Tributes

Deacon Wilbur Leon Hoelscher, age 86, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of faith and devotion. His life was marked by quiet humility, remarkable intelligence, and a deep appreciation for the blessings God gave him. Wilbur was born August 5, 1939 and raised in the small community of Poth, Texas. He developed a strong work ethic and a love for learning from an early age. Growing up on his family's farm, he spent his childhood on tractors, hunting, playing baseball, learning the clarinet and enjoying the simple pleasures of small-town life. These experiences shaped the values he carried throughout his life and passed on to his children and grandchildren. Wilbur's passion for mathematics and science led him to attend St. Mary's University, earning a Master’s Degree in Physics. While in college he worked at KENS. After college, he began a distinguished career as a civilian with the United States Air Force, serving alongside engineers and physicists on highly classified communications and intelligence projects. His work, while mostly confidential, helped advance the speed and reliability of transmitting critical information during the Vietnam War, the Space Race, and the early years of modern computing. One of the greatest blessings of Wilbur's life began at a dance where he met the love of his life, Ann Brignac. Their marriage became the foundation of a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. After much prayer and encouragement from Ann, he answered God's call to become a permanent Deacon, serving St. Matthew’s Parish and the Archidiochese of San Antonio faithfully for more than 40 years while continuing his career with the Air Force. Wilbur was very active in the Catholic Committee on Scouting and was a devoted Scout Leader with his sons in Troop 271. Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, Wilhelm and Eda (née Kruhl) Hoelscher, daughter Marie Hoelscher, and granddaughter Josephine Seebeck. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ann Hoelscher; twin sister Leona Bludeau, five children: Amy Seebeck (Peter), Mark Hoelscher (Kimberly), William Hoelscher (Jennifer), Claire Gould (Brian), and Gretchen Salinas (Rudy); and 13 grandchildren Katherine (John) Seebeck, Margaret Seebeck, Elizabeth (Jack) Robinson, Madeline Seebeck, Veronika Hoelscher, Brett Hoelscher, Caroline Hoelscher, Molly Hoelscher, Zachary Gould, Laura Gould, Grace Durland, Julian Barrera, and KyAnn Salinas. Wilbur approached life with gratitude, often saying he had been "blessed with so much and with so many things." Even through personal loss and later health challenges, his faith never wavered. His wisdom, kindness, quiet strength, and steadfast belief in God left an enduring impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will live on through the family he cherished, the lives he touched in ministry, and the example he set of a life lived with purpose, humility, and grace. Funeral Arrangements for Deacon Wilbur Hoelscher St. Matthew Catholic Church 10703 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78230 A Rosary will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. and the Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow. A private burial for immediate family will be held at a later date. Flowers graciously provided by Alamo Plants and Petals.

Tributes

Deacon Wilbur Leon Hoelscher

August 5, 1939 - July 18, 2026