M. Rae Holtkamp, 90, of Salem, Iowa passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Born February 15, 1933, to James G. and Genevieve M. (Sanders) Russell, in Chicago, Illinois, she moved with her mother to Iowa in the years following her father’s death in 1937. She graduated from St. John’s High School in 1951 and on May 30, 1953, she married Clarence (Sage) Holtkamp, in Houghton, Iowa.
She studied painting under Carl Fracassini at Iowa Wesleyan College; then completed coursework at National School Studios in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, painting oils over commercial black and white photographs. She colorized photographs with oils at Dyall Photography Studios in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Her family, faith, home, and yard as well as art and antiques remained passions throughout her life on the farm.
Those thankful for sharing in Rae’s life are her children, Laura Holtkamp, Salem, Iowa; Ann Holtkamp Meehan (Mike), Cedar Park, Texas; and Chris Holtkamp (Kelly), Village of Lakewood, Illinois; grandchildren, Kathryn Frary (Sam DiFederico), Bryant Humiston, Lexi Holtkamp, Ally Holtkamp, great grandchild, Callahan DiFederico, and stepbrother, Carl Ward of Waynesboro, Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, stepfather Edwin Ward, and stepbrothers, George Ward, Gerard (Gus) Ward, and Raymond Ward.
The Holtkamp family will greet friends from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 3, 2023, followed by Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 10:30 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton, Iowa, with Reverend Dan Dorau as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Houghton. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for St. John the Baptist Church. Barr-Holtkamp Funeral Home is honored to serve the Holtkamp family, and an online guest book can be found at www.barrholtkampfuneralhome.com.
