Theodore Roosevelt High School Class of 1959 - Latest News

                                 THOMAS EDWARD HOLTZ 
 
  Thomas E. Holtz passed away on January 30, 2017 at the Kavanagh House in Des Moines, IA at the age of 76. Tom was born on November 14, 1940 to Earl and Marcella (Wolfkill) Holtz in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the oldest of 3 children. He attended Theodore Roosevelt High School, class of 1959 where he played running back on the state winning football team. He went on to play football at Drake University where he also began to explore his love of art and design.    Tom married Sandra Hamilton and together they had 4 children. After four years in the United States Air Force based in Roswell, NM, Tom moved back to Des Moines and began his career with a job at Koch Brothers selling architectural hardware. This introduction into the world of architecture and design served as a catalyst and from there he found his calling in graphic design and marketing.  Often referred to as Dr. Design, Tom ran a successful design firm, first as Holtz Wilson Design, alongside his 2nd wife, Connie Wilson and later as Holtz Design. Tom then joined his longtime client, McAninch Corporation as Director of Marketing before retiring.      In 2001, Tom married Penelope Nigh. They enjoyed their years together watching their combined total of 14 grandchildren grow up, many sunsets at area lakes and parks, “The Pines” at the Iowa State Fair, camping in their vintage Airstream and a few adventurous years in Florida before moving back to Iowa in 2016.    After 76 years of adventures, connecting friends, determination and courage, Tom died peacefully at the Kavanagh House in Des Moines, IA. To the end he was cradled in both the love and laughter of his beloved family.    Beyond being a design legend, Tom was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and mentor. He is survived by his wife, Penelope, his children; Stacy Holtz (Peter Brown), Amy Heck (Eric), Courtney Holtz (Tom Schneiders), Tom Holtz (Ann), his step-children; Lisa Darrell (David), Garrett Johnson, Heather Miller (Dan) and his grandchildren; Jacob and Max Heck; Jack, George and Ella Holtz, Alexandra, Catherine, Victoria and Nicholas Davis, Lauren, Austin and Gavin Johnson and Marion Miller; his sister, Carolyn Johnson, his brother Brian Holtz (Connie) and his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and step grandson, Tommy Miller.      Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a tribute to be determined at a later date.  There will be a celebration of life event for family & friends in the spring