Steve Holtman

It is with great sadness that the family of Steve Holtman announce his passing on September 20, 2021, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease.

Steve was born on February 15, 1950, in Pocatello, Idaho. Within a couple of years, his family relocated to the Salt Lake Valley. Steve honorably served 4 years in the Army, where he was deployed to Vietnam. He then pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Utah, graduating Cum Laude. Steve worked as an Electrical Engineer for several companies throughout his career. An example of some of the projects he worked on was being part of the development of the first device to convert analog light into a digital signal. That device led to the development of the first digital camera and subsequent discoveries.  He also developed imaging technologies that allowed the defense department to provide advanced forward observation in real-time, well behind enemy lines. He was also instrumental in perfecting fiberoptic and laser guided systems for the Department of Defense. Steve’s dedication, intelligence, and superior knowledge aided in preventing the loss of countless soldier’s lives.

Steve was very devoted to his family. His greatest moments were spent with family talking and laughing, playing games, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and watching football games. Steve loved sports. Not only did he love to watch them, but he took great pride of the memories he had when he played football in high school. He was a big fan of the University of Utah, the Utah Jazz, the Colorado Rockies, and was a huge fan of the Denver Broncos. Steve was very active and tried to keep busy even after retirement. He enjoyed gardening, yardwork, completing home projects, and continuing to educate himself by reading books, watching documentaries, etc. Although Parkinson’s started to ravage his health the past couple of years, he remained positive. Steve was a true example of bravery. He was very humble and didn’t pretend to be more than what he was, but it always seemed to be enough. He didn’t say much, but the words he used were quick and true.

Steve met Carol in 1974. They dated for the majority of the following 8 years. He then relocated to Arizona for work. After he relocated back to Utah, his love for Carol was too strong not to reach back out to her. They began dating again in 1987 and after a very brief engagement they quietly married in 1991. Steve was an unbelievably devoted husband and best friend to Carol.

Although Steve did not have any children of his own, he loved his stepchildren and grandchildren like they were his own. He loved quietly, gave freely, and seemed larger than life to us all. Although we mourn the passing of Steve, we choose to remember all of the things that made him the man in our lives, that we learned from, depended on, and who taught us what quiet love truly meant. He lived a quiet life but a very meaningful life.

Steve is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Carol. His Brother Rick, sister-in-law Priscilla and nieces Elizabeth and Stephanie. His stepchildren; Julie Cotton, Walter Almgren, Alyssa Windley, and Robert Almgren wife Kaye. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren – Luis, Jr., Christopher, Julie, and Jasmine; Alex, Rebecca, and Sarah; Maddison, Karley, Maximillion and 5 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Zoey, Tucker, Derrick, and Marigold. He was proceeded in death by his father Scott, mother Betty, his sister Cathy, and his brother Dyke.

Per his wishes, Steve will be cremated, where he can remain connected with his lifetime companion.  A private memorial service for the immediate family will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.