David Robert Hoelzer
David Robert Hoelzer, 60, of Springfield, died on Sunday, December 29, 2013, while visiting family in Houston, Texas.
David was born July 12, 1953, in Glen Cove, New York. He was the son of Robert Frederick and Shirley Grace Hoelzer. David married Karen L. (Brekke) Hoelzer on November 25, 1978.
David graduated from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York in 1975 and from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1979. He practiced as an endocrinologist for the Springfield Clinic for 28 years. David supported the Boy Scouts and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He also loved reading, gardening, farming, and walking his two golden retrievers in Washington Park.
David was preceded in death by his parents of Manhasset, New York, and his aunt, Ruth Faber of Wallingford, Connecticut.
He is survived by his wife, Karen L.; three children, John D. (wife, Jeanette) Hoelzer of Laredo, Texas, William R. (wife, Emily) Hoelzer of Portland, Oregon, and Kathryn A. (husband, Michael) McEvilly of Houston, Texas; and one grandchild, Oliver John Hoelzer, son of John and Jeanette.
Cremation was performed by Klein Funeral Homes in Houston, Texas, prior to ceremonies in Springfield, Illinois.
Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2014, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, Illinois.
Memorial Ceremony: 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Avenue West, Springfield, Illinois, with Rev. Jerry King officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Parks Foundation (memo field "Washington Dog Park") to help start the Washington Dog Park in Springfield, Illinois. See more at: http://www.washingtondogpark.com.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 20, 2014
Dr. Karen Hoelzer, Words cannot express my sincere shock and sorrow for you at the loss of your husband. Just saw you mid December and we talked about my brother and his cancer, our grandbabies and the news that you were going to be a new grandmother again. Little could we have known how things would change in 3 short weeks as I found out I too will be a new grandmother again; the passing of your beloved husband and the passing of my beloved brother. Life can be so unimagineable at times! God bless you Dr Karen Hoelzer and your family! Deb Buchanan, Hillview, IL
Joe Coffey
January 8, 2014
So, so sorry to hear/read about David's passing. Bless his family and close friends. He was a wonderful and dedicated friend to and of Washington Park.
Jane Jackman
January 7, 2014
Karen,
We are so sorry for your sudden loss of such a great man,doctor & husband.Our prayers are with you & your family. Please accept our condolences.
Jane &Steve Jackman
January 7, 2014
Edith Ann Griffis, patient
Ronald Seamon
January 7, 2014
So very sorry for you loss I feel as if I lost a family memeber.You and he took such great care of my Ann and my self he will be greatly missed.
Carla Lawson
January 7, 2014
So sorry for your loss Dr. Karen Hoelzer, you and your children are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Manci
January 7, 2014
Dr. Karen Hoelzer:
Please accept my most sincere condolences from myself and my family on the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dorthy Lowe
January 7, 2014
Karen and Family,
My sincere condolences in the loss of your Husband and Father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
CORY FAIR
January 7, 2014
WE WILL BE SO LOST WITHOUT YOU. YOU WAS MY DOCTORS SINCE I WAS 9 AND I AM 21 NOW. YOU WILL BE MISSED AND REMEMBER FOR THE WONDERFUL LIFE SAVING SKILLS AS A DOCTOR.
January 5, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of my favorite dr. I have seen him for a number of years and he never failed to give encouragement when I needed it most. I had a visit before thanksgiving and he said he would see me in the spring for the opening of the future dog park. He was a wonderful guy and a great dr. He will be missed. Amy Hill
Barb Fox
January 5, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Dr Hoelzer has been my sons Dr for about the last 10 years and has always made him feel comfortable asking him about school and sports. He will be greatly missed.
Kris Cassell
January 5, 2014
Sorry for the loss of a nice doc. As my doctor, he worked hard to help me get a grip on my diabetes. Kris - age 15
Polly & Tim Harvey
January 5, 2014
Karen, we are so sorry and shocked at the loss of Dave. You are in our thoughts and prayers and please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
Sandra Moody
January 4, 2014
Sorry for this loss. He was my doctor for several years as is his wife. What a great loss for all concerned. Please accept my sympathies.
