William J. Holtel

William J. “Bill” Holtel, age 72, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2014 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Born February 21, 1942 in Price Hill, Ohio, Bill graduated from Elder High School and then the University of Cincinnati. He lived in the Cincinnati area until 1971 when he, his wife Mary Ann and their two children – Jeffrey and Laura – moved to South Florida. After settling in Margate, FL, Bill established a thriving cabinetry and construction business in Fort Lauderdale. While you won’t see a plaque or statue in his honor, Bill and his son left their mark on their community in the thousands of residential and commercial construction and remodeling jobs, from Miami to Fort Pierce, FL. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Never one to turn away from someone in need, Bill was always there to lend a hand and many looked to him as a second father. Those who met Bill will never forget his gregarious nature; quick with a smile and a laugh, and always with his trademark cigar – he will be missed. He is survived by his aforementioned wife, son (wife Antoinette) and daughter (husband Paul;) grandchildren Regan Olivia and Kellen William Gratt of El Dorado Hills, CA; brother Jerry Holtel of Lake Worth, FL; sister Annette Holtel-Scudder of Cleves, OH; nieces Janie Holtel-Adams and Michelle Lukens, both of Cincinnati, OH and Beth Holtel-Jacob of Burlington, KY; nephew Keith Holtel of Cincinnati, OH. A visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Friday, August 22 at Kraeer Funeral Home, 200 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 23 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church, 1500 S. Andrews Ave., Pompano Beach. Memorial flowers are welcome from Floral Promotions, Inc. (954-584-8495); for those wishing to honor Bill another way, the family suggests donations be made to either the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org/donate) or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) in William J. “Bill” Holtel’s name.