Daniel B. Holthaus, 81, of Marysville, formerly of Axtell, Kansas died at his home in Marysville, Kansas.

He was born December 29, 1933, on a farm southeast of Kelly, Kansas, the son of John and Modesta Wilhelm Holthaus. He attended grade school at St. Bede’s School in Kelly before the family moved, in 1942, to a farm east of Axtell, Kansas. Dan attended St. Michael’s Grade School in Axtell and graduated from Baileyville High School in 1951.

He worked in construction before joining the US Air Force on December 17, 1952. He was a jet aircraft mechanic, became a crew chief on a B-47 and flew TDY to England and French Morocco. He was released from active duty December 5, 1956, and spent 30 years in the Air Force Reserves.

Following his service to his country, he attended Aircraft Mechanics School in Kansas City, Missouri and received an A & E license. In 1966, after working as a mechanic and inspector at Richards Gebaur Air Force Base, he began his employment at the Main Post Office in Kansas City, as a letter carrier, spending most of his time in the Westport area 64111. He retired in December 1989. He spent time in Axtell helping his parents and moved to Marysville 1996.

Daniel loved to read, complete cross word puzzles, play Scrabble, watch all sports and taking walks. He was a member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville. A former member of St. Michael’s Church in Axtell and of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Kansas City, where he volunteered at the food bank. He was a life member of the American Legion Post #1000 at Jefferson City, Missouri, a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Air Force Association, and an associate member of the Letter Carriers’ Union Branch #30.

He is survived by several cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother on June 15, 1999 and his father on October 27, 2004.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at St. Michael’s Church at Axtell. The burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery. A rosary will be prayed on Tuesday, July 21 at 7:30 PM at the St. Michael’s Church in Axtell.

Memorials may be given for St. Michael’s Church or St. Michael’s Cemetery, Axtell, KS. 66403.