Major Karl Steckelman Holdaway, USMC (retired), passed away at his home in Magnolia, Texas on August 24, 2024 after a prolonged illness.
The son of Charles and Wilhelmina Holdaway, Karl was born, November 1, 1937 in Carbon County, Utah. He attended Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah where he excelled in athletics, specifically basketball and baseball. Karl was a two-year varsity letterman on the basketball team as well as playing varsity baseball, beginning a lifelong love of the game. Karl played infield for the Hiawatha King Kolers of the Utah Coal League in 1958 and 1959. During this time, he attended Carbon College in Price, Utah before completing his degree at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. At Utah State he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and joined the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) program performing six weeks of training in the summer of 1958 and again in the summer of 1959 before graduating from Utah State University in June 1960 with a bachelor of science degree in psychology.
Following graduation from Utah State University, Karl attended the USMC Basic School in Quantico, Virginia and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps with a military specialty as an infantry officer and later a specialty as a naval gunfire officer.
At the rank of captain in 1967, Karl served in Vietnam as part of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division. From November 1967 to July 1968, Captain Holdaway served as the commanding officer of M Company 3/7 Marines, including the Tet Offensive in 1968. Karl took great pride in being the commanding officer of Mike 3/7, stating many times that they were the bravest, most patriotic Marines he ever had the honor to serve with. He was awarded the Bronze Star w/V as well as the Purple Heart among other commendations for his service in Vietnam. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1980 with the rank of major.
In 1966 Karl married Janice Katri in Oceanside, California. They had three boys, Jeffrey, Marc and Andrew.
Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, Karl and family moved to Spring, Texas where Karl established a new career in real estate for over 20 years before moving to Woodlands, Texas. He was a longtime Realtor with Remax-Woodlands until his retirement in the early 2000s.
In his final years Karl watched his family grow with the addition of his grandchildren. He took great joy in being a grandfather to Austin, Alex, Lauren, Ryan, Kelsey and Brooks. He enjoyed travelling the country visiting friends from his many years in the Marines, visiting family and occasional visits back to Carbon County. He watched his Astros daily with Jan and their dogs by his side.
Karl is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janice Holdaway, who was by his side as he passed; his sons, Marc, Andrew and wife Carol, and Jeffrey; six grandchildren, Austin, Alex, Lauren, Ryan, Kelsey and Brooks; sister, Anne Marie Marinoni and
He is preceded in death by his brother, Charles.
A public viewing will be held Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 5-8:00 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home, 14711 FM 1488 Magnolia, Texas. An interment at the Houston National Cemetery with military honors will be held at a later date.