Bernadette Holzer, a committed advocate for a stronger democracy in Missouri, was born in Minneapolis to parents Frances and Perry. As direct descendants of Abraham Lincoln and his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, the Hanks family carries a rich and fascinating legacy. Perry, a Marine, and Penny, a renowned gospel singer in Georgia, added diversity to the family’s background. Bernadette’s grandfather Hanks contributed to this tapestry with his ownership of a department store in Minnesota, marking a successful entrepreneurial chapter in their history.
Frances, Bernadette’s mother, an accomplished artist and former art teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Kentucky State University, hails from West Virginia. Her brothers, Frank and Raymond, pursued careers as a petrochemical engineer and Methodist missionary, respectively. Another aunt, Delaine, engaged in missionary work, residing in Argentina and traveling worldwide to aid those in need. On her mother’s side, Bernadette’s cousin Charles serves as a dedicated family historian, tracing the Learmouth family’s journey from Failkirk, Scotland, to the United States in the 1700s, adopting the name Larmon.
Raised in St. Charles, Missouri, Bernadette attended St. Charles High School and later studied music at Southeast Missouri State University. Subsequently, she obtained a license in therapeutic massage from Missouri College in Manchester, co-owning and managing a day spa in Mountain View, Missouri, with her husband and their newborn.
In 2008, Bernadette faced a significant challenge with the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare nerve disease that left her paralyzed for three months. Overcoming immense physical and mental hurdles, she re-learned essential skills and developed a profound appreciation for life, gaining insight into the struggles of individuals with immune-compromising disabilities.
Celebrating their twentieth anniversary, Bernadette and her husband, Johnny Holzer, lead a dynamic life. Johnny, with Hungarian roots, holds a BS in Astrophysics from UMSL and a Master’s Degree in Atmospheric Physics from Johns Hopkins. Actively involved in various interests, from martial arts and archery to unicycling and mountain biking, Johnny is also a stained glass artist and a scientist who discovered an exoplanet during his university tenure.
Bernadette’s sister Kristen, a singer and animal lover, contributes to her activities, fostering a strong bond. Her daughter, Béla, a multi-talented individual, is currently pursuing her HiSet and is passionate about science, music, politics, and archery.
In addition to her family and personal pursuits, Bernadette is deeply involved in community engagement, recognizing the significance of assisted in-home living programs. Her advocacy extends to environmental concerns, reproductive healthcare rights, and economic strengthening. Currently, she is actively working on projects related to the Infrastructure Act to ensure clean water and a healthier environment for all in her district, embodying her commitment to a better democracy and a brighter future.
