Lou Holtz Family Tree: Meet His Wife Beth And Four Children

The renowned college football coach Lou Holtz passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 89 in his Orlando home, surrounded by family. While he is celebrated for the national championship victory in 1988 and his incredible motivational skills, his true foundation was the family he created with his late wife, Beth.

In the wake of his death, attention has shifted to the four children who are continuing his legacy of faith, service, and football. Here is a closer look at the Barcus Holtz family lineage.

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

Beth Barcus Holtz was much more than just a coach’s partner; she was an entrepreneur and philanthropist who met Lou in high school. The couple wed in 1961 and enjoyed nearly 59 years together until her passing in 2020 at age 82.

Originally from Ohio, Beth established The Tennis Hog Shop in Arkansas and was heavily involved in charitable activities, often giving without seeking recognition. She received an honorary Monogram from Notre Dame for her generosity towards players and co-founded the Holtz Family Foundation with her husband.

Skip Holtz: The Coaching Legacy Continues

Louis Leo “Skip” Holtz Jr. is the most recognizable member of the family, having directly followed in his father’s footsteps on the football field. Skip has built an impressive coaching career, having led teams such as Louisiana Tech and recently gaining fame in spring football.

As head coach of the Birmingham Stallions, he secured three championships and earned the title “The Spring King.” In the aftermath of his father’s passing, Skip moved the nation with a heartfelt social media tribute, stating his father was not just 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.