Gilbert Hoelscher

Gilbert Hoelscher, age 69, of Linn, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, unexpectedly at his residence.

Gilbert was born on February 25, 1957, in Jefferson City, a son to the late Harold Hoelscher and Gladys (Moeller) Fritchley.

He was a 1975 graduate of Linn High School and a graduate of Linn Technical College. He proudly served his country in the United States Marines.

On February 16, 1985, he was united in marriage to Helen Mengwasser at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Channelview, Texas. Helen survives at their residence.

Gilbert was a dedicated employee as Manager of Instrumentation and Controls at Explorer Pipeline Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma for forty years until his retirement on June 30, 2022.

Gilbert 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.

In addition to his wife of forty one years, Gilbert is survived by his two daughters, Heather and her husband Kaleb Faber of Overland Park, Kansas and Kristen and her husband Mitchell Haun of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his pride and joy four grandchildren, Keegan and Everly Faber and Eleanor and Beckett Haun; one sister, Joan Dudenhoeffer and her husband Dave of Linn; one brother, Dennis “Pedro” Hoelscher and his wife Sarah of Linn; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gilbert was preceded in death by his two brothers, Lloyd Hoelscher and Jerome “Jerry” Hoelscher, and Gladys’s husband Tommy Fritchley.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Morton Chapel in Linn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday July 13, 2026, St. George Catholic Church in Linn with Rev. Anthony Rinaldo as the Celebrant. Interment with Full Military Honors will be held in St. George Parish Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project or St. George Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (573-897-2214)

www.mortonchapel.com