John Carl Holzmueller

John Holzmueller, 72, died Friday, July 8, 2022, at his home. He was born October 2, 1949, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Gus and Mildred Holzmueller.  He attended high school in Hawarden, IA and graduated with a business degree from Iowa State University. He married Eileen Porto in 1974 and they raised their family in Des Moines. He retired from Eagle Iron Works in 2012.

John was preceded in death by his parents.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, Eric (Kristy Bender) Holzmueller, Anne (Matthew) Van Horn and Kate Holzmueller; grandchildren Ian, Kelsey, Kiley & Rose Holzmueller and Mason, Lydia & Isaac Van Horn; brother Gus (Bev) Holzmueller; and numerous family members and friends.

John lived a simple life.  He enjoyed canoeing, daily walks, bicycle rides, history, old cars, treks to The Boundary Waters (both solo and with friends and family), archery, reading, watching videos on YouTube, spending time in his cabin in the woods and the Iowa State Fair.  John’s sense of humor—for those he revealed it to — was dry. He valued fiscal responsibility, hard work and optimism.  

We will celebrate John’s life on Thursday July 28, 2022, at the Lodge in Walnut Woods State Park. Please join us for food, drink and laughter from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memories will be shared at 6:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness.

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