Richard Holets, Jr

Richard Holets, Jr., 93 of Chatfield, died Friday, December 20, 2013, at his home in Chatfield.

Richard was born April 14, 1920, just south of Chatfield to Richard and Mildred (Oviatt) Holets. He attended country school District 83, and graduated from Chatfield High School in 1937. On May 28, 1942 he married Maude "Mitzi" Anstett at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Preston, Minnesota. During World War II he enlisted in the Army Signal Corps and attended radio school at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis. He served with the Signal Corps for over two years in North Africa until the end of the war.

After the war Richard returned to Minnesota and was appointed Fillmore County Deputy County Auditor and later returned to Chatfield where he worked for five years at the Chatfield News as Printer-Linotype Operator. In 1951 he was appointed Rural Mail Carrier, Route 3, out of the Chatfield Post Office, a position he held until his retirement in 1978. After his retirement he worked part-time at the Chatfield News.

He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, past commander of the American Legion, Life member of the VFW, past president of Fillmore County Rural Letter Carriers, and the past president of the Chatfield Golf Club.

Richard loved most sports and in particular hunting and fishing with his friends. His family and his friends were his pride and joy.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Maude "Mitzi" of Chatfield; two daughters, Becky (Steve) Fenn of Erie, Colorado, Cindy (Bob) Thesvenvitz of Chatfield. One grandson Craig Stevens, of Allen, Texas & three step-grandchildren: Karen, Jim, and Rachel Fenn, all of Texas also survive.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister Edith Horsman.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday December 23, 2013 at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Chatfield, with Rev. Preston Paul officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery in Chatfield. Military honors will be provided by Chatfield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6913.

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is in charge of arrangements, 507-867-4310. rileyfuneralhomes.com.