She was born on August 14, 1932, in Novi Verbas, Yugoslavia, the only child of the late Katherina (Silberhorn) and George Bambach. Luise endured unspeakable atrocities in her home country and overcame tragedy through an indomitable spirit and courage beyond what you can imagine. She spent 2 years in a concentration camp, escaping by paying guards for passage to Hungary. She was accepted as a refugee in Austria, spending two years there until finally obtaining immigration rights. A cousin sponsored the passage of the family to the United States in May 1950. They settled in Mansfield, embarking on a new life filled with hope.
She began working at the North American Knitting Mill. Luise met Adam Holzwarth Jr. at the Friendly House where they both attended classes learning English, they fell in love and married in 1953. They created a wonderful life together and she was able to explore her love of travel. She and Adam traveled to Florida, Cape Cod, and Michigan but her most favorite destination was Black Hills, South Dakota. Luise had a special affinity for lighthouses, having visited around 200 structures in her lifetime, and their symbolism of guiding people to safety held special meaning for her. Luise never forgot her heritage, writing letters and sending cards to friends she had in Germany well into her 80s. She was a master cook of any German dish. She loved flower gardening, bowling and quiet times spent reading. She kept her mind active by watching and playing along to the game show, Jeopardy.
Luise loved deeply and was loved beyond words. She was an inspiration to her family and friends. Her story will be remembered as a remarkable testament of her courage and perseverance to rise above any obstacle put in her path.
Luise is survived by a son, Norbert (Terri) Holzwarth; two daughters, Ingrid Holzwarth and Dr. Monica Holzwarth (husband, Dr. Daniel McDevitt); four grandchildren, Nick (Brigid) Holzwarth, Eric (Andrea) Holzwarth, Kevin (Mary) McDevitt, and Erin McDevitt (husband, Eric Lehman); and seven great-grandchildren, Brandon, Jack, Victoria, Owen and Olivia Holzwarth and Elizabeth Belle and Daniel Burns McDevitt.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Adam Holzwarth Jr. who sadly passed away in 2020.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2:00 pm in Mansfield Memorial Park where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross.
Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario is honored to serve the family.
