Harvey E. Holtan

Harvey Eugene Holtan was called to his eternal home on Wednesday (September 9, 2026) at 98 years of age, at Meadow Lakes Senior Living in Rochester.

Harvey was born March 2, 1928 in Rock Dell, MN to Ed and Agnes( Larson ) Holtan.  He was baptized, confirmed and married at East St. Olaf  Lutheran Church. He graduated from Kasson High School in 1946.  Harvey joined the army October 1, 1946.  He completed basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky and completed Airborne training as a Paratrooper in 1947.  He was then sent to Japan for one year.  He was Honorably Discharged in San Francisco, California in 1948.After being discharged, Harvey returned to Rochester and began working at St. Mary’s Hospital for one year, followed by two years with Coca Cola as a salesman.  In 1951, he began his 30 year career working for Woodhouse Brothers Sheetmetal and Furnace Company.  He met Betty Josselyn dancing at the Armory in 1948; they were married June 16, 1950.  Together they have five children; Wayne, Gail, Judy, Karen, and Sara.  They raised their family in Stewartville, MN, where Harvey bought, built and sold numerous homes.

Following their marriage in 1950, Harvey and Betty joined Gloria Dei Lutheran Church as charter members.  Harvey served as Trustee and Sunday School teacher.  After moving to Stewartville, they joined Zion Lutheran Church.  Harvey served on the church council, call committee, taught Sunday School, and served with Betty on the Senior Citizen Couples Club.  He also served on Lutheran Brotherhood’s “Friends in Need”, volunteered at Good Earth Village with building projects and volunteered at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch with youth camps. When Harvey retired in 1990, they moved to Rochester.  They joined Zumbro Lutheran Church, which remains their church home today.  While a member of Zumbro Lutheran Church, Harvey was an usher and tour guide for the Senior Couples Club for several years.   In 2001, they moved to Beuna Vista; in 2007 they moved to The Homestead at Rochester, recently moving to Meadow Lakes Senior Living.  Harvey and Betty enjoyed dancing and traveling to different states on bus tours.  They have been blessed with 76 years of marriage.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Betty and  1 son and 4 daughters -  Wayne (Laura) Holtan of San Diego, CA;  Gail (John) Gillard of Hutchinson, MN;  Judy Braatz of Rochester, MN;  Karen Reeves of Olathe, KS;  Sara (Don) Andreen of Rochester; 14  Grandchildren-  Jonathan Holtan (Alex Reiff); Erik (Sophia) Holtan; Megan Holtan; Melissa (Adam) Runk; Kristen (John) Keaveny; Jennifer (Michael) Hicks; Tim (Kara) Gillard; Lindsay (Max) Johnson; Kelsey (Cole) Fredrickson; Adam Reeves; Danielle Reeves; Cody (Sadie)Reeves; Chris Andreen; Zach (Destini) Andreen; 18 great grandchildren; 2 sister-in-laws - Marlynn (Jerry) Brown and  Marge Heckman; 1 brother-in-law- Ron Josselyn and many nieces and nephews. Harvey was preceded in death by his parents and  3 brothers -  Palmer Holtan, Arnold Holtan, and Melroy Holtan.

Harvey’s funeral service will be on Thursday (September 17, 2026) at 1:00 PM at Zumbro Lutheran Church (624 3rd Ave SW, Rochester) with  Rev. Tim Rotman officiating.  A time of  visitation for family and friends will begin at 12:00 pm. until time of service. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville. Memorials are preferred to  Seasons Hospice in Rochester, MN. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Harvey are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harvey E. Holtan, please visit our floral store.