Henry P. Hoelscher

HENRY PETER HOELSCHER, 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 30, 2013, after a lengthy illness. He was born on May 25, 1928, in Ellinger, Texas, to Henry William and Sophie Gully Hoelscher. After completing the 10th grade, he left the family farm and went to work for Dow Chemical in Freeport, TX. He later moved to Houston, TX and went to work for A. J. May Weatherstrip Co., where he learned his lifelong trade. Henry married Esther Lee Knippel on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1948. He had a zest for life, dedication to be the best, love for family, and an unshakable faith that gave him strength to battle his illness. Proud of his Texas heritage, Henry was quite the family historian; he never knew a stranger and always had a joke to tell. He was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, a 50+ year member with the Sons of Hermann and Knights of Columbus, and a charter member of The Polka Lover's Klub of America.

In 1958, Henry and his wife, Esther, founded Hoelscher Weatherstrip Mfg. Co., Inc. Over the next 35 years, his company became one of the most recognizable names in the Texas building industry. His vision and determination won him GHBA's Associate of the Year in 1976, and his continued success and innovation followed him until his retirement in 1993. Henry enjoyed polka music, and he traveled all across the country to dance to his favorite bands. His German heritage and love of polka music is evident through his many donations and support of charities, including the "Hoelscher Haus", located on the Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange, TX.

Henry is preceded in death by Esther, his wife of 58 years, five brothers, two brothers-in-law, and five sisters-in-law. He is survived by his sister, Nora Schobel and sister-in-law Gladys Hoelscher, both of Columbus, TX. He is also survived by daughters Patricia McKirahan; Debbie Jennings and husband, Mike; sons Charles Hoelscher and wife, Chrisie; Derek Hoelscher and wife, Cindy; and Mark Hoelscher and wife, Althea. His grandchildren include George McKirahan III and wife, Melissa; Cara and fiancé, Nicolas Mason, Kyle and Haylee Hoelscher; Sophie and fiancé, Aaron Long, and Cody Hoelscher; and step-grandson Brandon Jennings and wife, Cara. Great-grandchildren are Hunter and Hudson McKirahan and step great-grandchildren are Hugh, Reese and Cash Jennings. Henry is also survived by dearest friend, Lorine Michalsky, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. The family expresses their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the medical staff and care givers of Methodist Hospital and The Village at Gleannloch Farms, as well as to those who provided their friendship, support, kindness, and prayers during his illness. Visitation for friends and family will begin on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 5:00 PM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman, Houston, TX, with a recitation of the Rosary to follow at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Rev. Msgr. James B. Anderson S.T.D., Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Clint Ressler, Concelebrant. A reception will immediately follow the service in the parish hall, and the procession will depart promptly at 12:30 PM from the church and proceed to the Rite of Committal at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas, 77077. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum, PO Box 72, La Grange, TX 78945-0072, or to the Hoelscher Haus Endowment Fund, PO Box 72, La Grange, TX 78945-0072. Tributes and words of condolence may be shared with the family at www.Pathfoleyfuneraldirectors.com