Obituary of Clayton Holtz

Clayton John Holtz was born in La Salle, Michigan on May 6, 1923. He was the son of the late Ira Holtz and Josephine (Manore) Holtz. Clayton married the love of his life, the former Betty Louise Folk on September 1, 1945 in Erie, MI. He honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II. C.J. supported his family working for the Monroe County Road Commission and also owning his own locksmith service (CJ's Lockshop) for over 25 years. Clayton was a loving father of one daughter, Mary and the lights of his life were his granddaughters, Stephanie & Holly. When he had the time, he loved to spend all of his time engaged in family activities ranging from camping all over the United States to playing card games to spending time visiting with relatives. C.J. was the second commander of the 514 American Legion post and was active for many years within the organization. Clayton John Holtz, age 90 of Temperance, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at the home he and his wife built in 1954. His passing was preceded by his parents; a brother: Donald Holtz; a brother in law: Skip Bliss; two nephews: Gary Bliss and Earl Horn. To cherish his memory, Clayton leaves behind his loving wife of 68 years: Betty Louise (Folk) Holtz; one daughter: Mary Bunker of Temperance; three sisters: Betty Bliss and Nila (Bill) Van Wormer of Ida, and Lola (Jerry) Schied of White house, Mi; two granddaughters: Stephanie (Jason) Braden of Temperance and Holly (Todd) Woodfill of Alto, Mi; six great grandchildren: Courtney, Dakota, Shayla, Garrett, Clayton, and Dikembai; and one great-great granddaughter: Laci. Friends and family may gather from 2:00pm-7:00pm on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Street Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 848-5185. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 7:00pm, with Sister Kate O'Brien officiating. Cremation will follow. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.