlers history where he met many lifetime friends.  He enjoyed leather-working, beading and crafting dream catchers.  Darrel enjoyed his time with family, friends and relatives.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Ruthie of Mankato, MN. Children: Ronda (Bruce) Allen of Mankato; Kari Hinden of St. Peter; Becky (Michelle) Reichel of Scottsdale, AZ; Rich (Amy) Reichel of Mankato; Robert (Holly) Reichel of Mankato. Daughter-in-law: Jodi Holtz of Decorah, IA. Sisters: Darlene Hale of Le Sueur, MN and Phyllis Sexe of Mankato, MN. 9 Grandsons; 8 Granddaughters; 10 Great-Grandsons; 12 Great-Granddaughters and 1 Great-Great-Grandson. He is preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Helen Holtz. Siblings: Evangeline Holtz; Althea Hale; Stan Holtz; Marvel Connelly; First wife: Mildred Lundgren. Two sons: Timmy and Terry Holtz.