Otto Francis Windholz Jr., surrounded by his family, left this world and entered heaven on Christmas Eve 2022. Born in Hays on Dec. 31, 1951, Otto is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Windholz; his children, Travis Windholz and wife, Jennifer; Lyndsie Niewiadomski and husband, Jeramiah; his grandchildren, Braden Windholz, Blake Windholz, and Blake Niewiadomski; his siblings, Virgil Windholz and wife, Louise; Charlotte Blake and husband, Don; his brothers-in-law, Jerry Schmidtberger; Rick Rupp and wife, Judy; Neal Rupp; Kim Rupp and wife, Deana; and many loved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Blanche (Weber) Windholz; his sisters, Carolyn Pfannenstiel and Louise Schmidtberger; his brother-in-law, Bill Rupp; his sister-in-law, Mary Sue Rupp; his nephew and godson, Mitchell Rupp.
Otto was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a faithful servant to Christ and demonstrated his faith through his steadfast commitment to his family, friends, church and community.
Otto cared greatly about the well-being of others. He maintained friendships too numerous to count. He was always there to support his family, friends and those in need.
“Family is everything” is a phrase Otto not only repeated frequently but also demonstrated consistently. Known as “Pop-pop” to his grandsons, they adored him and enjoyed the many times they spent with Pop-pop and Nannie.
Otto served his church through the Knights of Columbus, choir, cantor, Eucharistic minister and church advisory council. He was a Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree.
The Prince of Peace Community loved hearing Otto and Jackie sing together at Mass. Otto built an illustrious career in the oilfield.
He was respected by all that had the opportunity to work with him; he was known throughout the industry as a trusted and thoughtful businessman, and he was frequently sought out for advice and mentorship, for both work and life.
Otto was always willing to actively listen and to provide advice when warranted. Otto touched the lives of so many people around him and will be dearly missed. Heaven gained an amazing soul.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, in Houston.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3 at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, Victoria with Father James Moster officiating. Otto will be laid to rest in his hometown of Victoria at Saint Fidelis Cemetery.
A vigil service and Rosary will be at 6 p.m. Monday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main St., Victoria, KS 67671.
Visitations will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2 at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3 at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis.
A vigil service and Rosary will be at 6 p.m. Monday at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials made payable to the organization: Smile Train; St. Jude, Saint Fidelis Cemetery; or a charity of your choice.
A reception for Otto will be at the Victoria VFW following the burial. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or can be left in guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.