Stephen Holtman passed away on October 11, 2026 at the age of 78.

Steve was born on September 16, 1948 to Jean and Frank Holtman. He grew up in Overland Park, Kansas along with his sister, Pamela, graduating from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1966. Steve attended Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) with plans to become a math teacher, but a growing fascination with computers changed the course of his professional career. He graduated in 1970 with his Bachelor of Science in Data Processing. He was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, and it was through his Greek involvement that he met Carolyn Danielson, a music education student and member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. They were married in 1970, and Steve accepted a job with State Farm in Bloomington, Illinois. They were only in Bloomington for a couple of years, but long enough for Steve to become involved with a local Presbyterian church where he served as Scoutmaster to a troop of five boys. After the birth of their daughter, Jennifer Elizabeth, in 1973, they moved back to the Kansas City area where Steve accepted a position as a senior analyst with Hallmark. In 1975, his son, Daniel Stephen, was born and the family was complete.

Upon joining Village Presbyterian Church in the late 1970s, Steve became an assistant scoutmaster of Troop 91, continuing his love for the scouting community. It was through this involvement with the youth at Village that he and Carolyn also became volunteers with the youth group, which included driving and chaperoning several spring break trips to Texas. Village Church remained a cornerstone for the entire Holtman family. Jennifer and Daniel were active in the youth group at Village, Daniel was a member of Troop 91 at the church, Carolyn and Jennifer were very active in the music department, and in more recent years, Steve became active as an elder and volunteered with the engagement committee and for the Village Church Food Pantry.

After leaving Hallmark in 1982, Steve worked for several other companies in Kansas City as an analyst and project manager, including some consulting work. He received his Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification in 2007. In 2014 he joined Security Bank as a project manager where he remained for the rest of his life.

Steve loved to travel, from annual trips to Colorado in the summers, to the Boundary Waters, to international adventures, and weekends at his home at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Steve will be lovingly remembered by many in his role as Santa Claus. Steve enjoyed being a professional Santa around the Kansas City area, primarily at the Overland Park Arboretum each season. His personality and generous spirit made him a perfect Santa.

Steve spent nearly a decade caring for Carolyn as she battled complications from liver disease. He handled his caregiver duties with strength and compassion, always making sure that family traditions were followed and that Carolyn didn’t miss any of her grandchildren’s performances and events.

He spent recent years enjoying every minute of his life – be it traveling with his friend and companion Lorene, attending concerts and events, or spending time with his family. He became an avid Mahjong player, never minding being the only gentleman in the group. He continued to volunteer with his grandson’s scout troop, never stepping away from the scouting community that meant so much to him.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jean Holtman, and Carolyn, his wife of nearly 54 years. He is survived by his sister Pamela Holtman and his children, Jennifer (Bradley) Hull and Daniel (Jaime) Holtman. He leaves behind grandchildren Braden and Katelyn Hull, and Kathryn, Anna, Noelle and JC Holtman, beloved nieces and nephews and their children, as well as his canine companion, Snickers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Village Presbyterian Church.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 16 at 11:00 am, in the sanctuary at Village Presbyterian Church on Mission. The service may be viewed online at
https://villagepres.org/online/.