Eric Michael Holthaus, 42, of Seneca, Kansas lost his battle against Non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s Lymphoma on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Eric was born at the Seneca Hospital on September 23, 1975 to Victor and Joyce Winkler Holthaus. He attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School through the 2^nd Grade. The family then moved to Axtell where he attended St. Michael’s School through the 6^th Grade. Eric graduated 8^th Grade in 1990 and high school in 1994 both from Axtell Public Schools.

Eric was an outstanding football player helping his team be victorious in the 1993 State Championship Game for 8-Man Football. This victory secured him a spot on the roster for the 1994 Kansas Shrine Bowl. He then went on to play football at Hutchinson Community College.

Eric enlisted in the Kansas National Guard between his Junior and Senior years of high school. He completed Basic Training and served his country for six years.

At the age of 20, Eric began his truck driving career locally before moving into over-the-road hauling of farm machinery across the Midwest. In 2002 he founded Holthaus Trucking, Inc. and continued to own and operate the company until his death. Eric enjoyed the open road, but more importantly he took great pride in the craft of customizing his trucks utilizing chrome where ever he could. This became his passion. With his own two hands, he personalized a 379 Peterbilt and most recently completed a 3-year restoration of a one-of-a-kind 359 Pete. Eric loved to share them in the Truck Show Circuit and was honored to be recognized at elite truck shows across the country as well as locally. His pride and joys earned him a spot in two nationally known calendars in 2017, an invitation to an invite-only open house at Peterbilt Motor Company in Denton, Texas, and articles in various magazines.

Eric married Lisa (Schmitz) Feldkamp on April 12, 2008 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict, Kansas. They made their home in Seneca, KS, where they spent the last ten years raising their family. Eric took every chance he could to attend their activities and enjoy memorable vacations.

Eric was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, St. Joseph’s Society, the Axtell Knights of Columbus Council 1163, and the Earl W. Taylor Post 21 of the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa; children, Nia & Henley Holthaus, Collin & Camron Feldkamp all of Seneca, and Bradee Stuke of Sabetha; his parents, Victor and Joyce Holthaus and siblings, Brian Holthaus and Anita Acres all of Axtell.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 and 7 PM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca at 10 AM on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Burial in the church cemetery.

Designated Memorials are Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School and Coins for a Cause.