Gene Kent Holtorf, 78, of Linn, Kansas died on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at his residence. He was born on April 28, 1945 to Jerald and Ruth Holtorf in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska. He was baptized on May 27, 1945 and confirmed on May 11, 1958 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska. Gene graduated from Cedar Bluffs High School in 1962 and earned his teaching degree from Wayne State College. He worked as a math teacher in Lyons, Nebraska. He went on to earn his civil engineering degree from Florida State University and worked for an engineering firm in Lincoln.
Gene married Marcellyn Mulder on January 5, 1975. This union was blessed with two children: Jerald and Theresa. Gene taught engineering at the University of Nebraska until 1989 when he and the family moved to Fort Wayne, IN where he began his study for the office of holy ministry at Concordia Theological Seminary. Following his graduation and ordination in 1993, the family moved to rural Palmer, KS where he was called to be the Pastor of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Palmer, KS. Gene retired from his ministry at St. John in 2013.
Gene found pleasure in playing the piano, reading, golfing, and working in his shop. He enjoyed filling in as a substitute pastor on occasion. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Gene was preceded in death by his wife Marcy and parents Jerald and Ruth Holtorf. Survivors include: son Jerry and wife Amber of Olathe, KS, daughter; Theresa Meier and husband Jared of Palmer, KS; grandchildren Elijah, Nolan & Grace Meier; Isabella, Delaney, Lucas, and Veronica Holtorf; sister Doris and husband Dennis Oelschlager; brother-in-law Tom Mulder and wife Linda; brother-in-law Mark Mulder and wife Sharon; sister-in-law Lois Bridges; sister-in-law Eunice and husband Randy White; brother-in-law Jim Mulder and wife Wendy; sister-in-law Avis and husband John Hilger; brother-in-law Robert Mulder and wife Tammy; sister-in-law Debbie and husband Randy Rohwer; brother-in-law Kurt Mulder and wife Jody; brother-in-law Warren Mulder; brother-in-law Wade Mulder and wife Angie; and sister-in-law LeAnn Mulder—numerous nephews and nieces, relatives and friends.
The funeral service for Gene will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, KS with interment to follow at the church cemetery. The Rev. Joshua Hayes will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the St. John Fellowship Hall, Palmer.
Memorials may be made to the St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Palmer, KS. and the Lutheran Heritage Foundation and can be sent in care of the funeral home.
