Michael Holzer

Michael Jerome Holzer passed away on January 8, 2026, at Perham Living in Perham, Minnesota. He was born on February 16, 1947, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Anton and Mary (Kasowski) Holzer.

Mike graduated from New York Mills High School with the class of 1965. He served his country as a member of the Minnesota National Guard and later dedicated his professional life to education. He worked as a paraprofessional at Wadena-Deer Creek High School, where he also taught woodworking classes.  Mike was deeply respected and loved by both students and staff. His craftsmanship was admired by many, and he created numerous pieces of oak furniture that reflected his skill and dedication. Mike also owned his own upholstery business and especially loved doing car interiors, he was partial to Ford Mustangs and owned several over his lifetime.

On July 22, 1978, Michael married Susan Dawn Schumacher at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bluffton, Minnesota. Together they were blessed with three children: Dawn, Tara, and Ryan.

Mike found great joy living on a 40-acre hobby farm where he tended to flowers and animals. He had a special bond with his beloved dogs, George and Missy and his grand dogs Roscoe and Abby.  When Mike retired, he continued to serve his community at the Wadena Food Shelf and the Wadena Community Outreach Program.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Jim Holzer, Mary Hoffman, Gene Holzer, Ben Holzer; parents-in-law Howard and Virgina Schumacher; and brother-in-law Tony VanWatermulen.

Mike is survived by his wife Sue; children: Dawn (Andy Hanson) Holzer, Tara (Allen) Feld, Ryan Holzer; Grandchildren: Kody and Kenley Feld; siblings: Joe (Sherryl) Holzer, Renee VanWatermulen, Albert (Mary) Holzer, Alice (Gerry) Dittmann, and Frank (Bev) Holzer; sisters-in-law: Darlene Holzer, Char Holzer; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. 

Mike’s memory will live on through the lives he touched—as an educator, craftsman, husband, father, and friend. In our living room and kitchen, at every wedding celebration, Mike showed us that love always finds a way to dance. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please consider planting a tree in Mike's honor and memory. 

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