Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/019/123759/123759-life-panel.jpg

Randy Holtman

September 20, 1962 - September 13, 2018
Kalamazoo, MI

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/019/123759/123759-01.jpg



Visitation

Saturday, September 29, 2018
1:30 PM to 2:00 PM EDT
First Baptist Church of Portage
1133 East Centre Avenue
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 327-1635
Web Site

Service

Saturday, September 29, 2018
2:00 PM EDT
First Baptist Chruch of Portage
1133 East Centre
Portage, MI 49002

A lunch will be served immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.

Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22478
Oklahoma City, OK 73123
(800) 227-2345
Web Site

Wings of Hope Hospice
530 Linn Street
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 686-8659
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/view-life-story-video.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/019/123759/123759-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/019/123759/123759-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/019/123759/123759-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/019/123759/123759-05.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/download-memory-folder.jpg
Print

Randy Holtman was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. No one could surpass his strong work ethic or the love he held for his family. He savored the special times with his sons and looked forward to the quality time they spent together. Randy lived his life enjoying the simple pleasures in life and was completely content in his own backyard admiring the birds or shooting the breeze with friends or relatives. He was an honest and loyal friend to many and there simply wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for someone in need. Gone too soon, Randy’s wonderful collection of memories over the years will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.

The 1960’s were characterized by great social changes. Many Americans believed they were standing at the dawn of a golden age. At the beginning of this promising decade in our nation’s history, folk music was evolving thanks to young artists like Bob Dylan and the birth of The Beach Boys grew in popularity. Meanwhile, in England, The Beatles were exploding the music industry. Born on September 20th, 1962, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Randy’s birth gave his parents much hope and happiness during the era known for its optimism.

Randy lived in the area until the tender age of nine when his family relocated to California. By the time he hit his teen years, his family moved back to the Parchment area. He enjoyed spending time with his friends as well as taking things apart and, at times, putting them back together. As a student, he learned best whenever he was left to use his hands to solve problems. When he was seventeen years old he met the love of his life, Robyn Wuckuya. She caught his eye while standing on her family’s porch, and immediately he knew she was the one for him! Later while the two of them were on a double date with other partners, they ended up holding hands with one another by the end of the night! Once Robyn graduated from high school, they married in a beautiful ceremony at the General Baptist Church on July 25, 1981, with Pastor Carmen Howard officiating. Together they raised two wonderful sons, Michael and Matthew.

Upon joining Robyn’s family, Randy had no idea what an influence her father, Jack, would be in his life. In addition to his stepfather, Sonny Cerecedes, Jack also taught Randy the value of integrity as well as the importance of family. Their steadfast and genuine concern for Randy’s success was immeasurable. Sharing a passion for a strong work ethic, Randy followed in the footsteps of Jack by becoming a strong union member. When the opportunity to serve as his local Union President, Randy didn’t hesitate and was proud to represent his fellow employees at Wells Aluminum where he worked for many years.

In addition to being a great provider and a supportive father, he and Robyn took in many young people during their years together. They both held a strong desire to give back to their community and offering up their home to anyone in need of a temporary place to stay gave them both great joy! Randy enjoyed building special relationships with each person they hosted just as Jack and Sonny had done for him over the years. Often offering up his advice or guidance on navigating life’s challenges, he wanted to equip them with the skills to manage whatever life tossed their way. A motorhead himself, he especially loved to ensure they had the necessary skills to repair or handle the maintenance on their own cars or motorcycles. Although he owned several cars including a Mustang, his dream car was a Corvette!

Randy took great pride in being able to afford the freedom and flexibility to enjoy traveling from time to time. He and Robyn enjoyed traveling in their motorhome out to California to visit his mother as well as to the Pacific Northwest to see his sister and his brothers in the Puget Sound area. These memorable trips allowed the two of them tranquil moments away from the hustle and bustle of the busy work and home lives they left behind. Sadly, Randy’s health issues caused him to stop working back in 2013 after his struggles with Colorectal cancer started taking a toll on him. Despite his battle with illness over the years, Randy’s vibrant spirit remained intact. He loved to debate and was known to change his argument if the discussion wasn’t going his way so that time and time again he came out the winner! A true man of integrity through and through, Randy’s exceptional wisdom, caring ways, and generosity will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. May his many special friends and loved ones be comforted in knowing such an honorable man who never wanted for anything other than their love.

Randy Holtman, age 55, of Kalamazoo died on Thursday, September 13, 2018, at his residence surrounded by many special loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife, Robyn, their two sons; Michael (Angel) Holtman and Matthew Holtman, six grandchildren; Starla, Cameron, Alexander, Mackenzie, Saske, and Maddison, his five brothers and sisters; Rick Holtman, Liza Aragon, Rene (John) Whitney, Robert (Maria) Aragon, and Kimberley Aragon, his mother, Susan Cerecedes, mother-in-law, Nancy Scott, sister-in-law, Teresa Maxwell and numerous young people whom he and Robyn helped foster along during troubled times. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 29th at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church of Portage on 1133 East Centre Ave. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service and immediately following at a luncheon in the church fellowship hall. Please visit Randy’s personal web page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society or Wings of Hope Hospice.

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/view-life-story-video.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/019/123759/123759-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/019/123759/123759-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/019/123759/123759-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/019/123759/123759-05.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/download-memory-folder.jpg