Doris Holtz

Doris Yvonne (Peterson) Holtz, 95, of Brainerd, passed away on January 18, 2026, at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, MN.

Doris was born on January 6, 1931, to Herman and Sandra Peterson, at home. Doris graduated from Brainerd High School and went on to attend Teachers Training in Little Falls, MN. She loved teaching in country school. Doris met Clifford Holtz while teaching school in South Dakota. He literally swept her off her feet when they met at a roller rink. They were married on November 29, 1952, at South Long Lake Presbyterian Church. They farmed in western MN before purchasing a farm south of Brainerd in 1961. Together they raised nine children. Besides helping Clifford on the farm, Doris enjoyed crocheting, gardening (especially her flowers), and watching the birds at the feeders.

Doris is survived by her children; David (Carmel) Holtz, Brad Holtz, Debra (Lonny) Swaser, Rhonda (Terry) Pickar, Craig (Fay) Holtz, Julie (Tony) Truschel, Tim (Peggy) Holtz, Karen (Steve) Lively, Kevin (Shelly) Holtz, 31 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her brother Gary (Cathy) Peterson.

Doris is preceded in death by her parents, sisters; Kathryn Caughey and Betty Howell, brothers; Richard Peterson, Glen Peterson and David Peterson, and daughter in-law, Pam Holtz.

A service will be held on Saturday January 24, 2026, at 11:00am at the Halvorson-Taylor Funeral Home in Brainerd. There will be a visitation from 9:00am to 11:00am. Lunch and reception will follow the service. Burial will be at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home, Brainerd.