Kenneth Joseph HOLTMEYER

Kenneth Joseph Holtmeyer, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to many, passed away on January 27th at the age of 86, at his home in St. Charles, Missouri. Kenneth was born on July 3, 1938, in St. Elizabeth, Missouri, the oldest of 13 children born to the late Otto R. and Emma E. Holtmeyer. Kenneth is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Holtmeyer (nee Schwartze); daughters Marjorie (Gary) Cockrum, Laura (Randy) Wollenberg, and Carol (Jim) Farmer; son Kenneth Holtmeyer, Jr.; his 8 cherished grandchildren; his 8 beloved great-grandchildren; his 8 brothers and sisters and their spouses. Kenneth was preceded in death by 4 brothers and sisters. Kenneth completed military basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in 1956. He then served 6 months active duty at Fort Dix, New Jersey, as a clerk typist, followed by many years in the Army Reserve. Kenneth worked at Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) from which he retired in 1999, after 41 years as a quality inspector. Kenneth had the privilege of working on the Gemini space program, and as part of the F-4, F-15, AV8-B, C-17 and other special projects. Of particular note in his career was his response to a period of layoffs. He found work at Electro-Motive, a division of GMC, and even though he was soon called back to work at McDonnell Douglas, due to the uncertainty of future layoffs, Kenneth kept both positions and for almost 3 years, and with 4 young children, Kenneth worked 16-hour days, a testament to the type of work ethic that defined him, and one that he instilled in his children. Kenneth enjoyed numerous hobbies such as tinkering on lawnmowers, engaging in polka dance marathons, teaching his grandchildren how to ride their bicycles, and then strengthening their riding skills and stamina through very long rides on the Katy Trail. Recently, he enjoyed playing dominoes, Friday jaunts to Golden Corral to socialize with friends, and searching the internet for bargains. Kenneth was an avid storyteller and would frequently regale his life story to family, friends, and even strangers, often including his pride in being the oldest of 13 children. Kenneth was a devout Catholic and spent the last 62 years as a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He loved music and was an enthusiastic member of the church choir for 35 years. Kenneth spent his final days joyfully singing “You Are My Sunshine,” “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Go Tell It on The Mountain,” and “Give Me Jesus”. Based on his strong and enduring faith, Kenneth often expressed his desire that people not mourn nor be sad at his passing, but rather he hoped that his dear family and friends would celebrate his life and memory as he intended to rejoice in his reunion with Jesus. Visitation and Mass service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church 1355 Motherhead Rd. Cottleville, MO, 63304. Visitation at 10am and Mass at 11am on Friday, February 7th, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

Kenneth Joseph HOLTMEYER

July 3, 1938 - January 27, 2025