Verle O. Hoelscher

Verle Osmond Hoelscher, 93, of Belleville, IL, was surrounded by his loving family as he went to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 14, 2023. He was born November 12, 1929 in Okawville, Illinois to Oscar and Mary Hoelscher, and grew up on a family farm in rural Centralia, Illinois. He attended classes in a one-room school house until he completed the eighth grade to work on the family farm as per his father’s decision.

He proudly served his country Platoon 243 U.S. Marine Corps, San Diego 1951 (Korean War). He worked as an auto and truck mechanic throughout St. Louis area. He was a self-taught handy-man, mechanic, carpenter, roofer, plumber, avid stock investor, inventor, and veterinarian (12 years old delivered a breach baby calf on the family farm).

He was a member of the Moose Lodge and Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

He was retired for 31 years, and his mantra was “Let this happen more often”. He loved country music, golfing, Crazy 13 card games, polkas, waltzes, “wipe out”, and line-dancing, grew prized tomatoes with his inventive irrigation system, filmed countless nieces and nephews weddings, reunions and special occasions with his super 8 camera. He was one of Belleville Hilgards baseball team’s biggest fan. He navigated family vacations via a roadside map visiting 49 states. He was the bbq pork steaks grill master, jokester, and magician. He was activities coordinator at family reunions/backyard gatherings (badminton, volleyball, horseshoe, and softball games.)

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Hoelscher and Mary (nee Brinkman) Hoelscher, his siblings, Velma (Clarence) Randoll, Virgil Hoelscher WWII (Katherine), Virginia (Rudy) Randoll, Vernice (Joe) Kudelka, Virdel (Roy Chesney) (George Bringle), Vernon (Darlene) Hoelscher, Vera (Les) Rallo, Vilas Hoelscher, and Verle’s son Brent Hoelscher.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 65 years, Matilda Ruth (nee Nadolski) Hoelscher; son, Dale (Julie) Hoelscher; daughters, Lisa (Vern) Gaal and Janice (Tim) Williams; Daughter-in-law Teresa (Stanley) Hoelscher; grandchildren, April (David) Sherwood, Randy (Jessica) Hoelscher, Bethany (Austin) Lang, Michael (Karlie) Hoelscher, Rachel Williams, Joshua Williams, and Hannah Hoelscher; Great-Grandchildren, Kendal, Mya, Luna and Great-Grandson (July ’23); Sisters-in-law Frieda Hoelscher, Adeline Nadolski, Rozella Nadolski, and Lucille Nadolski. “Mr. H. Special Daughter” Shelley Blaies Miller, relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Visitation will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 5923 N. Belt West, Belleville, IL.

Funeral Mass will be Friday, May 19 at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 5923 N. Belt West, Belleville, IL.

Interment to follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ValhallaGardensandFuneralHome.com for the Hoelscher family.