Victor Joseph Holthaus, 68, of Axtell lost his battle to cancer on Monday, August 6, 2018 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Victor was born in Axtell on August 14, 1949 to Gregory and Henrietta (Hulsing) Holthaus. The family lived south of Baileyville until the family moved to Axtell when Victor was 10 years old. He attended St. Michael’s Catholic School and the Axtell Public School, graduating in 1967. After graduation, he worked for Meyer Lumber, Eugene Hammes Trucking and for Nemaha County Co-Op.

Victor married Joyce Winkler on January 25, 1975 at Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. They lived in Axtell most of their married lives; celebrating 43 years of marriage.

In 1980, Victor started driving a truck for Larry Holsapple and purchased “Old Gray” in 1981. Victor was leased to Michael Bennett Trucking for several years before getting his own authority. He trucked until his son, Eric, took over the trucking, while Victor went back to farming. He farmed for several years until he restored “Old Gray” and went under Eric Holthaus Trucking, Inc hauling farm equipment. He later went back to using his own authority and started hauling grain until his health started to fail in 2016.

Victor was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell.

Victor was preceded in death by his parents and by his son, Eric on June 16, 2018.

Survivors are his wife, Joyce of Axtell; daughter, Anita Acres of Axtell; son, Brian Holthaus of Axtell; grandchildren, Kadin, Treyton, Kacie, Caleb, Nia, Henley, Collin, Camron and Bradee; brothers, Gerald Holthaus of Seneca and Richard Holthaus and Duane Holthaus both of Axtell; his sister, Mary Beth Haverkamp; and many nieces and nephews.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM on Wednesday, August 8th at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM on August 9th at St. Michael’s Church. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be left in Victor’s memory to C.O.I.N.S. for a Cause and for St. Michael’s Church.

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .