Penelope Iris Holtz

Penelope Iris Holtz, age 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Methodist Hospital. She was born on March 3, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Fred and Iris Fike.

When Penelope was just nine years old, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Iris. She then went to live with her grandparents, Myrtle and Amos Larson, in Forest City, where she was raised alongside her aunts and uncles, whom she considered to be her sisters and brothers. After growing up to be a young woman, her grandfather gave her $50 and a train ticket, encouraging her to go out and make her own way in the world. Penelope did exactly that.

At the age of 19, she met her first husband, Gary Johnson in Des Moines, and the two began raising their family. Although that marriage later ended in divorce, Penelope eventually remarried. Throughout her life, she held a variety of jobs, always working hard to provide for and support her family in every way she could.

Penelope ultimately married Tom Holtz. They enjoyed travelling the country with their Airstream. This included them being in NYC on the fateful 9/11. Penelope enjoyed handcrafting wooden keepsake boxes for family, going camping at Walnut Woods and Maffit, and sitting around the campfire with loved ones. The Pines at the Iowa State Fair was a favorite gathering place for the family. She also loved her wine and lipstick.

She is lovingly survived by her children Lisa (David) Darrell, Garret Johnson, and Heather Miller, grandchildren Allie, Caty, Victoria, Nick, Lauren, Austin, Gavin, Marion, Caitlin, and Fallon, great-grandchildren Quinn and Ozzie, along with one more on the way, her sisters Shirley Larson, Toni Barber, Jeri (Mark) Widemer, brother Jerry (Tere) Larson, and a host of other extended family members and friends.

Penelope was preceded in death by her husband Tom Holtz, grandson Tommy Blue Miller, sisters Mary Ann Gorball and Ruthie Larson, and her brother Roger Larson.

Celebration of Life date and time will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to (YWRC) Young Women’s Resource Center in memory of Penelope.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Family has put together a memory book to celebrate Penelope's life — filled with photos, stories, and memories from the people who loved her.

If you have a photo of her, a favorite memory, or just a few words you'd like to share, I'd love for you to add them here: Penelope Holtz Memory Book

It's easy — no account needed, just click and post. We'll be compiling everything into a printed keepsake for anyone who would like a copy, and the page itself will stay online for anyone to visit anytime.

Thank you for being part of her life. It means so much to have your memories be part of hers.