Obituary of Charles M. Holz
Charles Michael Holz, retired Chicago Police Department Sergeant, age 75, of Minooka for the past 21 years, and formerly of the Ashburn neighborhood of Chicago, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, with his loving family by his side.
Born November 2, 1948 in Chicago, he was the son of Charles William and Anne (Halko) Holz, and was a graduate of St. Rita High School and Lewis University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and was a member of Minooka American Legion Post #1188.
For 32 years, Chuck led a life of service with the Chicago Police Department, attaining the rank of Sergeant, and spending the majority of his career with the 8th District. With his interest and talent in computers, he took on the assignment of designing the first website for the 8th District, which in turn led to him receiving special recognition for his efforts and the invitation to apply his skills at Chicago Police Headquarters.
Both a fighter and a survivor, Chuck had the distinction of being the recipient of one of the first double lung transplants ever performed, surviving 21 years, and was able to have a relationship over those many years with his donor family. He also bravely and successfully battled esophageal cancer and a stroke, until his most recent battle with brain cancer. He never gave up and was an inspiration to his family and friends.
He was also a proud, devoted and active “Papa” to his seven grandchildren attending and supporting their school and sports activities including football, Lacrosse, bowling and wrestling. His loved for computers found him spending many hours helping others in addition to pursuing his own technology interests.
Chuck will be remembered for his many outstanding qualities, but especially his patriotism, his love of family, and his passion for coffee.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 52 years, Sandra (Laboda) Holz; three loving daughters, Sheryl (Kevin) Murphy, Dawn Ritchie and Kristin Holz; seven adoring grandchildren, Matthew and Robert Murphy, Alyssa, Jenna and Emily Ritchie, and Breanna and Jaden Bernard; his nephews and many cousins; his wife’s sister and brother-in-law, Debra and Rick Barker; and his two devoted dogs, Charlie and Bella.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, John L. Holz.
Visitation for Charles Holz will be held Monday, July 22, 2024, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., from the funeral home to St. Mary Catholic Church, 303 W. St. Mary Street, Minooka, IL where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Army.
Memorials in his name to Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network (www.giftofhope.org) would be appreciated.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