Janet Bentley
January 4, 2014
So sad to hear about Dr. Hoelzer ! He was my Dr. the last 4 years! He was a very kind man ! I was so blessed to have him for my Dr. He always had a smile and had a gentle spirit about him. He will truly be missed ! My prayers go out to all of his family !
Joyce Dufelmeier
January 4, 2014
Dear Dr. Karen & family, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved. He was my doctor for 26 years! He saved my life & I thank God for using him in the medical field! Dr. Karen, my doctor also, my thoughts & prayers are with you. God give you peace & comfort. In Christian love, Joyce Dufelmeier, Chapin, IL
Diana Chesley
January 4, 2014
Doctor Karen,I am thinking of you with all my heart.So sorry for you loss.
Chuck Frost
January 4, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Dr. Hoelzer from the Boy Scout Board of directors. He was a great man with a huge heart. I am glad to get to know him, even for a short amount of time.
Valencia Smith
January 3, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer has been my dr for 17 yrs and to this day remains my favorite. I knew that no matter what I would gt a smile frm him even thru that mustache, just w saying 'hey doc!' I am truly saddened w his passing. My Prayers and deepest Condolences goes out to his entire family, friends and other patients that he has touched. A Great Man who is deeply missed.
Jane Cress Tuchmann
January 3, 2014
He was an incredible man and Dr he was my mother Alana Cress from Nokomis for years and took such good care of her plus our family my thoughts and prayers to all family at this time of loss Gods blessings
Jennifer Sexton
January 3, 2014
So sorry to hear of Dr. Hoelzer's passing. He was my son's doctor and had been for 9 years. Such a kind and gentle man. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.
January 3, 2014
So sorry for your loss.Dr.Hoelzer was a wonderful doctor.
Leigh Winner
January 3, 2014
So sorry Dr. Hoelzer for the loss of your loving husband. My prayers are with you during this sad time.
Colette Ewert
January 3, 2014
Dr.Karen,
John and I are so sorry for your loss.
Mike Bamman
January 3, 2014
Dr Karen Hoelzer: Dr. David Hoelzer was my endocrinologist for the entire time he was with Springfield Clinic he was a great doctor and always had a smile and was so encouraging and helpful. He saved my life more than once and I will miss him and his care. My wife and I are praying for you and your family.
Mary Welters
January 3, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss; Dr. Hoelzer was my endocrinologist. He was a very kind and caring Dr., and I will miss seeing him. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan Tavine
January 3, 2014
Goodbye my friend, I'll miss your care.
Dan Tavine
January 3, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer was my endocronologist for at least the last 25 years. Every appointment started with the greeting, "Hello my friend". I called him Doc, and I truly believe that I would have died without his care long before now. Doc knew when I was blowing the smoke and saw through it to motivate me to improve my habits. I now, will miss his help, I will continue to hear his suggestions even though he's not here. I will miss Doc Hoelzer.
January 3, 2014
Dr Karen Hoelzer
I wish sympathy in the passing of your husband. My the remembers fo the special life you and he had live foever in your heart.
God Bless
Barbara Fair & Family
January 3, 2014
DR.Karen, So sorry for your loss. You were my oncologist and I served you and Dr many meals at Illini C.C. You will have many wonderful memories of your life together to think about. Rita Mathy
Pat Kruger
January 3, 2014
Dr. Hoezler was a great doctor and a wonderful person. He had a great sense of humor. He will be missed by all of his colleagues and the staff at Springfield Clinic.
Tony, Tina, & Andrea Ambrose
January 3, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer was our daughter's endocrinologist since she was 5 and had been for the past 8 years. He was always kind, compassionate, and professional during her visits. He provided a great balance by explaining things to our daughter as his patient and to us as her parents. We looked forward to seeing him each time and he will be sadly missed. We want to express our deepest sympathies to his loved ones as they will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca Brooks
January 3, 2014
Hold onto your memories and let them guide you during this time of sadness. Take comfort in knowing that you have a guardian angel watching over you.
