Gary "Buzz" Hohlt

Gary “Buzz” Hohlt, age 72 of New Ulm, passed away on April 26, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation with the Hohlt family will be from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Friday, April 29 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 30 at Welcome Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Pastor John R. Sutton will officiate.

Gary Gene Hohlt received his lifelong nickname of “Buzz” before he was even born, as his parents Eugene and Gertrude (Haas) Hohlt were traveling by boat to Eugene’s military assignment in Hawaii. While on board, they met a rascally, but sweet young boy named Buzz. They agreed that if the baby they were expecting was a boy, they would carry on the cute nickname. After making it to Oahu, in what was then the Territory of Hawaii, they welcomed their own baby, a boy they called Buzz, on January 2, 1950. Buzz grew up to be a little bit rascally, like his namesake, but he was a good man, a fun-loving person, and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Buzz was baptized on February 19, 1950, at the post Chapel of Schofield Barracks in Oahu. When his father’s military career concluded, the family returned the Brenham area. They attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brenham. Buzz was confirmed at St. Paul’s on April 11, 1965.

After graduating from Brenham High School, he attended Blinn College. He was employed with S&P Railroad in Houston, and then transferred to Santa Fe in Somerville. Buzz was then employed by Coca-Cola for 26 years, working as a merchandizer. This allowed him to meet and work with a variety of people, and that was his favorite aspect of the job. He retired from his position with Coca-Cola in 2009.

On May 10, 1971, Buzz was united in marriage to Mary Blezinger. They met at a dance in Carmine. They were blessed with two children, Brian and Melissa. Buzz and his family made their home in the Brenham area for over 30 years. They then moved to a family property in the Industry area.

In more recent years, Buzz enjoyed his involvement with the Industry West End Lion’s Club, and Meals on Wheels. They also enjoyed the fellowship of the Welcome Lutheran Church. When he was at home, he did quite a bit of wood-working and became quite skilled. He made baptismal boxes for the church, and custom lazy susans for friends and family.

Buzz and Mary loved travelling together and seeing the country. Buzz had the goal of visiting all 50 states. He was especially fond of State and National Parks. Favorites included Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Park.

One of the greatest joys in Buzz’s life was his farm. He loved visiting his pet cows and finding new little projects to tinker with. He always celebrated the birth of a new calf by excitedly posting to Facebook. The most recent calf was born on the day of Buzz’s passing, April 26.

Surviving family includes wife Mary; son Brian Hohlt and girlfriend Sarah Hill; daughter Melissa Thomas and husband Bill; his mother Gertrude (Haas) Hohlt; brother Danny Hohlt and wife Claudia. Buzz was “PoPo” to his beloved grandchildren Jacob Hohlt, Lexi Hohlt, and Ty Thomas.

Buzz was preceded in death by his father Eugene; his parents-in-law Norbert and Linda Blezinger; and brother-in-law Norbert Blezinger, Jr.

Pallbearers will by Lynn “Red” Spicer, Don Woltmann, Carl Weid, Jacob Hohlt, Ty Thomas, and Kris Schroeder. Honorary Pallbearers are Betty Kramer, Kelly Schrader, Dorothy Spicer, Kerri Woltmann, Barbara Kautz, and all members of the Industry West End Lions Club.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Buzz to Hospice Brazos Valley, Industry West End Lions Club, or Welcome Lutheran Church.