The music hasn’t stopped, but Aaron Holtz officially left the party on August 27, 2026, but does he ever really leave, leaving us with a Mountain of Epic stories and empty coolers. Aaron was born April 15, 1968, in Anamosa, IA, to James and Carol Holtz. As their first born - and, in their unbiased opinion, the pretties baby! - naturally, they wanted to duplicate their success but, unfortunately, no amount of love, effort or copy-and-paste could reproduce the original.

Aaron grew up in North Platte, NE, with his younger brother Matthew Holtz and younger sister Samantha Walters (Holtz), who were always trying to steal the spotlight. However, they quickly learned that his charm was more the enough to keep him there.

Aaron was a curious, adventurous soul who had a love for sports, and he was never afraid to try something new. He learned how to play the piano and violin, participated in T-ball, 4-H, Boy Scouts, DeMolay, wrestling and football, and that is where he made friendships that lasted well beyond the playing field. Aaron had an appreciation for just about anything that could keep him busy… or get him into a little trouble.

In middle school is when Aaron’s love for animals blossomed. He might as well have been a modern-day cowboy. His home was identified by the presence of many animals from fish tanks, lizards, cats, dogs, birds and most importantly horses. It was also in middle school at church camp where he met Carrie Harding (Holtz), who would later become his high school sweetheart and wife.

Over the 44 years that Carrie and Aaron have known each other, his love for adventure took them all over. Where, if can you imagine, in Omaha he worked at the town and country humane society helping take care of the animals in back. Aaron and Carrie eventually made it back to North Platte where Aaron followed in his father’s footsteps and started his career at Union Pacific Railroad.

They spent over 26 years married, making memories from tubing at the lake, “fishing” for shots, spending countless hours singing karaoke into the end of a sharpie, to relaxing and casting a line.

Aaron was blessed with two beautiful daughters Hannah Holtz and Tara Peters (Holtz) who he passed down his love of the outdoors too. He taught them to fish, swim, explore and most importantly enjoy life. He had 5 beautiful grandchildren, twins Julian and Joscelyn (6) and Elias Palmer (2), Kai (12) and Milo (8) Villefranc, who he considered to be one of the greatest joys of his life.

Summers at Lake McConaughy were especially treasured filled with sunshine, laughter, food, friends and the kind of tomfoolery that became the stories the family will tell for years.

Aaron’s greatest gift was the way he made people feel welcome. He had an upbeat spirit, generous hospitality, quick humor and genuine love for family and friends. Gatherings with him were always something special, he had a way of turning an ordinary day into a memory - and probably a story that would get better every time it was said.

Aaron is survived by his wife Carrie Holtz, his father Jim Holtz, daughter Hannah Holts and son-in-law Markuan Palmer, daughter Tara Peters, son-in-law Sage Peters, sister Sam Walters (Holtz), brother-in-law Don Walters, brother Matthew Holtz and grandkids Julian, Joscelyn, Elias Palmer, and Kai and Milo Villefranc, numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Aaron is proceeded in death by his mother Carol Holtz.

In keeping with Aaron’s spirit, his memory is honored not with sadness alone, but by continuing what he loved: Gathering people together, filling the table with good food, sharing plenty of laughs, enjoying the outdoors and making a little room for some good-natured shenanigans.

So, raise a plate, tell a story, laugh a little too loud and enjoy the company of the people you love. Remember, there is no crying in baseball!

Cremation has been chosen. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.