On the early morning of December 8, 2020, after a long courageous battle with cancer, Michael Thomas Holtz was called to his eternal home with our Lord Jesus Christ, who he loved and waited for that blessed hope.

Michael was born on June 4, 1964, in Lima, Ohio to James M. Holtz Sr. and Mary (Arnst) Holtz surrounded by three older brothers (James, Richard, and Joseph) and sister Jeannie. Michael arrived one day early; he would have shared his birthday with his Dad the next day, June 5th.

Grief came to the family on February 28, 1965, when James M. Holtz Sr. passed away from his battle with cancer, before Michael’s first birthday. This devastating event resulted in Mary relocating the family to live closer to her parents in San Diego, California.

Michael was such an independent little guy at age four. This may have been a factor with Michael wandering out of sight. His mother backed up in the driveway at her parents’ home and hit him. This was life threatening because of all the severe injuries Michael incurred and made for a very painful existence for the rest of his life. Throughout Michael’s life, he never gave in to complain about his pain or disabilities. He remained positive and was determined to make a full life.

The family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968 after Mary, his mother, remarried, and along came another sibling, Elton. Then, another move in 1980, this time to Orofino, Idaho where Michael graduated in 1983 from Orofino High School. After graduating he moved back to Las Vegas, Nevada where he spent the duration of his life.

After graduation, Michael worked in several industries; his most satisfying and challenging was his time at Timet Titanium Plant where they made parts for Boeing Airplanes. He always was a hard worker and looked at life and his physical pain as something to conquer and to be an example of overcoming adversity.

In 2001, Michael married the love of his life, Tina (Brady) Holtz, and made their home together in Las Vegas, raising her son, Michael’s stepson, Alexander Braddock. Michael loved being his stepdad and was extremely proud of watching Alex become an accomplished musician and a fine young man. Although they had recently separated, Michael’s desire was that they would be taken care of when he passed.

Michael was blessed with being a gifted artist, passed down from his Dad. He enjoyed capturing on canvas the images of his friends and family with love and perfection. His art became a ministry in his church. He would illustrate gospel truths and the love of God in each of his submissions into the church bulletins. Everyone that has in their possession one of his pieces of art has something special to remember Michael, especially his joy and kindness.

Michael was preceded in death by his father and mother, James M. Holtz Sr. and Mary K. (Arnst) Wilson.
And survived by his siblings and family;
Brother James M. Holtz Jr (Lisa) of Las Vegas, Nevada
Sister Jeannie (Holtz) Reid (Randy) of Montana
Brother Richard D. Holtz of Sparks, Nevada
Brother Joseph A. Holtz of San Antonio, Texas
Brother Elton C. Banning (Myrra) of Las Vegas, Nevada
Wife Tina (Brady) Holtz of Las Vegas, Nevada
Stepson Alex of Las Vegas, Nevada
Along with his nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunts.

Michael was known for his love for Jesus his Savior, for his true friends and family. He enjoyed debating politics, dogs, and caring for people in his life. But, he really looked forward to this:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things pass away; Behold, all things become new” 2 Cor. 5:17
Memorial plans for Michael will be in Las Vegas, Nevada on his birthday on June 4, 2021… if the Lord tarries!

Many good family and friends who helped and encouraged Michael throughout his life with hope and humor are encouraged to express their thoughts and comments below.