Sheri Ericson
January 3, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer was my endocronologist for many years. I have met few doctors who were as compassionate and caring as he was. I looked forward to seeing him each year. He was easy to talk to and just a great person. You have my deepest sympathies.
dolores jeralds
January 3, 2014
So sorry to your wife and family for their loss. In a short 6 months thatI haveve been going to him he has my Diabetes almost normal. He will be greatly missed by all. wonderful doctor and so caring.
January 3, 2014
To the Hoelzer Family so sorry for your loss.
Renee Cerutti
Sherri Butcher
January 2, 2014
I was a patient of Dr. Hoelzer. He truly was a caring doctor. You will be sadly missed. Prayers for the family.
Darrel & Patty Bumgardner
January 2, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the family. He will be greatly missed by many.
MaryEllen McNiece
January 2, 2014
Dr Hoelzer took care of my daughter who has Down Syndrome for 19 years. As she grew into a young adult, I appreciated so much how he treated her with so much respect and kindness. He would always talk to her and explain everything to her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Janet Shelts
January 2, 2014
As one of his patients, I shall really miss his compassion and kind words of encouragement. He listened to what you had to say and then offered his advice. He truly was a wonderful doctor. I for one will miss his kind ways. My sympathies to his wife and families.
Karen Leinum
January 2, 2014
Dr. Karen you and your family are in my prayers.
Jennifer Miller
January 2, 2014
I am so sad and at a loss for words. Dr Hoelzer was such a wonderful, caring, skilled Dr, who helped so many people thru the years. My deepest synmpathies to his family, friends, colleagues, and pts. He will never ever be forgotten, his memory will carry on thru all of the lives he has touched. My prayers are with you all.
Becca Baker
January 2, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Hoelzer's passing. He had been my endo doctor since July 2011 and I owe him my life. My prayers are with the family.
bill twedell
January 2, 2014
Karen -john-bill & Katie
My sincere condolences. I've heard nothing but good in all the years I've known you - I'm still teaching piano every day. I'm sure you remember the torture. David was a student also. You are a wonderful family. My thoughts are with you
January 2, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to family and friends, Memorial Home Services
Ann & Anthony Mares
January 2, 2014
We are in shock and disbelief over the passing of such a wonderful man and dedicated doctor. Our daughter was diagnosed with Diabetes over ten years ago. He was her doctor since day one. No words can express our gratitude. Our daughter once wrote a paper in grade school calling Dr. Hoelzer her hero. He will forever be our hero, and we will never forget his dedication to our family. We are so very sorry for your loss. We will never forget him, and will be eternaly greatful to him.
January 2, 2014
To the family of Dr. David Hoelzer: Please accept my heartfelt condolences during your time of sorrow. Dr. Hoelzer was my endo for many years and never before had I had such great and thorough care.He highly knowledgeable and so caring and compassionate. The Springfield Clinic has certainly lost ONE FINE DOCTOR! No doubt he was a blessing to all his patients and probably everyone that knew him. May God Bless All of You and give you Peace knowing where he now is.
Joyce Mitchell
Jacksonville
January 2, 2014
Dr. David Hoelzer was my first husband's Doctor. He was a wonderful physician and a caring person. I will always be thankful the care he gave him. I am now remarried to Gary Ahrens. His first wife was under Karen's care. He and his family have nothing but praises for Karen.
What a service you and David have served for the medical field, to the patients and the families. Thanks for everything.
May God's blessings be with you and your family. Our prayers are with your entire family.
