Robert "Bob" Holzer

Robert “Bob” Holzer, 77, of Bismarck, passed away on Oct. 1, 2025 at his home after a courageous 3 year battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Oct. 6, at 10:00 a.m. at Church of Corpus Christi, Bismarck. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. with a Rosay/Vigil service at 6:00 p.m. at the Bismarck Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Bob was born on July 3, 1948 to Joe and Rose (Faith) Holzer.

Bob was an avid hunter starting out at the early age of 12, proud to bring home meat for the table. He loved fishing both open water and ice. Bow hunting was a favorite pastime of his. He spent many hours at Kimble bottom in his favorite trees, always enjoying his time in the woods. He loved talking about hunting and fishing, He made several trips to Montana to Elk hunt with his nephews. If anyone had a picture or story to share he was all eyes and ears.

Bob worked several different jobs. He was a Certified Cad Drafter, Logger and worked Construction. Many buildings in North Dakota were on his project list. He started when he was 16 splitting all the stones for a Baptist Church in Bismarck. Some of his jobs were the Surgical Center at Mid Dakota, Cloverdale, The Stanton Power Plant and the Apartments and Chapel at St. Vincent's Marillac Manor.

In 2001 Bob along with Shirley helped build the Medora Children’s Park. Then in 2022 they volunteered to help with the Children's Park update. Their names are on the plaque in front of the Park. Another exciting adventure that surprised everyone was when Bob and Shirley went Skydiving.

With Bob’s love of being outside we have to talk about flowers and gardens. There were fresh flowers in the house all summer. He spent many hours transplanting flowers, pulling weeds and growing vegetables pickling, wine making and canning.

Bob was a good baker, often making his own bread and new cookie recipes. When Shirley had to go Gluten free, he made her brownies, cookies and cakes. We will miss his apple pie. It was the best.

Bob never let his cancer define who he was. His strength was shown during the winter when he would snow blow the whole block of neighbors sidewalks and driveways. The neighbors were very thankful for his help. Bob’s faith was a quiet faith. He was thankful for each day he was given, knowing God was walking with him on his Cancer journey. He was an inspiration to both family, friends and acquaintances. Bob appreciated the Bible studies he and Shirley went to and the many friends made there. Church was important to him, he was always happy to do funeral ministry when he was able and enjoyed many activities at Corpus Christi.

A special Thank You To the 7th floor nurses and CNA’s at Sanford for the wonderful care of Bob and to the Hospice Home Health Care who provided care so he could be home in his last days.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 58 years Shirley (Stelter) Holzer, siblings Joleen Ole, Donna (Duane), Donnie (Judy) and Aunt Emma Holzer, brother-in-law and friend, Stan and Sher Stelter, sisters-in- law Suzie Larsen and Barb Keyzer, close to his heart his niece Angie, nephew Jesse and nieces Megan, Kayden, Mady, Layken and Graysen his birthday and port buddy. Bob felt blessed to have many nephews and nieces who called him uncle. To know Bob was to love Bob.

He was preceded in death by his mother Rose and father Joe, father and mother-in-law Samuel and Violet Stelter, siblings Angeline, JoAnne, Gene, Tony and Patty, sister-in-law Ginger, brother-in-law Butch.

In lieu of flowers it is suggested to contribute to your favorite charity in Bob’s name.