Edwin “Ed” Holzmeister, age 96, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Ellis. He was born January 26, 1930, in Bison, Kansas, to John and Susan (Herman) Holzmeister.
Ed graduated from Quinter High School and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Navy. He served faithfully during the Korean War and was deployed aboard the USS Iowa. While living in Wichita, Ed met Darlene Brungardt, and the couple was united in marriage on August 27, 1951, in Hays. They were blessed with five sons and one daughter.
Ed was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who worked hard to provide for his family. Together, he and Darlene owned and operated Holzmeister Shoe Repair and General Store from 1965 to 1994, as well as Holzmeister Liquor Store from 1978 to 2007. Ed and Darlene retired after selling the liquor store. Darlene preceded him in death in 2022.
Ed and Darlene loved to travel and dance. They also enjoyed camping at Wilson Lake with their children and friends. In 1987, they purchased a cabin at Cedar Bluff Lake, where they spent countless hours relaxing, entertaining family and friends, and making many treasured memories until 2017.
Survivors include his children, Susan Holzmeister and Shirley Grecian of Hays, Ivan and Charlene Holzmeister of Hays, Kevin and Chris Holzmeister of Hays, Tom and Julie Holzmeister of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Greg and Miriam Holzmeister of Gypsum, Kansas, and Eric Holzmeister of Hays; his grandchildren, Adele (Ryan) Runge, Brock (Stephanie) Holzmeister, Greyson Holzmeister, Miranda (Bill) Stein, Andrea (Travis Seuser) Holzmeister, Brieana (Jon) Janz, Brandon (Misty) Holzmeister, Shannon (Josh) Brandenburg, Madison Holzmeister, Dylan Holzmeister, Austin Holzmeister, Nathan Holzmeister, Rachel (Aaron) Byarlay, and Victoria (Brady) Jones; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Darlene Holzmeister; and his siblings, Arnold, Abe, Aaron, Sylvester, Lawrence, Hubert, Josephine, and Freida.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 West 13th Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the parish cemetery.
Viewing and visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, with a combined parish vigil and rosary service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the 40&8 Boxcar, in care of the funeral chapel.
Services are in the care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.