Harry Holzle

Harry Ross Holzle, 93, of Topeka, passed away at home on Thursday, July 30th. He was born in Topeka, KS, August 16, 1921, the son of Harry C. and Gladys (Thomas) Holzle. Harry graduated form Topeka High School and received his BS in Civil Engineering from KU. He served in the US Army during World War II. Harry married Virginia M Williams, August 20, 1950, in Great Bend, KS.

Harry was dedicated to his family, job, church and community. He was a loving, faithful and devoted father and husband. He enjoyed family vacations, camping, home projects, and raising a successful family.

As a public health worker Harry was committed to improving the lives of others. He was known for his soft-spoken wit, positive outlook, systematic approach, clear persuasiveness and sound judgment. He was District Engineer for the Kansas State Board of Health for four years, including two years in Dodge City, KS. He was Director of Environmental Health for the Topeka-Shawnee County Health Department, retiring after 32 years. He was instrumental in adopting the city housing code (local and national level), food service code and appeasing concerned citizens.

Harry was active and played key roles in many governmental, professional, community and working committee associations/organizations. He served with the Shawnee Co Solid Waste Planning Committee, Topeka Urban Strategy Team, Topeka Shawnee Co Ambulance Advisory Board, Mobile Meals Board, Topeka Mobile Homes Board of Investigators, Shawnee Co Office of Economic Opportunity and National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. He was a key participant in professional associations including the Kansas Engineering Society, National Society of Professional Engineers, Kansas Public Health Association (Special Service Award, Samuel Crumbine Medal), American Public Health Association (national Governing Council), Kansas Association of Sanitarians, and American Water Works Association (Gold Water Drop Award).

Outside of work, Harry was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, valuing his faith, committee/board roles, Sunday school classes, church services and friendships. He enjoyed community activities with the Topeka Cosmopolitan Club, Topeka Regional Science Fair, Topeka Toastmasters Club, Topeka Jay-Cees, Boy Scouts and North Topeka Outreach. He savored woodcarving projects, classes, and friends (Kaw Valley Wood Carvers) in addition to wood working projects at home. He was co-founder of the Topeka Retirees Club and anticipated lunching with fellow retirees while keeping up to date on Topeka.

Harry is survived by his loving wife Virginia; daughters Amy M Holzle and Jill (Jerry) Maddox; son Ross (Janis) Holzle; grandchildren Brett (Amy) Holzle, Holly (Alex) Snowling, Joseph (Sarah) Martinez, Keith (Emma) Maddox, Kevin Maddox; great-granddaughter, Tallulah Maddox; and cousin, Ellen (Howard) Duncan.

The memorial service will be at 1:30 pm, Saturday, August 15th, First Presbyterian Church at 817 SW Harrison, Topeka, KS 66612. Private burial will be at the Topeka Cemetery.

Harry will lie in state 3-8 pm, Friday, August 14th, Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.

To leave a special memory of Harry, please visit the guestbook below.