Mary Clarita Hoelscher (97) of Teutopolis

Mary Clarita Hoelscher, 97 of Teutopolis, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away Friday, November 25, 2022 at Heartland Senior Living in Neoga.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis with burial in St. Francis Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Tuesday at the church with a 5:00 pm parish prayer service. Memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.  

Mary was born May 7, 1925 in Teutopolis, the daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Nosbisch) Ordner. Mary and Edward Hoelscher were united in holy matrimony on December 31, 1952 and were blessed with 41 years of marriage. Together they lovingly raised six children. Ed preceded her in death on April 4, 1994.

Mary's grace and love were examples to all. She genuinely cared for others, lending a listening ear without judgment. Mary possessed many talents in the areas of fashion, sewing, design, writing, leadership, and hospitality. She had an adventurous spirit and passionately used her talents both professionally and personally. Mary enjoyed traveling the country and abroad with family and friends. Some of her many jobs included Eli Lilly in Indianapolis, IN, A&P Grocery in Denver, CO, Western Union in Denver, and Chicago, sending coded messages for the war effort. She was also a bartender, worked at Best Homes, the Teutopolis Press, Stevens Industries, and Becker's House of Fashion. Mary worked alongside her husband on the farm and later designed homes that he built. 

She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis and the St. Ann's Ladies Sodality, where she made good friends while holding office. She and Ed cherished the Teutopolis community and became leaders for the Sesquicentennial in 1989.

Mary is survived by her sons, Daniel (Carol J.) and Robert "Butch"(Rosemary); daughter, Mary Jane (Kenneth) Esker; daughters-in-law, Carol R. Hoelscher, Norma Hoelscher, and Karen (Joe) Wente; 22 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, 35 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; husband; sons, Albert, Kenneth, and Arthur. 

Mary's family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Heartland Senior Living Center and Transitions Hospice Care for the love, care, and respect shown to their mother.