Royal Henry “Curly” Holz II peacefully passed away June 25, 2024, in Des Moines. He was 78 years of age.
A graveside service with military rites was held at Junction Township Cemetery, Grand Junction, followed by a Celebration of Life at Bethel Church, Boone. Rev. Josh McFarland presided at both services. Honorary casket bearers were Aaron Holz, Reg Clause, Paul Becker, Steve Becker, Joel Waltz and LaVerne Lingren. Casket bearers were Jeremy Johnston, James Holz, Ben Johnston, Kip Lepke, Mark Burgart and Harvey Swartz. Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, Iowa.
Curly was born May 12, 1946, the son of Marie Grundwald Holz and Royal Henry Holz I. He grew up on Holz’s Brothers Inc. farm, raising feeder cattle and other animals. Curly attended East Greene Community School. He made the first touchdown as a freshman for East Greene football team. He participated in 4-H and Future Farmers of America.
During his years at Iowa State University, Curly was in the Iowa State University Reserved Officer’s Training Corps. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. After college graduation, he was deployed overseas with the United States Army and had an honorable discharge in 1970. Curly returned to Grand Junction and resumed his place alongside his father Royal and brother Howard Holz in the feedlot and family farm business. He spearheaded the tiling of farm land in Greene County. Later, his nephew James Holz joined the operation.
After his father, Royal Holz I. passed, Curly decided in 2017 to branch out, forming 1000 Hills Cattle Inc. His passion was to use Psalms 50:10 to run an operation based on his love of God. In this endeavor, he employed many individuals, to whom he was grateful for their service and talents. During the last few years, he had the help of his daughter Molly Holz. Jeremy Johnston, his son-in-law, was a constant and valued helper since the start of 1000 Hills.
Curly attended many farm training events and seminars. He was a member of several farm-related organizations. He traveled to different continents, visiting people to share the good news of Jesus Christ. He was a member of the Gideons.
Curly is survived by his wife Bunny Holz; children Molly Holz, Aaron Holz, Ashley (Jeremy) Johnston, Steve Becker and Paul Becker; grandchildren Benjamin, Taylor, Karen, Jacob, and Adam Johnston; siblings Helen Raikes, John (Elaine) Holz, Howard (Mary Ellen) Holz, and Mary Holz Clause (Reg); many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Curly’s dream was to create the park near Grand Junction on County Road P46, named the “Prayer Rock Garden”. He was constantly spending time bringing rocks from all over, and placing up Scriptures on them in the park. He wanted this to be a place where people could come, sit, pray, and relax.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations, can be made to Iowa Prayer Rock Garden, PO Box 5137, Midland, TX 79704
