Lawrence Daniel “Dan, Danny, Papa" Holtermann passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a lifetime of treasured memories, enduring friendships, and a legacy built on hard work, devotion, humor, and quiet strength.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, of 60 years; their children, David (Marcy) Holtermann, Dean (Stacey) Holtermann, and Danna (James) Emmons; grandchildren Matthew, Katie, Darby, Hannah, Chloe, Quinne, Lauren, Colby, Sam, and Blake; and great-grandchildren Jade, Nash, Jase, Ensley Mae, Decker, and Jude. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard and Kelly; and sisters, Norma Murphy, Linda Skov, and Judy Chamberlain.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence J. Holtermann; his mother, Eileen Fern Anderson; his brother, Frank; and his sisters, Colleen Files and Kay Garvin.

Dan’s story began on November 7, 1941 in San Diego, where his family roots first took hold. One of nine children, his childhood carried him through many places that would shape the man he became. In Porterville, he spent cherished time with his mother’s family, attending St. Anne’s Catholic school, hunting with his grandfather, and enjoying life around the Holtermann family farm with Uncle Harold and all of the relatives. Later, in Wasco, he remained closely connected to the Holtermann family and traditions. Hunting trips in Napa and countless outdoor adventures helped nurture his lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. The family eventually settled in Morro Bay, where Dan enjoyed life near the golf course and the family home that was built there. 

Later, in Fresno, Dan attended San Joaquin Memorial High School, where he excelled on the swim team, and later attended Bullard High School, playing football as well. At just 16 years old, he joined the Fresno Scuba Diver Club, diving regularly in Morro Bay and Catalina. The ocean became one of his greatest joys. He continued his education at Fresno City College and developed passions that stayed with him throughout his life. 

From 1960 to 1964, Dan proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Morse code operator. During his service, he spent two years stationed in Japan, an experience he greatly enjoyed. He also continued his love of swimming as part of the Air Force swim team.After returning home to Fresno, Dan began working for National Cash Register, where fate would quietly shape the rest of his life. Through her brother, his future wife, Eleanor, met Dan during the summer she graduated from Fresno High School in 1964. Two years later, on July 9, 1966, they were married and began a beautiful life together that would span six decades.

In 1966, Dan joined the California Highway Patrol. He was respected as an excellent officer and truly enjoyed the work, but in 1972 he made the decision to leave law enforcement in order to spend more time with his family. That decision reflected the values that guided his life: family always came first.

Dan went on to build a successful 30-year career as a flooring contractor. His son Dean worked alongside him for many years and later became a successful flooring contractor himself before transitioning into sales. His son David currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent in the Dinuba Unified School District, and his daughter Danna is a dental office manager in Frenchtown, Montana. Each carrying forward the work ethic and values their father modeled so well.

In 1979, the family moved to Oakhurst, where they lived for 13 wonderful years surrounded by Dan’s father, brother, sister, and extended family. During that time, they operated a flooring business, and their children graduated from Yosemite High School. Oakhurst also deepened Dan’s love of gold panning, a passion he shared with his brother Frank and cousin Harold. Trips spent dredging for gold created countless treasured memories for those three. One unforgettable moment came when Dan saved Frank's life after a shifting rock pinned him underwater. Diving repeatedly beneath the surface while holding his breath, Dan eventually managed to free the rock. A day they would never forget. He and his fellow gold dredgers were deeply disappointed when gold dredging in California was shut down in the middle of their season many years ago and has not been reinstated since. There were also the memorable Holtermann Family Reunions at Camp Fresno Jr. And, he especially enjoyed family trips to Reno and Lake Tahoe with his father.

Dan and his Eleanor also enjoyed many evenings dancing at Ducey’s and the Coarsegold Inn, creating memories filled with laughter, music, and lifelong friendships. One of which was his friend Roland Richardson whom they had plans to meet for their annual trip in Laughlin, Nevada, the day after Dan’s passing.

Eventually, the family returned to Fresno, where life became centered around their growing family. Dan took immense pride in attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities -- soccer games, football, basketball, track meets, graduations, baptisms, and every milestone in between.

Dan also became deeply involved with his wife’s family property in the hills, working side by side with her siblings chopping wood, mowing, weed-whacking, maintaining equipment, and gathering around the firepit to converse and barbecue at the end of long days. Those simple moments together became some of life’s most meaningful memories.

Dan had a love for gardening and was in a constant competition with cousin Harold on who got the first ripe tomato each season. Dan also was very close to his brother Richard and family. They had many phone calls and heartfelt conversations sitting at Dan's backyard patio table. He also had many phone calls with his sister Linda to check in on each other.

Dan will be remembered as an intelligent man with firm convictions, a deep love for his family and friends, a master mechanic who could fix anything and a quiet but unmistakable presence. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. He was a daily crossword puzzle enthusiast. Beneath his calm demeanor was a wonderfully dry sense of humor and a gift for perfectly timed zingers that often caught people by surprise. He loved to laugh, loved a good time, and above all loved the people around him.

His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the countless memories he created, and the smart steady example he set for everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Sincerely,

Dan's Family