Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Melody D. Holbach, 72, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
She was born on September 5, 1953, to Richard and Donna Hartley at the Schoitz Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. She went on to graduate from Waterloo West in 1971. Melody also attended Hawkeye Community College and earned an associate’s degree in accounting.
Melody was married in 1975 to Dennis Holbach of Waterloo, Iowa. Together they had five boys: Dennis Jr., Jon, Andy, Luke, and Zach.
Together Dennis and Melody ran Randall’s Stop and Shop from 1981 until 2024. Melody enjoyed socializing with customers, and greeted everyone with a “Hey, Guy.” She also enjoyed seeing her grandkids running through the store and helping stock shelves.
One of the things that brought Melody the most joy was having a house full of kids. Starting with her own boys and generations of “adopted” Hudson kids. She always had an open door for whoever needed it and was always a call away for a ride. As Melody and her boys got older, she loved watching her grandkids in any activity they participated in. She rarely missed a sporting event, concert, play, or birthday party, often attending more than one each night. She was blessed with nine grandchildren that kept her very active. When Melody was not at a grandkids’ event, she could be found at an Iowa Hawkeye sporting event or traveling the world with Dennis. Together they went to: Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Riveria Maya, Brazil, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, Germany, France, and England.
Melody is survived by her husband, Dennis Holbach Sr.; her five sons, Dennis Jr. (Kari), Jon (Jen), Andy (Sarah), Luke (Megan), and Zach (Katey), all of Hudson; nine grandchildren, Jack, Jed, Dalton, Tenley, Hayden, Tatum, Bennett, Harper, and Hadley; her sister, Robin (Dave) Boesen; brothers, Richard (Jane) Hartley, and Steve Hartley; sister-in-law, Mary (Bill) Swick; aunt, Gert Fischels; along with all her nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Donna (Nissen) Hartley; a granddaughter, Mary Jane Holbach; her in-laws, Louis and Agnes Holbach; her sister, Jean Saner, and brother-in-law, Nelson Saner; her sister, Cindy Ewing; her nephew, T.J. Leonard; and brother-in-law, Michael Holbach.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, both in Waterloo. Visitation from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo; also, for one hour prior to mass at the church. Memorials may be directed to Hudson Schools Athletic Booster Club or the City of Hudson Parks and Recreation. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.
Vigil
February 22, 2026
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Visitation
February 22, 2026
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Mass of Christian Burial
February 23, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
650 Stephen Ave., Waterloo, IA
We are so very sorry to hear about Melody’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her dear family.
Melody was a strong woman who was not shy a about sharing her opinions about anything. She was a joy to be around and loved Dennis and her family dearly. She will be missed. Wishing peace and comfort to the entire Holbach family.
Dennis and family, so sorry to hear of Melody’s passing. She had a huge heart and cared about everyone she knew. A true staple in the community. We will miss her and so will all the people she touched.
To the Holbach family….you are all in our prayers during this sad time. May God carry you through this.
We are so sorry to hear of Melody’s passing. She was a special lady
Dennis so sorry to hear of Melody’s passing
So sorry for your loss, Robin and family.
We are so sorry on your loss of Melody, you are in our prayers.
I just learned of Melody’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. She was always so friendly. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Dennis, we are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Dennis & Family, so sorry to hear of Melody,’s passing. Prayers abundantly coming your way.
Gary, Dee, Katy Lynk
RIP Melody praying for the family at this time of your loss she will be missed by many in Hudson and surrounding communities
Denny and family, I am so sorry to hear about Melody. Our hearts go out to you!
I’m so sorry to hear this news. My sincere condolences to Dennis and the boys.
Prayers for peace. 🙏
Sorry to hear about Melody- thoughts and prayers to all of her family.
Thinking of the family at this difficult time. My deepest condolences.
Denny, so sorry to hear about Melody’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dennis and family we are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and family as you deal with your loss.
Holbach Family to each of you my sympathy. Melody was always so friendly and welcoming. There definetly will be a void in everyone life that knew her. My sympathy to each of you. I will.miss her she was so special. As I know you all know. Prayers for all
We just recently were informed. Our deepest Sympathy to Dennis and the Family. Our prayers, and cherish all the good memories.