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Wall of Honor
Forever In Our Hearts
Eric "Chief" Holzer
The Returning American Warriors are sad to the loss of one of our own . Eric "CHIEF" Holzer .
Chief spent 21 years in the United states Navy . Rising to Chief petty officer. After retiring from the Navy , he wasn't done serving and was one of the founding members of The Returning American Warriors . He served as President and was our current Vice President. He was always quick to give you a smile and put you at ease .He was always there to lend a hand or give you a ear. He will missed immensely. Fair winds and following seas , We will take it from here .
Eric Von Holzer age 52, died Thursday, February 6, 2020 in his rural Napoleon home following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
His Legacy… Eric was born July 21, 1967 to August “Jerry” and Millie (Shisler) Holzer in Bowling Green. A graduate of Napoleon High School, Eric enlisted with the United States Navy and retired from the military as a Chief Petty Officer after 21 years. He was employed by Ernst Asphalt, Wauseon. On July 28, 2018 Eric married Heather Koch. He was a member of the Napoleon Blue Lodge #256, Haly Chapter #136, Oc-Co-Nox-ee Council #55, Defiance Commandery #30 and past president of RAW (Returning American Warriors).
His Family… Eric is survived by his wife Heather; mother Millie; daughter Erin Holzer and several other children he nurtured and cared for through the years; and 3 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Jerry and wife Katie (Klemstine) Holzer.
His Farewell Services… Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life. Visitation will be held at Zachrich Funeral Home in Holgate on Friday, February, 28 from 2-8 p.m. Following an hour of visitation, a Masonic service will be held at 1:00 p.m. followed by a service of remembrance on Saturday, February 29 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Holgate with Pastor David Orr officiating. Contributions in memory of Eric may be made to RAW (Returning American Warriors) 403 Church St. Apt B, Stryker Ohio 43557.
Chief spent 21 years in the United states Navy . Rising to Chief petty officer. After retiring from the Navy , he wasn't done serving and was one of the founding members of The Returning American Warriors . He served as President and was our current Vice President. He was always quick to give you a smile and put you at ease .He was always there to lend a hand or give you a ear. He will missed immensely. Fair winds and following seas , We will take it from here .
Eric Von Holzer age 52, died Thursday, February 6, 2020 in his rural Napoleon home following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
His Legacy… Eric was born July 21, 1967 to August “Jerry” and Millie (Shisler) Holzer in Bowling Green. A graduate of Napoleon High School, Eric enlisted with the United States Navy and retired from the military as a Chief Petty Officer after 21 years. He was employed by Ernst Asphalt, Wauseon. On July 28, 2018 Eric married Heather Koch. He was a member of the Napoleon Blue Lodge #256, Haly Chapter #136, Oc-Co-Nox-ee Council #55, Defiance Commandery #30 and past president of RAW (Returning American Warriors).
His Family… Eric is survived by his wife Heather; mother Millie; daughter Erin Holzer and several other children he nurtured and cared for through the years; and 3 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Jerry and wife Katie (Klemstine) Holzer.
His Farewell Services… Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life. Visitation will be held at Zachrich Funeral Home in Holgate on Friday, February, 28 from 2-8 p.m. Following an hour of visitation, a Masonic service will be held at 1:00 p.m. followed by a service of remembrance on Saturday, February 29 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Holgate with Pastor David Orr officiating. Contributions in memory of Eric may be made to RAW (Returning American Warriors) 403 Church St. Apt B, Stryker Ohio 43557.
Katie "Bug" Holzer
On Sunday, August 21, 2016, Katie “Bug” Holzer, wife of Eric “Chief” Holzer, passed away peacefully with her loved ones attentively caring for her in their home, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Kathryn Lynn Klemstine Holzer was born the youngest child, with three older brothers, to Patsy Owens and Robert Klemstine on September 12, 1961. She married Eric Von Holzer on September 30, 2006 and they reside in Napoleon, Ohio.
