Renee M Holzapfel

NORTHVIEW - North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commcerce Drive
North Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-2288

Renee Marie Holzapfel, age 54, of rural North Mankato, died Saturday, April 7, 2012 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center " Fairview after complications from a short illness.

A Celebration of Renee's Life will be held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, April 12, 2012 at NORTHVIEW-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato. Visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m., Thursday at Northview. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Renee was born March 22, 1958 to Walter and Madelyn (Smith) Gilbertson in Oak Park, IL. She graduated from Austin High School and attended Mankato State University. She met Michael Holzapfel in 1984 and after many years together they were married on July 7, 2007. Renee was employed by Carlson Craft for over 32 years. She loved playing with her dogs "the boys" Al and Indy. Renee loved flower gardening and was an avid reader. Everyone who met Renee became her friend. She touched many lives with her huge heart and endearing personality. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Renee is survived by her husband, Michael of rural North Mankato; two step-daughters, Beth (Eric Adams), April (Brian) Hopkins; mother, Madelyn Gilbertson of Austin; mother-in-law, Vera Holzapfel of Mankato; stepmother, Sherry Gilbertson; brothers, Walter Gilbertson of Keller, TX, Wayne Gilbertson of Fayetteville, AR, and Jerry Johnson of Austin and their families; sisters, Cheryl Nelson of Glenville, MN and Sherry Gilbertson of Fayetteville, AR and their families; two sisters-in-law, Vickie Conlon and Sharon (Dennis) Dieken both of Mankato; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Renee was preceded in death by her father, Walter Gilbertson; sister, Christine Schocker; brother, Jim Johnson; and father-in-law, Donald Holzapfel.

Renee was small in stature with personality and heart as big as all outdoors.