Dates
David Arlis Hoelscher, 73, died peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025.
David was born March 10, 1951 to Fred and Joy Hoelscher. David was a proud cotton farmer. He grew up in the early years of St. Lawrence. The oldest boy in a family of seven kids, he was driving a tractor, changing water, running a feed grinder, feeding hogs, welding and repairing aluminum pipe, and anything else that was needed of him from an early age. For him, St. Lawrence was always home.
After graduating from Garden City High School, David enrolled in Angelo State University. It is unclear if he ever attended a single class, but we are certain that he had a good time. He married Doris Fuchs on July 27, 1974. There was no other place David and Doris would live but St. Lawrence. They made their home there and raised their kids on the farm. Glen, Gail, and Randy came along in succession.
David was active in the St. Lawrence community. Being a member of the Gun Club, Men’s Society, St. Lawrence Cotton Growers, and the First National Bank of Big Lake Board of directors is only to name a few. David and Doris were faithful members of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, where they were active for many years.
Big Dave’s BBQ pit was a good place to be. He really enjoyed cooking. The camaraderie with family and friends was his favorite part. Many stories were shared, some even true…
David never met a stranger, EVER. He was always quick with a story and tried his very best to make everyone smile. There was never a possession he owned that he would not give to someone that needed it more than he. To say he was generous, would be an understatement. David impacted the lives of more people than we will ever know. He will certainly be missed by many.
In his later years, David and Doris retired to San Angelo. He cherished his coffee shop friends, his neighbors (he sure missed Domingo), and many others around town. David took great pride in helping many in San Angelo, especially his friend Phillip.
David was also a builder. He loved building barns and teaching others the trade. But, David was most proud of the families his kids were building. He was a very proud Grandpa. He was grateful that all were raising their kids in church. He was a Christian and wanted everyone he knew to be as well. David taught CCD to high school seniors for many years. He was known as the favorite teacher for many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Joy Hoelscher, and his granddaughter Brooke Stevens.
David is survived by his loving wife, Doris, and his 3 children Glen (Diana) Hoelscher of Houston, Gail (Corey) Stevens of Eldorado, Randy (Jamie) Hoelscher of St. Lawrence, and 8 grandchildren, Ali (Ethan) Anderson, Tanner (Brayleigh) Hoelscher, Cooper and Tag Hoelscher, Wesley, Bryce and Koby Stevens, and Brody Hoelscher. He is also survived by siblings Linda (Denis) Niehues of San Angelo, Karen (Rodney) Ripple of Wall, Barbara (Dennis) Fuchs, Harold (Ann) Hoelscher, and Carl (Kara) Hoelscher all of St. Lawrence, and Janet (Howard) Book of Victoria.
Rosary will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Harper Funeral Home at 6 p.m.
A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, Jan. 22 at Holy Angels Catholic Church at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Meals for the Elderly or Catholic Outreach.