As a teenager she became a Chuck Norris Karate Black Belt Champion, having won first place in both fight and kata in a national tournament in Atlanta in 1977. Katie graduated from Brewbaker Academy in Norfolk, Virginia and then went on to graduate from nursing school. She worked as an LPN at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters as well as with various pediatric doctors. Among her best friends were Patricia Banks and Susan Domke.
Left to cherish her memory are their children, Rickey Aaron O’Neal and Megan Banks, Erin Diehl and husband Daniel, Stephanie Lynn O’Neal and granddaughter Chloe Lynn “Punkin Pants” O’Neal.
Her brothers from Virginia are Steve and wife Bonnie Klemstine, Stan and husband Marc Evanstine, and Bobby Klemstine and Michelle Rumans. Her husband’s parents Millie and Jerry Holzer will also miss her dearly.
An active member of the community, Katie worked as a Humane Agent for Henry County, a member of the Humane Society, and an employee of Pampered Pets Bed & Biscuit. She formed many lasting friendships including Kellye Baldridge, Alex Wiechers, and Jeannie Strain. She immersed herself in Ohio’s lifestyle including a love of county fairs and also became a motorcycle enthusiast with her beloved husband. She accompanied him on countless benefit motorcycle runs as well as R.A.W. (Returning American Warriors) events.
A celebration of life service will be held on September 10, 2016 at noon at St. John’s United Church of Christ, I-946 Ohio 108, Holgate, OH 43527. Friends will be received prior to the service from 10:00 am - noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Returning American Warriors or the Henry County Humane Society.
I would like us all to take a little time to think about how honored we all were to have this beautiful woman in our lives. I know that she had an impact on each and every one of us. I also know that she will be teaming up with GPSy and watching over us all as we move forward on our journeys. Its exactly what they would both want. God Bless you Bug. You will forever be loved and missed by us all. ❤ — with Katie Klemstine Holzer.
Kathryn Lynn Klemstine Holzer was born the youngest child, with three older brothers, to Patsy Owens and Robert Klemstine on September 12, 1961. She married Eric Von Holzer on September 30, 2006 and they reside in Napoleon, Ohio.
As a teenager she became a Chuck Norris Karate Black Belt Champion, having won first place in both fight and kata in a national tournament in Atlanta in 1977. Katie graduated from Brewbaker Academy in Norfolk, Virginia and then went on to graduate from nursing school. She worked as an LPN at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters as well as with various pediatric doctors. Among her best friends were Patricia Banks and Susan Domke.
Left to cherish her memory are their children, Rickey Aaron O’Neal and Megan Banks, Erin Diehl and husband Daniel, Stephanie Lynn O’Neal and granddaughter Chloe Lynn “Punkin Pants” O’Neal.
Her brothers from Virginia are Steve and wife Bonnie Klemstine, Stan and husband Marc Evanstine, and Bobby Klemstine and Michelle Rumans. Her husband’s parents Millie and Jerry Holzer will also miss her dearly.
An active member of the community, Katie worked as a Humane Agent for Henry County, a member of the Humane Society, and an employee of Pampered Pets Bed & Biscuit. She formed many lasting friendships including Kellye Baldridge, Alex Wiechers, and Jeannie Strain. She immersed herself in Ohio’s lifestyle including a love of county fairs and also became a motorcycle enthusiast with her beloved husband. She accompanied him on countless benefit motorcycle runs as well as R.A.W. (Returning American Warriors) events.
A celebration of life service will be held on September 10, 2016 at noon at St. John’s United Church of Christ, I-946 Ohio 108, Holgate, OH 43527. Friends will be received prior to the service from 10:00 am - noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Returning American Warriors or the Henry County Humane Society.
I would like us all to take a little time to think about how honored we all were to have this beautiful woman in our lives. I know that she had an impact on each and every one of us. I also know that she will be teaming up with GPSy and watching over us all as we move forward on our journeys. Its exactly what they would both want. God Bless you Bug. You will forever be loved and missed by us all. ❤ — with Katie Klemstine Holzer.
TOM "SPIDER" THACKER
Returning American Warriors is sad to announce. We have lost a member of our R.A.W. family Tom " Spider" Thacker.
