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.