Margaret Holzrichter

Margaret (Rowlands) Holzrichter passed on October 7, 2022, at the age of 96. Margaret was born February 2, 1926, in Cincinnati, Ohio, third child and only daughter to Rev. Hugh and Mary (Rees) Rowlands. She graduated from Emporia High School (KS) and Emporia State Teacher’s College in 1948 majoring in music education and performance as a vocalist and pianist. After graduation she moved to Dodge City, Kansas to teach music at the middle school. There she met and later married Elmer Holzrichter who was the art teacher. Together they guided students in the production of numerous musicals, started a family and managed a small shop of original art by Elmer. Elmer and Margaret moved to Kearney in 1963 when Elmer joined the art faculty at Kearney State Teachers’ College. Margaret took care of the family, taught music in elementary school and was active in Faculty Wives. Elmer and Margaret merged their lives as artists and educators, not only making a living at both, but making art out of living. Daily life was surrounded by visual and performing arts as they faithfully attended college and community events. They were ardent supporters of Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney Community Concert, and Nebraska Public Media. As children of the depression, they lived a sustainable lifestyle recycling and reimagining. Nothing was wasted and ordinary objects were repurposed and incorporated into art. Margaret loved music. She was a member of the local music teacher’s guild and a patron of the Merryman Performing Arts Center. She directed adult and children’s choirs in church and accompanied many soloists on piano. Her greatest love was teaching children of all abilities to enjoy and play music. She was the first teacher in the area to adopt the Suzuki method of teaching piano. She hosted numerous recitals with a grand finale of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star performed by all students at once on multiple pianos. Margaret loved her family near and far and was proud of her Welsh heritage visiting family in Wales several times. She was a leader for her children’s 4-H clubs, Job’s Daughters and church youth club. She often hosted her grandchildren in the summertime treating them to waffles of many colors. Margaret lived a life of faith. As a daughter of a minister, she was raised in the church, singing, and accompanying many church services and programs. She was deeply engaged in the activities of First Presbyterian Church of Kearney including women’s circles, Bible study, teaching Sunday School, hosting church events, and serving on the Session and Board of Deacons. Margaret is preceded in death by her husband Elmer, and brothers Edwin (Flossy) and Hubert (Mildred). She is survived by her children Eric, Myfanwy (Marc) Carranza, Cathryn (Charles) Welch and Bronwyn (Gary) Fees, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. There will be a Celebration of Life for Margaret October 23, 2022, at 3:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Kearney. Memorials in Margaret’s name can be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Kearney or to the Kearney Family YMCA Creative Arts Program where she donated her piano for the continuing enrichment of children. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Margaret Holzrichter

February 2, 1926 - October 7, 2022