Paul Holtzapfel

Published 9:37 am Tuesday, February 15, 2011

After a courageous battle with cancer, Paul Joseph Holtzapfel ,79, of Ironton passed away on Sunday evening, Feb. 13, 2011. Joe was born on Aug. 11, 1931, the oldest son of Leonard and Nellie Holtzapfel. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1950, then served in the U.S. Navy. Joe attended the University of Dayton and Marshall University. He worked for Ashland Oil Inc. and retired after 38 years of employment. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks and St. Joseph men’s choir. He enjoyed golfing several times a week at the Ironton Country Club .

He is survived by his wife Gerry (Burnett) Holtzapfel whom he married on April 14, 1956; his daughters, Diane (J.) Carpenter of Dublin, Lee Ann (Jerry) Fogt of Dublin and Caroline (Jim) Wharton of Columbus. He was adored by his five grandchildren, Tim, Patrick, Steven, Kelly and Jordan. He is also survived by his sisters, Rita (Tony) Patterson of Knoxville, Tenn., Janice (Fred) Newman of Bellefonte, Ky., Janet (Orin) Roadcup of Ironton and Karen (Tom) Neal of Miamisburg; brothers, Jim (Thalia) Holtzapfel of Ironton and Bob (Gail) Holtzapfel of South Point; sister-in-law, Connie Holtzapfel of Franklin Furnace; along with many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents and brother Michael.

The family will receive friends today from 6-9 p.m. at O’Keefe-Baker Funeral Home, concluding with the rosary. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday at 11a.m. followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. Closing prayers will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials can be made in Joe’s name to Community Hospice Care Center, 2380 Pollard Road, Ashland, KY 41101 or St. Joseph Catholic High School Athletic Fund 912 S. Sixth St., Ironton, OH 45638. The family wishes to express thanks to everyone who gave their love and support to Papa Joe throughout his illness.