Thelma K. Holetz - Kutzke

Thelma Kathryn Holetz Kutzke, age 91 of North Branch, formerly Pine City, Mn. died peacefully Saturday September 11, 2010 at the Villages of North Branch.    She was born January 31, 1919 in Merrill, Iowa, the daughter of Alvis B. and Marie (Kelleher) Krier.  The family moved to Pine Island, Mn. and she graduated from Zumbrota High School.  She attended beauty school and upon completion worked at a beauty shop in North Branch.    Thelma met Richard "Boy" Holetz and they were married at his parents home in Pine City, March 23, 1943.  In 1948 they built their home on Cross Lake where they spent many enjoyable years.    Thelma did beauty work for several years, then was employed at the Twin Cities Arsenal.  She retired from the First National Bank in Pine City after nearly 30 years of service.    Richard and Thelma took many nice trips, several cruises, enjoyed fishing and playing cards with friends and family.  She enjoyed knitting and was an excellent cook.  She was especially known for her "English Toffee" that many friends and family received as a gift during the holidays.    Richard passed away in 1998 after 55 years of marriage.  In October 2001 Thelma married Melvin Kutzke.  They resided in Pine City until moving to the Villages of North Branch in 2006.  Melvin passed away in 2008.    She was a member of the local American Legion Auxiliary and the First Presbyterian Church, Pine City.    Thelma was preceeded in death by her parents, husbands, Richard and Melvin.  Brother Thadieus Krier, and sister Shirley Brown.    She is survived by her brother Daniel (Marguerite) Krier, sisters-in-law Evelyn Gamelgaard, Arlene (Ed) Leese, brother-in-law Richard C. (Ruthann) Holetz, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, Melvin's four daughters and many friends.Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 17th at the First Presbyterian Church in Pine City.  Interment will be in Birchwood Cemetery of Pine City.  Visitation is one hour only, (beginning at 10:00 a.m.) prior to the service at the church on Friday.