David A. Holzer

David A. “Dave” Holzer, age 76, of Winona, passed away Saturday morning, February 10, 2024, in the comfort of his home, with loved ones by his side.

He was born on April 7, 1947, in Winona, to John and Amanda (Fix) Holzer.  Dave met the love of his life, Stephanie “Tess” Stephens in 6^th Grade, and they were married on July 30, 1966, in Winona.  They had their son, Lance Lester Holzer, on August 1, 1977, and were blessed with their granddaughter, Alexia J. Holzer, in 2001.

Dave started trucking in 1974 for Kujak Trucking, retiring in 2012.  He had many accomplishments in his trucking career, the one that stands out most was being named “Driver of the Year” in 1997, for taking action and saving many lives on the road.  Dave also saved the life of his wife, Tess, in 2010, when he donated one of his kidneys to her.

One of Dave’s hobbies was goose hunting, making many trips to Canada from the 1980s until just recently.   He especially enjoyed hunting with his friends, Jack, Mark, Al, Rich, Tom, JR, Don, Marty, Bob, and Del.

Dave and Tess enjoyed many years at their cabin on Sand Prairie near Wabasha, MN, spending time at home with his family, and watching Westerns.  He was a member of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.

He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Dave is lovingly survived by his wife, Tess Holzer; son, Lance Holzer; granddaughter, Alexia Holzer; siblings: Mary (Jerry) Daley, Bob Holzer, Kay Wise, Rich (Linda) Holzer, Pat Marcil, Will Holzer, and Deb (Doug) Harnish; in-laws: Paula Stephens, David Martin, and Ken Fabian; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Amanda Holzer; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Bob and Dolly Stephens; siblings: Judy (Jerry) Schellhammer, John (Sue) Holzer, and Lynn Benedict; and in-laws: Rachel Pflughoeft, Tom Stephens, Sara Fabian, Sharon Martin, Bill Wise, and Barbara Holzer.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona, on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 2 PM until 4 PM.  A light luncheon and refreshments will be served in the community room of the funeral home during the visitation.

Dave will be laid to rest in a family burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Dave’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.