With sympathy,
Gary Ahrens (Darleen)
Ellen Bliss Ahrens (Carl)
January 2, 2014
Dr. Karen, I was your patient while in Illinois from 2009-2011, Your competence, caring and friendship are fondly remembered and appreciated. My sympathy and prayers are with you, Nancy Prentice, Lake Forest, California
brenda young
January 2, 2014
I'M SORRY FOR YOUR LOST.HE WAS MY MOTHERS DOCTOR FOR MANY YEARS .SHE JUST LOVED HIM.OUR FAMILY SEDND YOU OUR PRAYERS AT THIS TIME.BERTHA BALE'S FAMILY
January 2, 2014
Dr. Karen Hoelzer and family, you have my prayers and sympathy. Patty Whitehurst
Johnson Family
January 2, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Pat & Joe Pope
January 2, 2014
Both Dr. Hoelzers mean the world to us. Dr. Karen saw us through the ordeal with our son almost 24 yrs ago. Dr. David is our son's Dr. Since his 2nd bout. Our hearts ache for your family but what a well- lived and meaningful life! May comforting memories be with you all.
Susan Aherin
January 2, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer has been my doctor for several years. He was a wonderful doctor and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike & Sue Franz
January 2, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. May God comfort your family during this difficult time.
Karen Williams
January 2, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer was truly a kind and gentle soul. He will be missed.
Shelley Lovell
January 2, 2014
Karen, I am deeply saddened for you and shocked by your loss. I offer you my prayers for the Lord to send His Holy Spirit to comfort you. When I think of you and David, I will remember the two of you being great partners as you raised an amazing family and great partners as you cared for your patients and for your community. You as a couple truly enjoyed life! Though no one could comprehend your loss, it is felt by hundreds. Bless you, Karen, and prayers also for your kids. Love, Shelley Lovell
Gwenn Klingler
January 2, 2014
Karen, John, Bill and Katie,
Jerry and I were heartbroken when we learned of David's sudden death. We have known your family as being so close and loving. We know that you will deeply miss his presence.
Our prayers are with you.
Gwenn and Jerry Klingler
Christina Farrow
January 2, 2014
My son had been a patient of Dr Hoelzer since he was 2 1/2 yrs old. We saw him every 3 months for 11 years. Although we moved away in recent years, we have not been able to find another doctor with the same compassion and wit as Dr Hoelzer. Little did we know that Dr Hoelzer had become more than just a doctor to our family and therefore unreplaceable. Our deepest condolences to the Hoelzer family
January 2, 2014
Deepest sympathies to you and your family Karen.
Mary and Jesse Craig
Norma Millman
January 1, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I have doctored with Dr. Hoelzer for 21 of my 42 years, he was such a great doctor. He will be greatly missed!
Brenda Patton
January 1, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Keith & Jo Allen
January 1, 2014
The Allen Family extends our deepest sympathy for the loss of Dr. Hoelzer may he R.I.P. May God give his family peace and understanding in this difficult time.
Nancy Haas, CRNA
January 1, 2014
Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us; I was a patient for many years; I am a health professional as well, and I was always impressed with Dr. Hoelzer's concern and compassion, his well-researched knowledge base, and his personal care. He has reached out to so many in the community that I know he has a special place in Heaven. Prayers are with you.
Tracey Dobson
January 1, 2014
I would like to offer my condolences and prayers to your family at this time.
Frances Cobern
January 1, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer,
We are so sorry to hear of your husband's death. Please know that are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Francy and Ken Cobern
Liz Dickman
January 1, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer was my endo for the last two years. He was always nice to me and was always concerned about my well-being. I had an appointment scheduled with him for this Friday and was shocked to hear that he passed. He will be missed.
Patricia Pickett
January 1, 2014
Sorry for your families loss. Dr. Hoelzer helped so many people. I always knew I would get what I needed for his patients when I called him... He was very much respected.
Brad,Mary & Katie Bowles
January 1, 2014
Our sympathy goes out to the family. He will be greatly missed by his patients.
Bob Dambacher
January 1, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Dr Hoelzer was my Dr since 1995. What a great guy. Super Dr. I will miss him.
