Louis C. Holzapfel was born at Greenville, Ohio, February 7, 1924, the son of Louis F. and Nellie C. Holzapfel. He attended the Greenville public schools and Ohio State University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta social fraternity.
In January of 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force where he served at various times as a flight instructor in a single engine plane advanced flight school, P40 pilot, P51 pilot and aerial gunnery instructor.
He was associated with the Sanco Products Company since 1947 where he became President and General Manager.
On March 19, 1946 he was married to Muriel Elizabeth (Pat) Wilson. They were the parents of two daughters. The family resided in Greenville, Ohio and were members of the Evangelical United Methodist Church.
He was made a Master Mason in Greenville Lodge No. 143, F. & A. M., Greenville, Ohio on May 31, 1948 and served as Worshipful Master in 1957.
He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Greenville Chapter No. 77 on May 17, 1949, was received as a Royal and Select Master in Matchett Council No. 91 on April 20, 1956, was created a Knight Templar in Coleman Commandery No. 17 on May 8, 1962.
He became a member of each of the bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Valley of Dayton on April 12, 13, 14, 15, 1950 and is currently serving as Commander-in-Chief of Dayton Consistory S. P. R. S.
He was crowned an honorary member of the Supreme Council 33-Degree at Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 25, 1968.
He was a member of Antioch Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., Dayton Court No. 10, Royal Order of Jesters; Holy Grail Conclave, Order of Red Cross of Constantine; Ft. Greenville Chapter No. 406, Order of Eastern Star.
He has received the Honorary Legion of Honor, Order of DeMolay.
He served as President of the Greenville Masonic Temple Company, President of Darke County “32” Club, President of Greenville Shrine Club, and President of the Third Masonic District Officers Association.
He served as District Deputy Grand Master in the Third Masonic District from 1958-1960.
In October of 1962 Most Worshipful Brother Ralph M. Francisco, Grand Master, appointed him to the office of Junior Grand Deacon. He was subsequently appointed Senior Grand Deacon in 1963, Grand Marshal in 1964, and Grand Orator in 1965. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1966, Senior Grand Warden in 1967 and Deputy Grand Master in 1968. On October 18, 1969 in Columbus, Ohio he was elected and installed Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Ohio.
M. W. Brother Holzapfel passed away on March 5, 2004, in Greenville, Ohio, following a short illness. Masonic Services were conducted by Greenville Lodge No. 143 on March 9, 2004. Funeral Services were held on March 9, 2004 under the direction of the Zechar-Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville, Ohio. Our Beloved Brother was laid to rest in Greenville Cemetery.
The leadership and service exhibited in the life of Most Worshipful Brother Holzapfel and the respect he earned from all who met him will be remembered by the Masons of Ohio, who now mourn at his departure.