Spider was one of our original members of our RAW family, He was a kind, caring and gentle person. Always willing to help or give old school advice. He was also a Warrior, a Marine to the absolute core of his being.
He departed this world defending and protecting those he loved like the Warrior he was.
We all will miss his smile and laughs and ability to put your troubles at ease, his rants and how much he loved his country, the Marine Corp and RAW. You will be missed Tom Thacker and know that you are loved
At ease Marine, we will take it from here. Semper Fi till Valhalla
Tommy Thacker, 53, of Maumee, Ohio formerly of Napoleon, Ohio died Saturday, July 21st in Toledo, Ohio. He was born on May 14, 1965 in Lincoln Park, Michigan to the late Tom and Gladys (Minnix) Thacker. He was engaged and soon to be wed to Brooke Clay of Maumee and was formerly married to Kim Powers.
Tommy was a 1983 graduate of Napoleon High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corp attaining the rank of Lance Corporal and served overseas in Beirut prior to the Gulf War. He worked as a truck driver at AIM Integrated Logistics of Napoleon previously worked at John Mansville of Defiance for over 17 years. He was an officer in RAW (Returning American Warriors) and was a former member of other motorcycle clubs over the years.
Tommy is also survived by his daughter, Raven Thacker of Pueblo West, Colorado; sons, Mike (Jordan) Belcher of Defiance and Chase Belcher of Pueblo West; and granddaughter, Ayva.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1 at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon, Ohio. Interment will follow at Grelton Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the Marine Corp. and Napoleon Joint Veteran Posts.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon, Ohio.
Memorials are suggested to RAW (Returning American Warriors).
Spider was one of our original members of our RAW family, He was a kind, caring and gentle person. Always willing to help or give old school advice. He was also a Warrior, a Marine to the absolute core of his being.
He departed this world defending and protecting those he loved like the Warrior he was.
We all will miss his smile and laughs and ability to put your troubles at ease, his rants and how much he loved his country, the Marine Corp and RAW. You will be missed Tom Thacker and know that you are loved
At ease Marine, we will take it from here. Semper Fi till Valhalla
Tommy Thacker, 53, of Maumee, Ohio formerly of Napoleon, Ohio died Saturday, July 21st in Toledo, Ohio. He was born on May 14, 1965 in Lincoln Park, Michigan to the late Tom and Gladys (Minnix) Thacker. He was engaged and soon to be wed to Brooke Clay of Maumee and was formerly married to Kim Powers.
Tommy was a 1983 graduate of Napoleon High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corp attaining the rank of Lance Corporal and served overseas in Beirut prior to the Gulf War. He worked as a truck driver at AIM Integrated Logistics of Napoleon previously worked at John Mansville of Defiance for over 17 years. He was an officer in RAW (Returning American Warriors) and was a former member of other motorcycle clubs over the years.
Tommy is also survived by his daughter, Raven Thacker of Pueblo West, Colorado; sons, Mike (Jordan) Belcher of Defiance and Chase Belcher of Pueblo West; and granddaughter, Ayva.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1 at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon, Ohio. Interment will follow at Grelton Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the Marine Corp. and Napoleon Joint Veteran Posts.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon, Ohio.
Memorials are suggested to RAW (Returning American Warriors).
Mike "GPSy" Marvin
I haven't really shared this outside of the RAW circle so I will clarify for my other friends. Today at 1215pm I lost a man I called Brother. I am honored and humbled that he called me Brother back. True loyal Patriot, Veteran's advocate and an amazing mentor, Mike "GPSy" Marvin's voice will echo in my head as long as I live. His laughter will ring in my ears each time I crack the throttle. He will no longer be seen among us but he will live forever in our hearts.
We will meet again one day Brother and we will ride together again. You lead. I don't care how lost we get. After all, it's about the ride, not the destination.
Love You Brother.
We will meet again one day Brother and we will ride together again. You lead. I don't care how lost we get. After all, it's about the ride, not the destination.
Love You Brother.
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