Joann Hollertz

Joann “Jo” Hollertz, 91, of Grand Island died on March 19, 2026 at Memorial Community Care in Aurora. A memorial service will be at 1:30 PM on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. Visitation will be prior to the service from Noon to 1:30 PM. To honor Joan’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Joann was born on November 20, 1934 to Pete and Thekla (Stange) Schultz in rural Wood River, NE on the family farm. She grew up in Wood River and received her education at District 44 school. She was a descendant of Anna Stehr Thomssen, an original settler of Hall County. Joann was united in marriage to James D. White in August of 1954. To this union four children were born: Deb, Rick, Jeff and Jim. The family lived in many locations due to Jim’s career in the U.S. Coast Guard. She married LaMonte Hollertz in November of 1980 in Holdrege, NE, after which the couple resided in Elm Creek, NE for 40 years. They owned and operated Chevyland in Elm Creek. The couple enjoyed traveling, camping and riding motorcycles. A favorite trip was a 32-day trip to Canada on a motorcycle. As things slowed down in later years, they enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jo was an avid doll collector... Her favorites being Barbies and Chatty Cathy’s.

Joann is survived by her children: Deb (Dave) Kozak of Grand Island, Rick (Dianna) White of Raymond, Jeff White of Grand Island, and Jim White of Kearney; grandchildren: Krisha (Stuart) Wood, Mitch (Heather) Kozak, Dave (Mikaela) White, and Keith White; great grandchildren: Kate, Ryan, Celina, and Ari; step-children: Al Hollertz of Holdrege, Kevin Hollertz of Huntley, Jeff Smith of Holdrege, Sue (Jim) Robinson of Bloomington, and Karen Buettner of Holdrege; 19 step grandchildren and 35 step great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Barbara Buettner; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Monte Hollertz; siblings: John Schultz, Evelyn Botts, Albert Schultz, Rudy Schultz, Leo Schultz, and Wilbert Schultz; stepsons, Rob Hollertz, and Tom Smith; and stepdaughter-in-law, Lana Hollertz.