John Francis Holzinger of Rosemead, California passed away on August 15, at the age of 93. After several years of declining health due to an autoimmune disease and cancer, John died with his beloved wife Barbara at his side.
John was born in Monterey Park on January 31, 1929, to parents John and Hilda Holzinger. The middle of three children, John grew up in Garvey, now known as Rosemead. He attended Mark Keppel High School and at the age of 21 enlisted in the Air Force. He was a devout Catholic and met his wife Barbara Beauchamp at the church young adult club. Their courtship was short and soon they were engaged. They married a year later after he returned from the Korean Conflict in 1953. He built a home on Burton Avenue, the same street he grew up on, with the help of his father-in-law and father. After the loss of their first child, John and Barbara raised eight children and sacrificed to put them through Catholic School. John and Barbara were married for 68 years.
John’s trade was mold making. He made many molds for manufacturers including Hot Wheels, Gumby and Pokey, ornamental fixtures for lighting, car emblems, and antique Ford car parts. He always provided for his family, never leaving a job unless he had a new work position. John, also, was a member on the Amarillo Mutual Water Company board for thirty-one years. Of those years, he served as president for twenty-eight years.
John was known by his family as a singer, songwriter, and poet. Every year he sang his songs on the six hour trip to his in-law’s vacation home on the Colorado River. As he grew older his children and wife could hear him reciting his poems and praying to our Lord. He attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in San Gabriel, California for eighty years where he was involved in Holy Name Society, Catholic Family Movement, Boy Scouts, and taught the sacrament of Confirmation.
John was preceded in death by his parents John and Hilda Holzinger and by his siblings Josephine Bennett and Robert Holzinger. He is survived by his wife Barbara Holzinger, children: John, Diane, Kathleen, Dan, Deborah, Terese, Barbie, and Joann, grandchildren: Eddie, Kristie, Jackie, Brittany, Johnny, Kelsey, Michael, Oscar, Travis, Chad, Matthew, Kayly, Ryan, Holly, Jocelyn, and Sophie and great-grandchildren: Edward, Rebecca, Luke, Aaron, Marcus, Dominic, Jordan, Makayla, and Zara.
People wishing to honor John’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to the St. Anthony’s Catholic School in San Gabriel. Please send all donations to 1905 S. San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776.
A viewing and rosary for JOHN will be held Tuesday, August 30, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1901 S SAN GABRIEL BLVD, SAN GABRIEL, CA 91776. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, August 31, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1901 S SAN GABRIEL BLVD, SAN GABRIEL, CA 91776. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, August 31, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 966 N POTRERO GRANDE DR, ROSEMEAD, CA 91770.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.PBturnerstevens.com for the HOLZINGER family.
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