Jerry Holzer

August C. “Jerry” Holzer, Jr. age 76, died Tuesday, May 16, 2017 near his Napoleon home.

His Legacy… He was born August 11, 1940 to August Carl, Sr. and Flo McMillan in Napoleon, Ohio. He married Millie Shisler on June 5, 1965 in Oakwood. Jerry has lived in Napoleon all of his life. He graduated from Napoleon High School in 1958, from The Defiance College with a bachelor of Arts, and took classes in statistics at the University of Tennessee. Jerry’s Masonic life began in Napoleon with membership in DeMolay. He was a Past Master Counselor and was the recipient of the Legion of Honor in August, 2007. Holzer was a Past Master of Napoleon Lodge #256, Past High Priest of Haly Chapter #136, Past Illustrious Master of Oc-Co-Nox-ee Council #55, and Past Commander of Defiance Commandery #30. He was a Past President of the First Division CTA and had served Ohio’s Grand Commandery as Deputy Division Commander of the First Division, Grand Representative of New Jersey near Ohio, and Eminent Grand Warden 2007. He served as Eminent Grand Commander in 2012. He received the Knight Commander of the Temple in 2006. Other Masonic memberships include Ohio Priory #18, Allied Masonic Degrees Council #158, and Scottish Rite Valley of Toledo. He served in the Ohio National Guard as a First Lieutenant, was a sojourner, and was a Life Member of the American Legion Bert G. Taylor Post 300.  He was a member of the Antique Truck Historical Society. He was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Deshler Chapter.  Jerry was a Manager of Planning at Campbell Soup Company. He enjoyed collecting and restoring antique trucks and cars, and John Deere tractors. He also enjoyed golf, reading, and woodworking. He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Holgate and had served as Chairman of the Consistory, Elder, and in various other capacities. He served as a Trustee.

His Family… Jerry and his wife, Millie, have one son, Eric, who served as a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy. Jerry is survived by his wife of 52 years; son, Eric; granddaughter, Erin (Dan) Diehl, step grandchildren, Aaron Oneal and Stephanie Oneal; and great granddaughter, Chloe Copenhaver. He is preceded in death by parents; and daughter-in-law, Katie Holzer.

His Farewell Services… Friends will be received in St. John’s United Church of Christ, Holgate on Sunday May 21, 2017 from 1:00 pm until the masonic service at 3:00. The funeral will follow at 4:00 officiated by Reverend David Orr. A fellowship meal will be offered at 5:00. The burial will be held on Monday May 22, 2017 at Riverview Memorial Gardens with military honors at 11:00 am. Contributions in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Holy Land Pilgrimage or St. John’s United Church of Christ.