Holyoke Enterprise, Holyoke, Colorado, December 23, 2010

Earl E. Hielscher was born February 24, 1931 in Iliff to Richard E. and Wilma A. (Rose) Hielscher. He died at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke December 13, 2010 at the age of 79.

Earl graduated from Iliff High School and then attended Northeastern Junior College. On August 28, 1954 he married Shirley D. (Gill) Hielscher in Westminster, and to this union six children were born: Richard, Dennis, Cynthia, Jimmy, Gordon and Victoria.

Earl farmed from 1953 until 1976 in the Iliff area, then moved to Holyoke in 1977 and farmed south of Holyoke until 1998. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a gunnery sergeant.

Even though farming and cattle were the love of his life, he loved time spent with his family - “especially” all of the grandchildren. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Wilma; brothers Clayton and Richard Gordon “Dickie”; and grandson Brett A. Hielscher.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; son Richard and wife Gail, and grandchildren Scott Hielscher and Randi Dyer and husband Clint; son Dennis and wife Deb and grandchildren Brian, Becky, Cheyenne, Katie, Logan, Jerrid, Sacara and Terucal; daughter Cindy Hielscher; son Jim and wife Kim, and grandchildren Sheila Packer and husband Chuck and their children Kade and Avyn, Weston Hielscher and wife Nikki and Holli Hielscher and fiancé Nate; son Gordon and wife Misty and grandsons Remington, Dylan and Cooper; daughter Victoria Sullivan and husband John; sister Glorine LeBlanc; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The graveside service was held December 17 at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling with Pastor Gordon Penfold officiating.

Baucke Funeral Home of Holyoke directed the services.