Guenther "Gus" W. Holzwarth

Guenther “Gus” W. Holzwarth of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the age of 94. Loving husband of the late Rita Rosa Holzwarth; cherished son of the late Heinrich Holzwarth and Irma Mueller; devoted father of Michael (Dorothy) Holzwarth, and Robert (Stacey) Holzwarth; loving grandfather of Ashley (Todd) Schaefer, Leah Holzwarth, Lauren Holzwarth, and Emily Holzwarth; treasured great-grandfather of Korbin, Kennedy, Karson, and Krew Schaefer. Guenther also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Guenther, a proud U.S. Army veteran and lifelong restaurateur, passed away leaving behind a legacy of service, hospitality, and deep community involvement. Born in Karlsruhe, Germany, Guenther began working in the restaurant industry at age 14 through apprenticeships that sparked a career spanning decades. He immigrated to the United States at age 21 and was soon drafted into the U.S. Army, serving honorably during the Korean War. In 1960, he married his beloved wife, Rita, in Cincinnati, OH. He continued his restaurant career in Cincinnati and St. Louis before settling in St. Charles. There he operated Station Duquette Restaurant and later owned and operated the St. Charles Vintage House and Wine Garden until his retirement, sharing his much loved Bavarian cuisine with the local community. Guenther was very active in local German clubs and proudly served as Grand Marshal of Oktoberfest in 2012. Guenther had a lifelong love of German classical and polka music, regaling family and friends with harmonica music, providing translations as he went.

Guenther never met a stranger, making friends with all he met. He was dearly loved and will always be in our hearts. His laugh, his voice and his smile will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made in Guenther’s name to the St. Charles VFW or the American Legion.