Ernest Dean Holthus

Ernest Dean Holthus of Grants Pass, Oregon passed away Saturday, December 3, 2011.

Ernie was born May 7, 1924 in Smith Center, Kansas to Herman Henry and Florence Holthus.

Ernie graduated from Smith Center High School in 1942. Upon graduation Ernie enlisted in the United States Navy. Ernie was the oldest of two brothers, Glenn and Donald, who also served in the military and a sister Barbara June. He served from January 1944 to May 1946 in World War II. He was recalled into active duty during the Korean incident and served from August 1951 to May 1952.

Ernie left the Navy in 1946 and relocated to Eureka, Montana in search of work and a new future. It was in Eureka, Montana that Ernie met the love of his life, Marjorie McMullen. Ernie and Margie were married April 6, 1948. They traveled to Grants Pass, Oregon in 1949 to start their lives together. Ernie worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad and subsequently worked in the lumber industry most of his adult life.

Ernie and Margie were actively involved in local Square Dance activities until maturity slowed them down a bit. He loved hunting and fishing and spent many hours on the local rivers fishing for steelhead. He spent countless hours planning and pursuing his hunting passion as well. His grandson, Justin Holthus, shot his first pheasant on a hunt with his grandfather. In his later years Ernie was active in the VFW where he held office and proudly served the community and his fellow veterans. Ernie was active in two senior bowling leagues and cherished the hours of recreation and socialization with his friends. Ernie enjoyed rodeo and traveled to Pendleton, Oregon for many years to partake in the activities of the Pendleton Roundup.

Ernie learned to sew at an early age and enjoyed making all of their square dance outfits. He made his daughter’s wedding dress of which she was most proud.

In his later years Ernie enjoyed woodworking in his shop making much of the furniture in his own home as well as the homes of family and friends.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Herman Henry Holthus, Brothers Donald Holthus and Glenn Holthus. He is survived by his wife Marjorie and immediate family sister, Barbara June Grauerholz, children Dineen Degener and Jay Holthus, grandchildren Rodney Degener, Justin Holthus, and John Holthus.

Ernie was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, Oregon. A memorial for Ernie will be held Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Private mausoleum entombment will be at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Ernie loved his family and friends. He celebrated his time on earth with a zest for living. He was a generous giving person that enjoyed donating his time and experience to others.

In lieu of flowers, Ernie asked that donations be made to the local VFW 2302, c/o Don German, 924 SE N Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526.