“Duke” Orville E. Greenholtz, 79, of Buda, Texas passed away on January 26, 2024, surrounded by his wife of 57 years, and his two daughters. Duke was born in Westminster, Maryland to Anna Elizabeth Sparks and Charles Emory Greenholtz on December 21, 1944.
Duke volunteered for the Navy in 1960, and greatly valued his time in the service. In 1963, Duke met the love of his life Muriel Rose Belanger and they were married on June 18th, 1966, in Warrensburg, NY. They went on to have two daughters, Nicole Rose and Crystal Lynn and in 1979, Duke moved his family from New York to Texas to follow his love of cowboys and ranches.
Duke was passionate and skilled at working with his hands and leveraged that passion to excel in several careers over his life ranging from custom construction to engineering and ranch management. There was very little that Duke could not do. Duke was well respected as an expert engineering manager at the famous Driskell hotel.
Later, Duke and Muriel co-owned the Buda Main Street Café from 1994 to 2010. Their beautiful daughters joined them in the Café and it was a family endeavor from day one. Duke also served two terms on the Buda, TX City Council and was instrumental in the development and safety of Buda.
Duke was a passionate outdoorsman who enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and grandsons. He felt blessed to have athletic grandsons and treasured watching them all play their various sports including college football and baseball. Duke loved to hunt and fish but it was mostly because he treasured the time with his son-in-law and grandsons. So many wonderful memories were made on “Pappa’s Boat” or in the deer blind. He taught the boys how to respect, enjoy and be grateful for all the gifts of this world and he was always grateful for the opportunity to make an impact on their lives.
Duke is survived by his wife Muriel Greenholtz, daughters Nicole Rose Verver-Quinn, Crystal Cuzze, their spouses Sean Quinn, Robert Cuzze. Grandsons Emory Cuzze, Elias Trea Verver, Slayton Cuzze, step-grandson Jackson Quinn. Brothers Howard Greenholtz, Joe Sparks. Sisters Cathy Morehouse, Judy Spaulding.
Memorial service will be held at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda on February 19th, 2024, at 10 am with lunch reception to follow at the church hall. Burial will be held June 8th, 11 am at Warrensburg Cemetery, New York.
