Donald Hugo Holz

Donald Hugo Holz, of Farmington, formerly of Eagan, entered his heavenly rest from his earthly service on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at the age of 93 years, 3 months, and 10 days.

Don was born on May 3, 1933 in St. Paul, MN to Hugo W. Holz and Florence M. Holz. He was baptized and became a child of God on May 14,1933 at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church. He was confirmed in his faith at Trinity Lone Oak on March 30, 1947. He attended Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School for most of grade school but for a few years due to war-time gas rationing, he walked to public school only a few miles from home. He attended Rosemount High School and graduated in 1951.

Don married Glenda Louise Heintz on September 29, 1956 at St. John Lutheran Church in Rich Valley. They lived in Eagan where they raised their family, then later Don and Glenda moved to Farmington. They would have celebrated 70 years of marriage in September.

Besides “helping” with farming all his life, Don tried his hand at riveting boats, house construction, and state highway maintenance before eventually working for Despatch Industries in Lakeville for 37 years. When Don retired from Despatch in 1998, he used his inventory control and shipping skills to work part-time 12 more years for State Mechanical in Lakeville until 2010.

Don lived out his faith in daily service to others. In retirement he was able to dedicate even more time serving in a number of volunteer roles. His days were filled with leading farm activities at Holz Historic Farm in Eagan, serving at community events at Dakota City in Farmington, and filling many church leadership roles at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran in Eagan, then at Trinity Lutheran in Farmington where he was most recently a member. He also was in high demand as a blood, platelet, and granulocytes donor for the American Red Cross, eventually donating more than 153 gallons of blood. In 2012, when Don was nominated for an American Red Cross Heroes Award, he shared that he first started donating blood in the 1980’s when a manager at work needed blood. Also in 2012, Don was recognized as the Outstanding Senior Citizen in Dakota County for all his volunteer work. Throughout his life, Don was always helping someone in some way - shoveling snow at church, visiting shut-ins, baling straw, organizing and staffing fundraisers, babysitting grandchildren and great grandchildren - you name it, he was always willing to help.

Don enjoyed camping with his family in northern Minnesota and canoeing with friends and family in the BWCA. He enjoyed fishing, first with his children, then grandchildren, then great grandchildren. He was fond of a good deal and spent many weekends selling treasures at area flea markets. He enjoyed swapping stories with friends and family and would not turn down a piece of pie or an ice cream cone.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda, three daughters Karen (Greg) Stohlberg of Farmington, Julie (Rob) Hermann of Seward, NE, Lorrie (Daryl) Buecksler of Farmington, four grandchildren Joshua (Katrina Birdsall) Buecksler, Noah (Becca Tramm) Buecksler, Elijah (Bri) Buecksler, and Hannah (Dustin) Struckman, eight greatgrandchildren (Zane, Kyler, Dylan, Hazel, Ryker, Reagan, Beau, and Payton), cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Wilmer and Glen Holz, sister Shirlene Nykamp, and his parents.

Don’s last act of service to others was to donate his body to the University of Minnesota Medical School for medical education and research.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood in memory of Donald Holz at your nearest American Red Cross blood drive or blood donation center. Memorials may also be given to Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School.

Don’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff and care givers at Trinity Care Center in Farmington and Grace Hospice.

A Celebration of Life for Donald Hugo Holz will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church in Eagan. Visitation will be available prior to the service starting at 10 AM.

Arrangements are with White Funeral Homes - www.whitefuneralhomes.com

Live stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/N8WcxbjmG2M