Richard "Dick" James Holzmeister, 88, of Lawrence, KS, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence. A rosary will be recited at the church at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.

Dick was born on October 8, 1934, in Topeka, KS, the son of Adam George and Loretta (Murphy) Holzmeister. He graduated from Hayden High School in 1952 and from Washburn University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He served his country retiring as a Captain in the United States Air Force. Upon leaving the Air Force he began his career as Vice President and branch manager at Capital Federal for 36 years until retiring in 1996. After retirement, he worked for the US Census and as an AARP Tax Aide.

Dick's family was a founding family of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. He served on the Lawrence Board of Education and the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Board and was an active member of the Breakfast Optimist Club, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Elks Club, and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He was active in the development of fastpitch softball as a member of Lawrence Girls Fastpitch Softball.

Dick was a kind and caring person, a faithful and loving husband, he married Marjorie Jean Nadeau on October 8, 1960, in Topeka KS. His love and compassion was demonstrated throughout his 59 years of marriage. His unconditional love and respect for her was demonstrated as he faithfully supported her daily during her battle with cancer. She preceded him in death on July 16, 2019.

He was a true sports fan actively involved with his children's activities, as scorekeeper and statistician for baseball and softball teams, or treasure for various groups. He was an avid supporter of the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas Jayhawks, volunteering as an official at the Kansas Relays for many years. He loved spending time with his family be it vacation road trips in the family station wagon, holiday ski trips, family gatherings or graduations.

Dick was an active member of Breakfast Optimist Club, a lifetime member, and past president. He was recognized as Optimist of the Year for his service to the club. In the early years he enjoyed the various club outings, be it canoe float trips, outings at the lake or trips to the Royals games. Every year he could be found at a grocery store parking lot selling Christmas trees as part of the clubs annual fund raiser. He supported the clubs work in the Lawrence schools volunteering for various programs. In 2001 he was recognized as a Friend of Education for his work at East Heights Elementary school.

A quiet, kind and caring man he will be greatly missed.

Survivors include their daughter, Jill (Steve) Patton of Lawrence, KS; three sons: Jeffery (Lea Ann) Holzmeister of Tempe, AZ, Scott (Deborah) Holzmeister of Gilbert, AZ, and Jon (Michelle) Holzmeister of Overland Park, KS; and 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions in Dick's name may be made to Lawrence Breakfast Optimist, and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary (120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044).

For details on the service or to share condolences, more information is available at warrenmcelwain.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Aug. 27, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Holzmeister

1 Entry

Lorie Eyler

August 31, 2023

Dick was a kind, generous man. I got to work with him many years ago. Whenever I was asked in various settings what would I consider a great leader, who would I use as an example, he was the first person I thought of. He led by example and was a servant leader. He treated all with respect and kindness. He will be sorely missed. I feel very fortunate to have known him. Sending his lovely family sincere condolences.

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