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July 24, 1930-Oct.8, 2026
Minot
Ernest R. Hoelscher, 96, rural Berthold, died Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the North Dakota Veteran's Home in Lisbon.
Ernest Rudolph Hoelscher was born on July 24, 1930, in Minot, ND to George and Daisy (Lade) Hoelscher. He was raised and educated in Foxholm, ND at country schools through the 8th grade. Following his education, he was employed by the Walter Yuly farmstead for several years.
Ernie entered the United States Army on October 23,1952 and was honorably discharged on October 22, 1954.
Ernest married Shirley Wherley on March 15, 1953, in Minot. In 1954, they made their home on a farm near Berthold, ND where they farmed, owned cattle, and milked cows.
Ernie was a former member of Lynch Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Minot prior to its closure and currently a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Burlington. He was a board member of the 7th Calvary in Minot, served on the board of directors for the Carpio Fire Department and was a past member of the Berthold American Legion and Minot American Legion where he served over 300 funerals with the honor guard. In his free time, he enjoyed restoring antique farm wagons, and wandering around his neighborhood on his 4-wheeler.
Ernest's loving family includes his children Wayne (Candis) Hoelscher, Surrey, Kenneth (Karla) Hoelscher, Oakes, ND and Bruce Hoelscher, Berthold, grandchildren Shawna Connelly-Hoelscher, Sheldon (Megan) Hoelscher, Amanda (Wayne) Arnson, Ernie (Kathy) Bauer, Darrell Bauer, Jodi (James) Walker, Brandon Hoelscher, Izaiah Hoelscher, and Cecilia (Marshal) Buelow; great grandchildren, Faith Arnson, Raylan, Ahnya, and Kadyn Hoelscher, Cameron and Elizabeth Bauer, Julien Walker, Brynlee and Oaklyn Hoelscher, and Kollyns Buelow; great-great grandchildren, Marie Rose and Marcia Howe; sister, Anna Jundt, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley, an infant son, daughter Sheree Mertz, grandson Garrett Hoelscher, son-in-law, Ray Mertz; Nicole Connelly-Hoelscher, and siblings Albert, Stella, Mabel, Marie, Ella, August, George, and Betty.
Visitation: Friday, October 16, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. Celebration of Life Service: Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Peace Lutheran Church, Burlington. Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot Memorials are preferred to Wreaths Across America, The North Dakota Veteran's Home, and Minot American Legion Post #26.
To view a livestream of the service and share memories and condolences please visit www.thomasfamily funeralhome.com.
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 13, 2026.