Esteemed college football coach Lou Holtz passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at the age of 89 in his Orlando residence, surrounded by his loved ones. Holtz is best remembered for leading Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988 and for his remarkable ability to motivate, but at the heart of his life was the family he cherished with his late wife, Beth.

In the wake of his passing, focus has turned to the four children who are carrying forward his legacy of faith, service, and football. Here’s a closer examination of the Holtz family lineage.

Who Was Beth Barcus Holtz? Lou Holtz’s Devoted Wife

Beth Barcus Holtz was far more than a supportive coach’s spouse; she was a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who met Lou during their high school years. They married in 1961 and shared nearly 59 years of marriage until her death in 2020 at the age of 82.

Originally hailing from Ohio, Beth founded The Tennis Hog Shop in Arkansas and was deeply committed to charitable endeavors, often contributing without seeking acknowledgment. Her generosity earned her an honorary Monogram from Notre Dame, and alongside Lou, she co-founded the Holtz Family Foundation.

Skip Holtz: The Coaching Legacy Continues

The most familiar face in the Holtz family is Louis Leo “Skip” Holtz Jr., who followed closely in his father’s footsteps in the world of football. Skip has forged a distinguished coaching path, leading teams like Louisiana Tech and recently gaining prominence in spring football.

As the head coach of the Birmingham Stallions, he has secured three championships, earning him the nickname “The Spring King.” After his father’s passing, Skip touched the nation with a poignant social media tribute, highlighting that his father was not only successful but “Significant.”

Louis Leo “Lou” Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America’s most influential motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family. Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia,…

— Lou Holtz (@CoachLouHoltz88) March 4, 2026

Kevin Holtz: Family Man and Notre Dame Alum

As the second son, Kevin Holtz has kept a more subdued public presence compared to his brother, yet played an essential role as the family’s spokesperson during their father’s final days.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Kevin lives in Port Orange, Florida, with his wife, Kelly. When Lou Holtz entered hospice care in early 2026, it was Kevin who made the official statement requesting privacy, emphasizing the family’s commitment to making “every moment and day count” for their father.

Luanne Altenbaumer: Lou Holtz’s Eldest Daughter

Luanne is the oldest child of Lou and Beth Holtz. She has largely chosen to stay out of the coaching limelight, preferring a life away from public attention. Luanne now resides in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Terry Altenbaumer.

They have a daughter, Lindsay, who made Beth a great-grandmother before her passing. Luanne’s presence at family gatherings during Lou’s hospice period demonstrated the close relationship she maintained with her father right to the end.

Elizabeth Messaglia: Philanthropy and Family Ties

The youngest of the Holtz siblings, Elizabeth “Liz” Messaglia, upholds her mother’s commitment to philanthropy. Like her brother Kevin, Liz proudly graduated from Notre Dame, where she was honored through the creation of the Liz Holtz Endowment for Excellence.

She lives in Brownsburg, Indiana, with her husband, Mike, and their three children: Zachary, Beth, and Jacob. Her daughter Beth is named in memory of the matriarch, ensuring that Beth Barcus Holtz’s legacy endures across generations.