Victoria “Vicky” Holtschlag
Victoria “Vicky” Holtschlag, age 58, of St. Louis, MO died on Sunday, June 30, 2013 in her home. She was born on October 1, 1954 in Quincy, a daughter of Donald E. & Caroline (Heckle) Holtschlag.
Vicky attended St. Boniface Grade School in Quincy and was a 1972 graduate of Quincy Notre Dame. She went on to graduate from the Blessing Hospital School of Clinical Science in 1974 and Quincy College in 1978. Following her graduation, she worked at Canton General Hospital in Canton, IL for one year.
Vicky was a Medical Technologist and a professional in all aspects of her work which included Hematology, Flow Cytometry and Tumor Banking. She was an instructor for the Jewish Hospital School of Medical Technology for 20 years. Her legacy is in the knowledge of basic theory and morphological identification that she instilled into both students and co-workers as well as medical residents and fellows.
She was also the laboratory manager for the Siteman Cancer Center Tissue Procurement Core and Dept. of Pathology and Immunology Laboratory for Translational Pathology for over 13 years. In this role she supervised the collection and distribution of more than a half million human tissue and blood specimens for cancer and other medical research studies. Many of these studies have been published in prestigious medical journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine and have ultimately contributed to improved patient care. Ms. Holtschlag’s work on the technical aspects of specimen processing for each of these studies was critical for their success. Her outstanding efforts and dedication to her work have not only promoted bio-specimen-based medical research across the institution, but have also honored and respected the desire of patients who trustingly donate their specimens for meaningful and high quality biomedical research to improve the lives of those with cancer and other diseases.
Vicky was a member of St. Richard’s Catholic Church in St. Louis.
She loved to shop and buy shoes in her free time. She was devoted to her family.
Vicky is survived by her father, Donald E. Holtschlag of Quincy; her sister, Donna Druffel and her husband Michael of Wells, MN; nieces & nephews, Jennifer (Sean) Rockwell, Matthew Druffel, Mark Druffel, Joseph Druffel, Benjamin Druffel, David (Amanda) Druffel and Elizabeth Druffel; great nieces & nephews, Jacob Brazzle, Braedon & Samantha Druffel and Alison Rockwell.
She was preceded in death by her mother and an uncle, Lester Holtschlag.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 5, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church by Msgr. Michael Kuse. Interment in St. Boniface Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday beginning at 12:00 noon until the time of the service at the Church. Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice for Massage Therapy. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. www.dukerandhaugh.com
I was so shocked to hear of Vicky’s passing. We were good friends during the time I lived in St Louis (1982-1985). I spent some time visiting with her in the early 90’s and over the years, we lost touch. Vicky was a smart gal, and a hard worker. She also had a great sense of humor. I know how much she adored her nieces and nephews, and I only hope that she did not suffer as she moved on to eternal life. She was a believer and my comfort comes from knowing she is at peace, reunited with her Mom and with her Heavenly Father. I am praying for all of her family as they deal with such a difficult loss.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sadness and grief. We are so sorry that Vicky is no longer with us. She was a wonderful, thoughtful, giving, fantastic lady who touched so many lives in her brief one. I am so glad and fortunate to have known her. May God watch and protect her.