Darrel Gene Hoelscher, 67, of Bushton, Kansas, passed away May 16, 2025, at Wesley Towers, Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born April 4, 1958, in Lyons, Kansas, the son of Verl and Arla May (Kitchen) Hoelscher. Darrel was a lifetime Bushton resident.
He graduated from Bushton High School, with the class of 1976, and received his associate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas Technical Institute,Salina, in 1978. Darrel was owner and operator of Hoelscher Inc. in Bushton from 1978 until 2025. He was a member of Salem Church, Bushton, where he served as usher and Sunday school superintendent. Darrel was also a member of the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association), NRA (National Rifle Association), and AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). He enjoyed flying airplanes and woodworking.
On December 7, 2000, Darrel was united in marriage with Suzie Earl in Bushton. She preceded him in death on February 15, 2025. He is also preceded in death by his parents; and step-nephew, Gary Wagner. Darrel is survived by his three stepchildren, Jason Cannon and significant other Chauneci DeSpain of West Columbia, SC, Marc Cannon and significant other Megan Boroughs of Lyons, KS, and Stephanie Laubach and husband Justin of Niceville, FL; brother, David Hoelscher and wife Pam of Bushton, KS; sister, Brenda Wagner and husband Dwayne of Great Bend, KS; four grandchildren, Annie, Thatcher, Emily and Hunter; three nieces, Laurie Beck and husband Scott of Chase, KS, Amy Hurley and husband Matt of Bushton, KS, and Lesley Matlack and husband Karl of Burrton, KS; and step-niece, Michelle Wagner of Springfield, MO.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Salem Church, Bushton, with Pastor Tom Reazin officiating. Burial will follow at the Salem-Friedhof Cemetery, Bushton. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Monday, May 19, 2025, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present. Memorials may be given to the Salem Church Scholarship Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.
Funeral services provided by
Birzer Funeral Homes & Granite Memorials
203 N. Seventh, P.O. Box 262
Sterling, KS 67579
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 20, 2025
