Emma Holzem

Emma K. Holzem, 93, of Waubun, MN, formerly of Elk River, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 11, 2018, at Ecumen Care Center in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Emma Katherine Barsody was born on May 8, 1925, at her rural family farm in Elk River, MN, to Steve and Katherine (Rotz) Barsody.  Emma attended school in Elk River, MN, and graduated with the Class of 1943. After graduating, Emma worked for the Fanny Farmer Candy Corporation in Minneapolis.

On May 8, 1945 she was united in marriage to Charles Holzem at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Elk River, MN.  They made their home on the family farm in Elk River and began raising their family.  To this union seven children were born.  The farm was in the family for almost a century.  While raising the family and helping with the farm, Emma also worked for the Federal Cartridge Company in Anoka, MN and was a supervisor for the Sherburne County soil and water conservation district.

Emma enjoyed sewing, gardening, traveling, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.  She was a devout Catholic.  She belonged to the St. Andrew’s Christian Women’s group and was a proud leader of the 4H Busy Bees Club.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by her family.  Emma is survived by her children— Barbara (Roger) Schwientek, Bonita (Robert) Gallus, Beverly (Randy) Melancon, Ann (Ron) Clark, Michael (Jane) Holzem, Patrick (Debbie) Holzem, Susan (Paul) Moe; her sisters, Maryann Barsody, Virginia Stolte, Irene Davis, Roseanne DeBoer; her sister in-laws Margaret Barsody and Geri Barsody as well as eleven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Emma in death were her husband Charles; parents Steve and Katherine Barsody; granddaughter Dawn; sisters Barbara Roman and Katherine Donten; and brothers Arnold Barsody, Steve Barsody, and Joe Barsody.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of St. Andrew, Elk River, St. Frances Cabrini, Big Elbow Lake, and Ecumen-Emmanuel—Memory Care Unit, Detroit Lakes.