Robert Wisland Holtz

Robert “Rob” Wisland Holtz died on September 25, 2026, at Hemsley House of Lenexa in Lenexa, Kansas. He was 69 years old. His three daughters, Sarah Overbaugh, Lindsay Roberts, and Abbey O’Neil, were with him when he passed. His son, Michael, was regretfully unable to be there.

Rob was born on August 26, 1957, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His parents, Harold “Harry”, Jr., and Shirley “Wiz” Holtz, preceded him in death. In addition to his four children, he is survived by his seven grandchildren: Madeline, Eliza, Elizabeth, and Matilda Overbaugh; Gavin and Christian Roberts; and Molly O’Neil. He is also survived by his twin brother Andrew and his other five siblings: Peter, Thomas, John, Julie, and William.

Rob was raised in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. He attended Brookfield East High School, where he was an Eagle Scout and avid tennis player, and graduated in 1975. He moved to Topeka, Kansas, and, on April 28, 1984, married Marcella “Marcie” (Reilly) Holtz. They later divorced. Rob earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in education from Washburn University in Topeka, where he lived for most of his adult life.

Rob worked for Topeka Public Schools for his entire career, first as a vocational-education instructor and later as a math teacher at Robinson Middle School. He also worked for several years as an adjunct algebra instructor at Washburn University.

Rob was a deeply loving and endlessly creative father. His four children have fond memories of the ice skating rink and zipline he built in their backyard, the mixed tapes he made for the family road trips, the model rockets they built and launched together, and the summer evenings spent playing tennis with him at Hughes Park in Topeka. Rob loved Fleetwood Mac, Supertramp, Bruce Springsteen, and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture; James Bond and the Pink Panther; any and all sweets, but especially Snickers and maple long johns; afternoon nap races with his family’s cat, Knickers; the Green Bay Packers; and practical jokes. His children are grateful that he didn’t die on April Fools’ Day.

A visitation will be held at 1 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. on October 3, 2026, in the Chapel of Flowers at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin. A reception will follow. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rob’s memory to the International Education Endowment Fund - Washburn University Foundation - 1700 S.W. College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621.