Paul Kenneth Holthaus, 65, of Decorah, IA, passed away Saturday, August 29, at his home surrounded by family, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer.

Celebration of Life to honor Paul will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds Community Building. 

Paul Kenneth Holthaus was born on January 24, 1961, the son of Adrian and Donna (Reed) Holthaus in Decorah, IA. Paul attended North Winneshiek Elementary and High School where he participated in track & field, cross country, and wrestling. He graduated in 1979. In his adult years, he worked on the family farm and for Bruening Rock Products, where he dedicated 43 years of his life. During his time at Bruenings, he worked in multiple capacities-he ran a loader, he was a crushing plant foreman, and he was always willing to help out.

Paul was married to Melanie Mincks and together had four children: Travis, Melissa, Michele and Amanda. They later separated. Paul married Jodi Medlock, and together they had two children: Jani and Jarett. They later separated. Paul met Debra Lorch, and they were united in marriage in May 2006. To this union he added four step children, Randy, Lynda, Tiffany and Tabitha.

Paul will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his “Mr fix-it” projects, and his ability to always be on the go. He was truly like the Energizer Bunny-there always seemed to be another project to tackle, something to fix, or somewhere to go.

Paul was a big supporter of NASCAR, especially Dale Jarrett and Kyle Busch. He was also a huge supporter of Busch Light-hopefully Anheuser-Busch can keep the lights on with his loss. Paul’s sense of humor was subtle and sometimes unexpected and always perfectly timed.

He loved everything John Deere, but especially treasured his father Adrian’s Tractor collection and the John Deere 830, which he was fortunate enough to keep. Those tractors were more than just machines; they were a connection to his father and a part of something he deeply enjoyed.

Paul has a tough exterior that could be hard to break through. But once you were lucky enough to get past that exterior and into his circle, you got to see a goofy side, a side that showed his subtle sense of humor.

Relaxing didn’t always come naturally to Paul. He was much more comfortable staying busy and keeping moving. But he found his own way to slow down and enjoy life through the many concerts and vacations he traveled to with Debra. These moments created memories that will be treasured forever.

Paul lived life in his own way-with a strong work ethic, a love for the things that made him happy, a stubborn determination to fix just about anything, and a personality that revealed its best parts to those who took the time to know him.

Paul is survived by his wife of 20 years, Debra Holthaus, Decorah, IA; five children, Melissa Hernandez (Kaleb Himli), Oklahoma City, OK, Michele (Seth) Christofferson, Monona, IA, Amanda (Cory) Purvis, Greenville, NC, Jani (Duane) Richardson, Omaha, NE, Jarett Holthaus, Waukon, IA. Step Children Randy (Sherry) Dawley, Burr Oak, IA Lynda (Casey) Hovey, Cresco, IA Tiffany (Andy) Kimber, and Tabitha Aswegan, (Burt Bakken), Decorah, IA, Grandchildren Tatiana Martinez, Angelina and Taylor Hernandez, Jaidyn and Juliya Gonzalez, Katelyn (Garrett) Karnatz, Hunter, Brandon and Aubrey Christofferson, Tristyn Anderson, Janie and Olivia Purvis, Lucy Richardson, Step Grandchildren Danial, Blake and Ashley Dawley, Hank and Hayden Hovey and Jack Kimber. Stepmother Sue Holthaus, Manly, IA; siblings John (Patti) Holthaus, Fountain, MN, Alan (Judy) Holthaus, Decorah, IA, Tom Holthaus, Decorah, IA, Lisa (Brian) Andrews, Eldorado, KS, Dawn Bernhard, Swea City, IA, Shari Brink (Shawn Davis), Lansing, IA, Raymond (Holly) Holthaus. Gillette, WY, one great-granddaughter, Alazne Martinez, stepbrother, Kit Grandon, stepsisters, Amber Lorch and Jill Grandon, along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his son Travis Holthaus, his parents Adrian Holthaus and Donna Reed, sister Teresa Holthaus, niece Jessica Sue, father-in-law William Lorch, brother-in-law, Alan Brink, grandparents, and many aunts and uncles.

Paul will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and his dogs Lilly and Lulu.