Elmer C. Holzrichter

Elmer Holzrichter, 91, of Kearney, Nebraska died Thursday, June 9, 2016 at his home. Elmer was born on his family’s farm on the West bank of the Little Arkansas River in Harvey County, Kansas, on December 18, 1924. Growing up in the depression with few possessions, Elmer developed a life-long commitment to stewardship of the environment and a respect for plants and animals. He was greatly influenced by his nurturing mother’s warmth, appreciation, and respect for nature. Elmer was an artist and an educator. He was motivated to pursue art by his elementary school teacher. Elmer graduated from Burrton High School and after a year of additional training, he took his first job teaching in a country school in Kansas. He went on to earn a B.F.A. from Wichita State University in 1949 and taught art at the junior and senior high schools in Dodge City, Kansas. Elmer met Margaret (Rowlands), the junior high music teacher, in Dodge City. Together, with their students, they staged a number of school operas. They married July 23, 1950. They had four children: son Eric Holzrichter of Charlotte, NC; daughters Myfanwy (Marc) Carranza of Plymouth, MN, Cathryn (Charles) Welch of Peterborough, NH and Bronwyn (Gary) Fees of Manhattan, KS. They have 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; Elmer spent four summers taking courses at the University of Colorado meeting many prominent artists who greatly influenced his life and philosophy of art. He completed his masters of art at Fort Hays State University before accepting an offer from Kearney State College. He taught there for 26 years, retiring in 1989 as an Emeriti Professor of Art. He was known as a thoughtful and inspirational teacher. Elmer’s artwork encompassed a broad range of mediums including painting, drawing, collage, fiber banners, papier-mâché masks, assemblages and constructions, often including original poetry and recycled objects. Taking ordinary objects and materials and making them extraordinary became his artistic expression. He was known as the “thingmaker.” Elmer had several one-man shows, and award winning invitation and juried group shows. Over his lifetime, he created several hundred pieces of art. His most recent retrospective was at age 90 at the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA). Elmer had a passion for animals and plants, tending large gardens and caring for all God’s creatures. He was a founding member and served as the first president of the Southwest Kansas Art Association and was heavily involved in vision and planning of MONA. He participated regularly at Art in the Park. Elmer and Margaret could be seen frequently at Community Concert events. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents John and Sara (Friesen), brothers Frank, Harvey and Irl Holzrichter; sisters Esther Hook, Minnie Regher and Alvina Enns. Sister Doris Edwards of Perry, OK survives. A Memorial service will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church in Kearney with the Rev. Stephen Price-Gibson officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or the Museum of Nebraska Art. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services are in charge of services

Elmer C. Holzrichter

December 18, 1924 - June 9, 2016