Frank J. Holtel's Obituary
Frank J. Holtel, age 88 of Batesville, died Monday, January 5, 2015 at the St. Andrews Health Campus. Born May 19, 1926 in Franklin County Indiana, he is the son of Theresa (Nee: Bedel) and Leo Holtel Sr. Frank served in the army during WWII where he earned two bronze stars and the Purple Heart. He retired from the Hill-Rom Company in 1990 as Superintendant of Operations at the Ritter Plant. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans as well as the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183.
Frank had many hobbies and one of them was an avid fisherman. His love for fishing was part of the reason he would move to Florida for 19 years following retirement and would eventually land a 13 pound bass to hang on the wall and brag about to fellow anglers. He liked hunting too and went on many hunts across the U.S. and Canada. The highlight was bagging a trophy moose that he had mounted. One of his favorite trips was to Alaska.
Frank enjoyed traveling and camping which led to the purchase of a Winnebago that would see many, many miles of use. His passion of cooking and baking allowed him to share his talents often with a group of friends who traveled together. Other interests included painting with water colors and Hawaiian music.
He is survived by sisters Rita Grote and Marie Meehan, both of Indianapolis, Indiana, Rose Weigel of Batesville, Catherine "Katie" Holtel of Hamburg, Indiana, Alma (Glen) Personett of Knightstown, Indiana; brother Charles Holtel of Hamburg, Indiana and dear friends Mary, Charles, Keith and Chris Hazelwood, Margie Richardson and Charlotte Lussier. In addition to his parents he is also preceded in death by sisters Theresa Greiwe, Clara Schwering; brother Leo Holtel Jr. and brother-in-laws Raymond Grote, Christopher Meehan, Leon Weigel, Al Greiwe and Tom Schwering.
Visitation is Thursday, January 8th, from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services follow at Noon at Holy Family Church in Oldenburg with Rev. David Kobak O.F.M. officiating and burial at St. Anne's Cemetery in Hamburg. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. The family requests memorials to the Disabled American Veterans.
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