Ella M Holtz

Ella M. Holtz, 98, of Neillsville, died peacefully at the Neillsville Retirement Community on October 9, 2013. Ella Mildred Meske was born on February 9, 1915, in Neillsville, Wisconsin; the daughter of Herman and Minnie Meske. She was raised on a farm in the Christie area. She married Walter Holtz in Winona, Minnesota, on October 2, 1933. Ella had two children: Virginia (Henry) Thoma and Doris (Eugene) Fredrickson. After her husband passed away in 1958, Ella began working in the Housekeeping Department at Neillsville Memorial Hospital. Because Ella never had a driver's license, she walked back and forth to work from her home on the north side of Neillsville every work day for 25 years. Ella was known for being a conscientious, meticulous, and dependable worker. She was considered a valuable employee until she retired in 1983.Ella was an avid gardner-growing both beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables. She also loved baking (specialties included molasses "Sally Ann" cookies and lemon meringue pies), canning, shopping, reading her newspapers, and doting on her grandchildren. Ella is survived by her daughter, Virginia Thoma of Neillsville; her sister, Bertha Grottke of Neillsville; her grandchildren: Mike Thoma of Neillsville; Patsy (Rod) McLean of Madison; Becky (Jerome) Rossman of Marshfield; Darci (Mike) Mahoney of Neillsville; Kristy (Jeff) Sischo of Neillsville; and Karla (Mark) Pfuhl of Marshfield. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.Ella was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Holtz in 1958; her daughter, Doris Fredrickson in 1972; her brother, Albert Meske in 2006; and her sister, Mabel Meske in 2010. Visitation for Ella will be held at Gesche Funeral Home from 10:30-11:30, on Monday, October 14, 2013. The funeral service will be held at Gesche Funeral Home at 11:30, Monday, October 14, 2013, with Pastor Mark Fugate officiating. Burial will follow at the Neillsville Cemetery. Our deepest thanks go to the Neillsville Retirement Community for their loving support and care for Ella over the years. The family also wishes to thank Ministry Home Health, Western Wisconsin Cares, and Neillsville Memorial Medical Center for their medical expertise. The family is also grateful to Ministry Home Care Hospice Services of Marshfield for their assistance and aid in Ella's last days.The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Ella's family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456