Susan Holtkamp, a loving wife and mother, passed to eternal life on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, at home with both daughters by her side.

Sue was born in Chicago, Ill to parents, Gregory and Elaine and was elder sister to Greg. She graduated from Webster Groves High School in St. Louis, MO where she developed a great talent and an affinity to art. She continued to win art competitions throughout her 2 years at Tulsa University, majoring in commercial art. She joined the Fraternity of Phi Mu and was an active member of the alumni association.

Upon returning to St. Louis, Sue found employment at Roman Advertising, Ralston Purina Co art department, and Brucker & Thacker Engineering where she did clerical and drafting work. During that time, she signed up for the YMCA dance class and was swept off her feet by future husband, Herb. Soon after their marriage in 1970, they moved to Springfield, MO where they eventually started Holtkamp Plumbing Co. She designed the business cards, the truck logo and took on all aspects of managing the business. She drew up the floor plans of the house they built and took on the role of property manager of the various rental properties; all the while being a homemaker and involved stay-at-home mother of two daughters, Lori and Amy.

Sue and Herb enjoyed traveling, especially in their retirement years. Highlights include a pilgrimage to Medjugorje and Rome which bolstered her faith-life, and many hi-low trailer adventures. Her veggie garden was her pride and joy, as it gave her the opportunity to share the delicious fruits of her labor with the neighbors, Herb's customers, and the employees that served them so well at the establishments they frequented. The church's annual Fall Bazaar was a passionate endeavor that Sue chaired for over a decade. Thank you to all the fellow volunteers for allowing her to step-in and rearrange the "merchandise". She also organized the annual Living Rosary; was part of the Prayer Line of intercessors, and on behalf of the church, wrote cards to parishioners for various occasions throughout the year.

Throughout her life and even to the end, Sue remained positive and others-focused. She put 110% of her heart, faith, talent, jokes and ingenuity to the service of others - that being her family, faith community of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, pro-life efforts, neighbors, friends, and anyone that she would spontaneously encounter. Most everyone that knew Sue always left with a smile (but most likely a hug) and some veggies from her garden. Her optimistic and faith-based view on God's plan in life carried her through life's ups and downs. She was always seeking to grow in her relationship with God and found awe and delight in discovering all kinds of things about life, nature, faith, and most of all, people.

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things, there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Sue is preceded in death by her parents Greg and Elaine, beloved husband of 52 years, Herb; brother-in-laws David, Bob, Ed and sister-in-law, Mary Kay. She is survived by her daughters, Lori and Amy; brother Greg (Sandy), nephew Daniel, niece Michelle and in-laws Stephenie, Carol, Sue and Mark and their extended families.

In Lieu of Flowers: Vitae Society - www.vitaefoundation.org Lifehouse - https://ccsomo.org/maternal-family-programs/

May the soul of the faithfully departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace.

Let us Pray: O Gentlest Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning Love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on the soul of Thy Servant. Be not severe in Thy Judgement but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon our beloved departed, and do Thou O Merciful Savior send Thy Angels to conduct the soul of Thy Servant to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen