John Holtman

John Aron Holtman, 80, of Beardstown, IL, died peacefully on October 27, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 11, 1943, in Beardstown, IL. John was the son of Harold and Eleanor Holtman. He married Barbara Dianne Bettis on February 18, 2000 in Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne, of Beardstown, IL, He is also survived by his twin sister, Jaye Spears of Jacksonville, IL, one daughter, Jennifer Cooper (Russ) of Waverly, IL, and three stepdaughters, Bridgett Thornton (Scott), Tammy Schultz (Jeff) and Stephanie Cunningham (Travis). John was a loving grandfather and great grandfather. His grandchildren are Amanda Mefford, Josh Cooper (Kalin), Jessica Cooper (Ryan), Isabelle, Olivia and Jackson Thornton, Ella Schultz, and Ava and Dean Cunningham. His great grandchildren are Alex, Cooper, John, Gracie, Jackson, Mason, Aden, Dylan, Tylan and Paisley, and two great-great-granddaughters Ava and Addysen.

John was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Dixie Steele (John) and Dorothy Coil (Jack).

John graduated from Beardstown High School with the class of 1962. He worked for Local 965 Operating Engineers, Springfield IL, for 40 years. John had a strong work ethic and loved what he did. He also enjoyed watching Nascar races, boating on the Illinois River and was an avid outdoorsman. He was a gentle soul who made many memories with his family and cherished the trips to tropical destinations he took with his wife, Dianne. He was a member of the Beardstown Elks #1007, Ducks Unlimited and White Tails Unlimited. After retirement, he regularly met the guys for coffee at the Star, Hardees or McDonalds. John was a very generous and loving person who will be dearly missed.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Private family burial will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation.

Memorials have been suggested to Cass Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.