Gene Holtorf

Gene Kent Holtorf, 78, of Linn, died April 2, 2024, at his residence. He was born on April 28, 1945, to Jerald and Ruth Holtorf in Cedar Bluffs, Neb. He was baptized on May 27, 1945, and confirmed on May 11, 1958, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Cedar Bluffs, Neb.

Gene graduated from Cedar Bluffs High School in 1962 and earned his teaching degree from Wayne State College. He worked as a math teacher in Lyons, Neb. He went on to earn his civil engineering degree from Florida State University and worked for an engineering firm in Lincoln.

Gene married Marcellyn Mulder on Jan. 5, 1975. This union was blessed with two children: Jerald and Theresa.

Gene taught engineering at the University of Nebraska until 1989 when he and the family moved to Fort Wayne, Ind., where he began his study for the office of holy ministry at Concordia Theological Seminary. Following his graduation and ordination in 1993, the family moved to rural Palmer where he was called to be the Pastor of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Palmer. Gene retired from his ministry at St. John in 2013.

Gene found pleasure in playing the piano, reading, golfing, and working in his shop. He enjoyed filling in as a substitute pastor on occasion. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Marcy and parents Jerald and Ruth Holtorf.

Survivors include: son Jerry and wife Amber of Olathe, KS, daughter; Theresa Meier and husband Jared of Palmer, KS; grandchildren Elijah, Nolan & Grace Meier; Isabella, Delaney, Lucas, and Veronica Holtorf; sister Doris and husband Dennis Oelschlager; brother-in-law Tom Mulder and wife Linda; brother-in-law Mark Mulder and wife Sharon; sister-in-law Lois Bridges; sister-in-law Eunice and husband Randy White; brother- in-law Jim Mulder and wife Wendy; sister- in-law Avis and husband John Hilger; brother-in-law Robert Mulder and wife Tammy; sister-in-law Debbie and husband Randy Rohwer; brother-in-law Kurt Mulder and wife Jody; brother-in-law Warren Mulder; brother- in-law Wade Mulder and wife Angie; and sister-in-law LeAnn Mulder, and numerous nephews and nieces, relatives and friends.

The funeral service was April 8 at St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, with interment following at the church cemetery. The Rev. Joshua Hayes officiated. Visitation was April 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the St. John Fellowship Hall, Palmer.

Memorials may be made to the St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Palmer, KS. and the Lutheran Heritage Foundation and can be sent in care of the funeral home. The Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home of Clay Center, KS is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www. nsrfh.com

Washington County News • April 11, 2024