Hans Holzen

Born in Peiping, China on March 10, 1941 Departed on July 30, 2016 and resided in Hendersonville, TN Visitation: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: Stateroom ATuesday August 2, 2016 4:00pm to 8:00pmFuneral Mass: Our Lady of The Lake Catholic Church Room: NaveWednesday August 3, 2016 11:00am to 12:00pm

Mr. Holzen passed away peacefully on July 30, 2016 surrounded by his family.
Born on March 10, 1941 to the late Herbert and Stephanie Holzen in Peiping, China, Hans began his life as an international traveler. He and the rest of his family immigrated to the United States in 1948 and settled in Erie, PA. He graduated high school from Cathedral Preparatory School and was an alumnus of the class of 1959. Hans went on to his studies in higher education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned both a degree in Civil Engineering and Mining Engineering. After completing his college studies, he began working for A.C. Ackenheile Associates of Pittsburgh. Several years later, Hans employed his skills as Regional Vice President of Marketing for Law Engineering. During his time with Law Engineering he found himself traveling often around the southeast. Although Hans had a successful career he was a family man at heart.
He will forever live on in our hearts as a loving and caring father, devoted grandfather, and a loving and loyal friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand to any family member or friend in need. Hans loved his family and enjoyed spending as much time with them as he could. He was always present for holiday gatherings, birthdays, and other various celebrations. Family was one of his top priorities, second only to his relationship with God.
Hans was a faithful man who loved the Lord and did his best to live out his faith. A member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, he was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus and also volunteered his time to scheduling games and practices at the church's baseball field. He also helped to maintain the memorial garden there. Interestingly, Hans was also a member of First Baptist Church Hendersonville where he experienced a different community and style of worship which also spoke to his soul. He faithfully attended services at both churches each weekend. He embodied the essence of ecumenism.
Hans had several hobbies which kept him busy in his spare time throughout his life. He enjoyed the sounds of bluegrass music, exploring other cultures while traveling, and the setting of the outdoors. When taking to the great outdoors, Hans relished in the adventures had while camping and hiking. In fact, most of his hiking was through the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains. Speaking of picturesque...Hans was a passionate photographer who captured many of wonderful memories. His photographs are priceless heirlooms that the family will always cherish. When recalling memories of Hans, many stories paint the picture of his quick wit and impeccable sense of humor. His tremendous gift could put a smile on any face and fill an entire room with laughter!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Holzen, PhD and Stephanie Holzen, PhD. Hans is survived by those he loved most in this world; daughters, Stephanie (Josh Dorfman) Holzen, Michele Holzen, Renee (Paul) Cox; sons, Chris Holzen, Jason (Jennifer) Holzen; sixteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; the mother of his beautiful children, Julie Holzen; sister; Elisabeth (Jim) Mailhot; brothers, Thomas (Helen) Holzen, Luke (Janice) Holzen; twelve nieces and nephews; devoted loving friend, Caroline Rudy; and countless other treasured friends and extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Hans to the Grounds Committee at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 1729 Stop 30 Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075. Please be sure to note your donation in honor of Hans Holzen.
The family will receive visitors Tuesday, August 2, 2016 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at Hendersonville Funeral Home, 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 615-824-3855 hendersonvillefh.com
A Mass will be offered for the peaceful repose of Hans Holzen at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 1729 Stop 30 Road, Hendersonville, TN. Interment will follow at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.