Gary L. Holtz

Gary Lee Holtz of Charlotte, a man of kindness and a keen intellect passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Gary was born on May 25, 1936, to Leon and Dorothy (Plattner) Holtz. Gary studied at Tri-State College and later MSU, earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, then his master’s degree in Heat Transfer at USC. He married the love of his life, Nancy Holmes, in August of 1957 and they built a home and life together.
Gary worked in the aerospace industry with the companies of Atomics International, Lockheed and retiring from The Aerospace Corporation on April 1, 2003, after 40 years there. Following his retirement Gary continued in the industry as a consultant, and opened his own machine shop, Kestrel Company. Using his machine shop, Gary also restored a prize-winning Ducati motorcycle, and in the 1980’s he designed a tofu cutter for La Baselo Tofu Company.
A lover of the outdoors, Gary enjoyed backpacking in the Sierra Nevada’s with his children. Antique restoration was another refined skill of Gary’s, and he was an avid reader of mysteries and historical novels. His knowledge of history and details was unique; he always knew a little bit about everything.
Gary is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nancy; daughter Karen E. Holtz (Dan Weick); granddaughter, Syrina Rae Lounsberry; and sister, Linda A. Sells. He was predeceased by his sons, Gary Lee Jr. and Steven Gary; parents, Leon and Dorothy; sister, Janet L. Larson; and brother, Doyle.
Friends are encouraged to support Gary’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, March 4, 5-7:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Memorial services are Saturday, March 5, 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. If memorial contributions are desired, Peace Lutheran Church, The Lupus Foundation, Capital Area Humane Society, or SIREN/Eaton Shelter are suggested by the family. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.