Rodger Hoelscher, 82, of Greene, was called to his heavenly home on Monday, February 19, 2024 at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City following his battle with dementia.
Rodger was born on April 25, 1941, in Hubbard, IA to Wilford and Ethyle (Rash) Hoelscher. He graduated from Hubbard High School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree at the State College of Iowa (now known as University of Northern Iowa). Rodger later obtained his Master’s degree in Geography from Mankato State University.
During the summer of 1962, Rodger made what he would say was the most important decision of his life by believing the Gospel for Salvation that Jesus Christ died for Rodger’s sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and by placing his faith on the finished work of Christ, Rodger was saved and sealed to his eternal home.
On April 20, 1963, Rodger made what he would say was his second most important decision in life by uniting in marriage the love of his life, Dian (Konrad) at Cedar Heights Baptist Church in Cedar Falls, IA. Rodger and Dian were blessed with three wonderful children. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary together in 2023.
In 1980, Rodger and Dian moved to their current home in Greene, where Rodger taught social studies and coached for over 30 years. Rodger coached multiple sports at Greene over the years, although his passion was always high school girls’ softball. Rodger was extremely knowledgeable related to fast-pitched softball and even after his retirement, spent several springs assisting the Royal City Knights while visiting Tim and his family in Royal City, WA.
Rodger’s other hobbies included fishing and trapping. He trapped everything from raccoons, foxes, mink, and muskrats for much of his life. Rodger was an avid Cubs, Vikings and Hawkeyes fan. Sports were a big part of Rodger’s life and even after retiring from coaching he and Dian attended many activities for the Greene Rams, North Butler Bearcats and varied sports and activities involving his grandchildren. Rodger will be remembered by all those who knew him as caring teacher, coach and friend.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Dian Hoelscher of Greene; children: Tim (Peggy) Hoelscher of Royal City, WA and their children: Katie (Aaron) Gardener and their children (Isabella and Isaac) and Emily Hoelscher; Christine (Dan) Phillips of Van Meter, IA and their children Joshua (Lindsay) Phillips, Meg (Mark) Gowen and Carder Phillips; Allie Vicker of Des Moines, IA and her children Harrison Vicker and Marissa Vicker (fiancé Taylor Gomez); brother, Tom (Anna) Hoelscher; step-sister Joyce McGaughey and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilford Hoelscher and Ethyle (Harold) Flickenger; grandson Elijah Phillips; stepbrother Denny Flickenger and step-sister Mona Bagby.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Woodley Funeral Home in Greene. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church, 312 S Main St, Greene with Pastor Ben Hartwig officiating. Rodger will be laid to rest at Deer Creek Cemetery north of Carpenter, Iowa.
woodleyfuneralhome.com
