Gilbert Hoelscher, 69, Linn, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, unexpectedly at his residence.
He was born on Feb. 25, 1957, to the late Harold Hoelscher and Gladys (Moeller) Fritchley in Jefferson City.
He was a 1975 graduate of Linn High School and a graduate of Linn Technical College.
Gilbert proudly served his country in the U. S. Marines.
He was united in marriage to Helen Mengwasser on Feb. 16, 1985, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Channelview, Texas.
Gilbert was a dedicated employee as Manager of Instrumentation and Controls at Explorer Pipeline Company in Tulsa, Okla. for 40 years until his retirement on June 30, 2022.
He was a member of St. George Catholic Church in Linn and the Linn Knights of Columbus Council #4838.
Gilbert found his greatest peace in the evenings, admiring the sunset alongside Helen and their dog Lucky, and rarely letting a soul pass by without a wave and a smile, or stopping in for a good visit.
A natural perfectionist with an engineer’s mind, he appreciated everything in life at 110% — whether it was tending to “his little slice of heaven” the farm, or showing up for the people he loved before they even
knew they needed him.
There was nothing he couldn’t fix, from a broken engine to a broken spirit, and his daughters always knew they could bring him any challenge and he would find a way.
His greatest joy was time with his family, and most of all his grandchildren, who will carry with them forever the memory of his signature fist bump and the wide smile that came with it. His kindness, generosity and unwavering love for his family and friends will be remembered by all who knew him.
Gilbert was preceded in death by parents, Harold Hoelscher and Gladys Fritchley; brothers, Lloyd Hoelscher and Jerome “Jerry” Hoelscher; and Gladys’s husband, Tommy Fritchley.
He is survived by wife of 41 years, Helen; daughters, Heather and husband Kaleb Faber of Overland Park, Kan. and Kristen and husband Mitchell Haun of Tulsa, Okla.; his pride and joy, grandchildren, Keegan and Everly Faber and Eleanor and Beckett Haun; sister, Joan Dudenhoeffer and husband Dave of Linn; brother, Dennis “Pedro” Hoelscher and wife Sarah of Linn; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday July 13, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn with Rev. Anthony Rinaldo officiating.
Interment with Full Military Honors was held in St. George Parish Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project or St. George Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