Kathy Hamilton
January 1, 2014
Wonderful man and doctor. Will be missed by many patients and colleagues. Prayers to his family
CAROL CODRON HAMM
January 1, 2014
DR,KAREN HOELZER AND FAMILY
MY DEEPEST AND HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND AND YOUR DAD.I JUST MET HIM IN NOVEMBER AT THE CLINIC SUCH A NICE MAN.I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS NOW AND IN THE MONTHS AHEAD. CAROL HAMM AND FAMILY
Vicki Mcnamara Warrick
January 1, 2014
This was a doctor I was always delighted to see in ICU! He was a wonderful physician and a gentle man. I extend my condolences to his family and patients. He will be sorely missed.
Deborah Hahn
January 1, 2014
To the family of Dr. Hoelzer. You already know he was an amazing man but he was a lot more to those of us who were lucky enough for him to be our doctor. My deepest sympathy for your loss and the entire Springfield Clinic community.
Lynn Riddley
January 1, 2014
Dr. David Hoelzer was a great man and doctor. My sympathies to his family.
Rosalind Evans
January 1, 2014
This outstanding physician will truly be missed. He was such a inspiration to my family. My prayers and compassion go to the family. My you find comfort knowing God makes no mistakes and He desires the best!
Dylan Rosentreter
January 1, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer was an amazing doctor. My family will truly miss him.
Carol & Ed Williams
January 1, 2014
Dr. Karen and Family. So sorry for your loss
Debbie (Cimarossa) & Brian Thompson
January 1, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hoelzer family at this time of sadness and great loss. Dr. Hoelzer's great work as a respected and talented physician and his community service to the Boy Scouts and constant interest in Washington Park area will be sadly missed.
Larry and Gwen Lancaster
January 1, 2014
Dr Karen and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Larry and Dr. Hoelzer were really good buddies!He was an awesome doctor... So sorry for your loss..
Patricia Empie
January 1, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer was a wonderful physician who mentored our son through his diagnosis and management of Type I diabetes, with comradarie, compassion and down to earth medical advice. We will miss him. Thank you Dr. Hoelzer and our prayers are with you and your family. Mark, Pat & Chris Empie
Margaret Robb
January 1, 2014
Dr Karen & Family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family
Peg Overmeyer
January 1, 2014
Dr. Karen and Family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Hoelzer will be greatly missed by many. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Sheila Bagg
January 1, 2014
Dr. Karen and family,
My deepest sympathies on your loss. Dr. Hoelzer was one of the kindest doctors I had the pleasure of speaking to when I was at the SC switchboard. Please know you are all in my family's prayers.
January 1, 2014
a wonderful M.D. and certainly will be missed! A former patient. A.P.
Mark McCann
January 1, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Karen, the family and the entire Springfield Clinic family. What a tragic loss for all who knew, loved and depended on him.
Susan Boblitt
January 1, 2014
Dr Hoelzer took care of my daughter from the time she was a little girl, and through her pregnancies, and until she moved from the state. I always felt that she was in the best hands possible, and trusted him with the life of my precious child. God Bless You, Doctor. You will be missed
Paul & Barbara Latimore
January 1, 2014
Dr Hoelzer was my husband's doctor for 20 years. He always took the time to listen and respond to our concerns. We will miss him very much. Paul & Barbara Latimore
Brenda Konneker
January 1, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer was my Dr. for a short time. He had a wonderful bedside manner which is a gift. My thoughts and Prayers are with his Family at this time. He will be greatly missed by many. God Bless You All.
January 1, 2014
I can't begin to name all the good things about Dr Hoelzer. He was my husbands doc since he started at the Clinic. He was compassionate and caring. He will be greatly missed. He was a true friend to both of us.
January 1, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I enjoyed working with him, and he will be missed greatly
Karen Willer
Carla Daniels
January 1, 2014
Karen, My heart aches for you and the kids. I have many fond memories of David that will be cherished forever. His compassion for all creatures has left a lasting impression on many. I hope that knowing how many lives he touched and how well respected he was as a physician and person give you some measure of comfort. Much love and many prayers for you, John, Jeanette, Bill, Emily, Katie, Michael and Oliver.
A Everett
January 1, 2014
Dr. Hoelzer was a true scientist in his approach to healthcare. He was an expert with compassion. My deepest sympathy to the family and staff at Springfield Clinic.
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