RUMFORD — Ernest A. Holtzman Sr., 92, died peacefully Friday, March 31, at his residence in Rumford, with his grandchildren by his side.

Born in Scranton, Pa., on Nov. 30, 1924, he was the son of Adam and Helen (Czapla) Loyewski. He attended Trucksville High School. His father died when he was 2 years old and his mother remarried Jacob Holtzman.

Ernest served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a fireman second class on board the USS Wallace L. Lind DD703. He served on this destroyer as it served to sweep mines in Tokyo Bay prior to the Japanese surrender ceremonies. Following his military service, he found a job as a millwright on the No. 4 paper machine at Oxford Paper Co., where he retired in 1986 after 40 years.

Ernest enjoyed fishing, hunting, farming, woodworking and spending time at the family camp on Garland Pond. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ernest was married in Rumford on Aug. 11, 1947, to Kathleen Adams. Kathleen passed away Aug. 29, 2016, shortly after their 69th wedding anniversary.

Survivors include his five children, Ernest Holtzman Jr. of North Woodstock, N.H., David Holtzman and wife, Carol, of Andover, Kathie Carter and husband, Tony, of Dixfield, Wayne Holtzman and wife, Debbie, of Rumford, and Laurie Holtzman of Rumford; a brother, Fred Holtzman and wife, Fran, of Trucksville, Pa.; sisters, Ruth Murphy of Harveys Lake, Pa., Lottie Hitchcock of Palm Bay, Fla., Betty Harbaugh of Trucksville, Pa., Naomi Brunges of Palm Bay, Fla.; brother-in-law, Emil Klimah; seven grandchildren: Chris, Heather, Heidi, Adam, Kati, Ellie and Annie; seven stepgrandchildren: Jada, Esau, Vanessa, Jason, Chris, Kurt and Greg; and many great-grandchildren, great-stepgrandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife; a brother, Jacob Holtzman; sisters, Arlene Klimah and Lucy Gogus; daughter-in-law, Nancy Holtzman; stepgrandson, Kenneth Hill; and stepgranddaughter, Perry Boggs.

The family would like to extend special thanks for caring for Ernest to granddaughter-in-law, Amber Durant; and great-granddaughter, Danielle Thibodeau.

Friends and relatives are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com.

Ernest A. Holtzman Sr.

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