Earl Jacob Holets, 78, of Chatfield, passed away on June 15, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Earl was born May 9, 1939, in Preston, Minn., to Earl and Mona (Schafer) Holets. Earl served in the Army from July 1957 to February 1963.
On October 27, 1962, he married Ruth Marie Zincke. The couple made their home on a dairy farm near Fountain.
Earl enjoyed fishing and collecting John Deere toy tractors. He also like to play Johnny Cash songs on his guitar. He was an avid woodworker who made many toys for his grandchildren. He will be remembered as having a deep love for his family.
Earl is survived by his children: Melissa (Roger) Woltz of Chatfield, Jennifer (Hank) Peeters of Chatfield, and Gregory (Tracy) Holets of Fountain; seven grandchildren: Kayla, Haley, Brady, Mitchell, Benjamin, Jacob, and Boone; a brother, Larry Holets of Rochester; and a sister, Anna Mae (Bob) Narveson of Plainview. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Earl is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Marie in 2015, his brother David Holets, and his parents.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20 at Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield. A private family burial will take place at Chatfield Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials received by the family will be donated to cancer research.
Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Earl with the family at rileyfuneralhomes.com.