Paul Harlan Holthus Sr.

Jan. 10, 1935--Feb. 4, 2011

CULBERTSON, Nebraska -- Paul Harlan Holthus Sr., 76, passed away Friday (Feb. 4, 2011), at his home in Culbertson.

Paul was born Jan. 10, 1935, in Alliance, Nebraska to George and Lena (Bartels) Holthus. He graduated from Alliance High School in 1953.

He entered the U.S. Marines on Jan. 10, 1953, and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 14, 1955.

Paul was united in marriage to Marlene Ann Huffaker on Jan. 19, 1957, in Rapid City, South Dakota. To this union seven children were born. They made their home in the Culbertson community where Paul was a roustabout in the oil fields for more than 40 years. He also worked for Frenchman Valley Coop in McCook, Nebraska until he retired in 1990.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in McCook. Paul enjoyed gardening both vegetable and flowers. He was an excellent cook and loved to bake the families' favorite cinnamon rolls and Christmas candy.

Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Lena Holthus; two daughters, Laura Ann Holthus and Pamela Kay Torrez; granddaughter, Cheyanne Walton; one brother, Wendell Holthus; and one sister, LaVonne Wessel.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Marlene Holthus of Culbertson; two sons, Paul Holthus Jr. and wife, Tonya of Sidney, Montana, and Brad Holthus and wife, Arlinda of Dickenson, North Dakota; three daughters, Valerie Holthus of Culbertson, Annette and husband, Shaun Walton of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Jolena and husband, Dan Hyde of Chattaroy, Washington; four brothers, Gene Holthus of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Eldon Holthus and wife, Dorothy of Mitchell, Nebraska, Ivan Holthus and wife, Marge of San Diego, California, Neal Holthus and wife, Jackie of Gering, Nebraska; two sisters, Willetta and husband, Frank Dye and Lorraine and husband, Dick Boness, all of Alliance; brother-in-law, Cecil Wessel of Brush, Colorado; 16 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland.

Funeral services are Tuesday, 11 a.m., at Carpenter Breland Chapel with Pastor Steven Neyhart officiating. Burial will follow in the Culbertson Cemetery.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.