In Memory

Rick Holzmuller

Rick Holzmuller

 

July 2, 1946 - September 13, 2016

 

 

 

Karl Fredrick Holzmüller's spirit left his body at 4:08 p.m., on Tuesday afternoon, September 13, at Island Hospital in Anacortes, following a massive stroke from which he never regained consciousness. He died gently and peacefully, as he would have wished, surrounded in a circle of love by family members and close friends.

Karl was born in Salinas, California on July 2, 1946, to Karl F. Holzmuller, Jr. and the former Olga Austin. His father was a Stetson hat salesman, starting modestly and rising to become the top salesman for the entire Western Region. Olga was a stay-at-home mom in the best sense of the phrase, completely devoted to her family and participating in every aspect of their lives. Karl's brother, Kurt, was born later, in 1956, and the siblings always remained close despite the age difference.

The Holzmullers moved to Burien, Washington when Karl was a child, and he and Kurt grew up knowing the richness of life in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. As a teenager and a young adult, Karl actively played tennis and won many trophies and awards.

He entered the University of Washington before being drafted into the Air Force in 1966. Karl served our country in Vietnam, despite conflicting feelings about the war.

Upon return home, Karl entered Western Washington University in Bellingham where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. He became a counselor at Skagit Community Mental Health Center and remained there for the next 17 years, gaining the respect of clients, colleagues and other agency workers for his professional capabilities, humor and insight.

Karl married Sherry Chavers in 1978. Sherry came complete with two young children, Sarah and Molly, from a previous marriage and he took them all on. Over time, they became a real family; quite a change from Karl's quiet bachelor days on his own. Karl loved his family deeply, and immersed himself in family experiences and newly formed traditions.

In his late 40's, Karl went back to school to earn a school counselor certification and a master's degree. He made a career change and became a part-time school counselor at Clear Lake Elementary School, and a once-weekly Challenge counselor for the Anacortes School District.

He loved his job in the schools and the students, teachers and staff with whom he worked. He had a full and satisfying work life in both Mental Health and as school counselor. A multitude of friendships and strong collegial relationships were formed in both careers.

Karl retired in 2016, and was able to pursue his passions to a greater extent: literature and books of all genres, art, theater and music. Also, one of his biggest interests was music: opera, classical, Louisiana funk, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock, country, bluegrass, electronica and everything in between, and was known for the mixed tapes he made for friends and family.

He was a voracious reader and particularly enjoyed historical and biographical texts, along with a really good novel.

His love of art drew him to the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, where he has been an active volunteer, serving in many capacities, for the past four years.

Karl Holzmuller was a private man with an open heart. He was quiet and reserved, but would burst out with a booming and infectious laugh when something amused him.

Karl was an accepting and loving husband, a compassionate and involved dad, a caring grandfather, an honest and loyal friend, and a respected and admired community member. He will be greatly missed.

Karl Holzmuller is survived by his wife, Sherry Chavers; his daughters Sun Robbins and Molly Strohschein; grandchildren Layne Woodward and Wolfgang Strohschein; brother Kurt Holzmuller and brother-in-law Carlos Benevides; and Jesse Chavers and Sharon Holder-his extended family in Louisiana.

Karl also leaves behind close friends Jon Roenhaus, Tom McDermott, Dan Robb-Bryan, Pat Hawley and Sue Wieland, as well as those who have become his "family" of friends through shared experience in art, music, literature, work and life.

The family requests donations in Karl's name be made in his name to the education program at the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, Washington if you desire to honor him in this way.


 

 



 
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10/30/16 11:45 AM #1    

Bonnie West (Armstrong)

Sadly, Rick's beloved wife, Sherry, passed this month (October 2016).

 

SHERRY CHAVERS

Obituary

A COMMUNITY WITH A HEART

Sherry Chavers and the family of Karl F. Holzmuller wish to thank the community of Anacortes for their overwhelming support and encouragement during this time of sadness and loss. The prayers, thoughts, messages, cards, food, visits and a multitude of other kindnesses have meant more than words can express. All have been a source of comfort. 

Fidalgo Island has been our home for decades, and we love the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. But it is the people who have kept us here and enriched our lives in so many ways. Our community truly has a heart.

In particular, we would like to acknowledge Pastor Stephanie Hankey and our church family at Westminster Presbyterian Church , Fidalgo School and the Anacortes School District, the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Museum of Northwest Art, all of whom Karl respected so much, and the close friends who have shared stories, kept us walking, talking and, eating, and sat with us in quiet reflection during this period of mourning and transition.

A special thanks to Chris Tobey for his quick thinking, compassion, and guidance and to his wife, Soni Tobey, our "resident angel" in the emergency room at Island Hospital for her care and on-going concern for our family.

Thank you, Anacortes. We love and appreciate you.

Published in Anacortes American on Oct. 5, 2016


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