Steven F. Hoelscher

Steven F. Hoelscher, age 68, of Kansas City, MO passed away at his home Wednesday, May 22, 2024. He was born on December 16,1955 in Taipei, Taiwan to William Leo and Jeanne Lorraine (Portteus) Hoelscher. Steve’s father worked for the CIA and his assignments took the family on a fascinating journey from 1951 through 1969 throughout SE Asia and Africa, including Taipei, Bangkok, Sudan, Tokyo and Hong Kong. From the day that Steve was born, his life was filled with worldly travel, excitement, adventure and experiences beyond what most people could only dream about. For example, when in Japan, he summited Mt. Fuji twice while waiting for the family to catch up. When they finally found him on the top of the mountain, he said, “Where have you been? I have been up here twice looking for you”. While living in Sudan, the Hoelscher family visited Egypt, Lebanon and the Holy Land. This trip, most likely, influenced his decision to make trips to Israel later in his life. While living in Hong Kong, Steve was highly influenced by his brother Dennis’ incredible naturally gifted guitar playing talent. That planted the seed for Steve to follow in his brother's footsteps. While living overseas, no matter where the family was stationed, Steve excelled at every sport he ever participated in which included, football, swimming, basketball, and track and field. Truly a natural athlete. When Bill’s overseas assignments were done, the family settled in Vienna, Virginia in 1969. Steve attended James Madison High School. During this time he joined the concert choir and then was selected to be a member of the Madison Madrigals, conducted by grammy award winning maestro Robert Shafer. The Madrigals sang at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. They performed at the White House for President Nixon and sang at Carnegie Hall in New York City. During his time in Vienna, Virginia he solidly put down his musical roots and continued his passion for his family’s love of music. Steve had a lot of “like minded friends” that loved to jam and sing every weekend and soon he was playing at coffee houses, singing harmonies with his sister Susie and other friends just for fun. The Hoelscher household was a local center for jam sessions attended by many passionate young musicians. Steve was a driving force behind these musical gatherings. Also, It was during this time that Steve was introduced to “yard work” by his Mom, Jeanne, which actually led to his love of gardening. Steve was always enamored with the beauty of nature in its purest form. After high school Steve joined the Merchant Marines and traveled all over the world. Upon his return he went to Forestry school in Ohio, however, he ultimately ventured on to other interests. Steve then returned to Virginia where he met and married Patricia (Pat) Nelson. Steve and Pat had a son, Jason, who was born with cystic fibrosis. Shortly after Jason was born, the couple planned to move to Seattle. However, due to Jason’s medical needs it was decided that Jason needed to stay in Virginia to be close to his medical team, resulting in the couple divorcing. In 1985, Steve met Renee Olson while playing pool at a local camping club in Issaquah, Washington. The couple married in 1987 and had two children, Camlyn and Zechariah, while living on Whidbey Island. The couple decided to move to Kansas City, MO in 1997 for Steve to pursue ministry full time. The couple divorced in 2001 and he continued his pursuit of ministry with IHOPKC. Steve met Nancy Goede, in 2005, at St. Luke’s Medical Building where she frequently took her father to doctors appointments. They formed an instant friendship and they grew into a deep bond. They married on June 10th, 2006 in their beautiful backyard garden. Steve and Nancy traveled to many locations including Mexico, Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and loved to go to Branson, Missouri. Steve was a highly creative and fabulous landscaper. Steve turned every yard that he ever owned into a backyard oasis. Always having a fabulous firepit with cords of wood at his disposal. He always opened his backyard to his friends, his children’s friends while they were young, teenagers and beyond. A respite to sing, play guitar and talk. Always, helping others in need if he could. Steve never met a stranger and his door was always open. A gift he was taught by his parents and instilled in the bible……as it is ‘ALL about love’. Nancy, bless her heart, was always welcoming of other people coming around too, as she is a Christian and giver also. Steve had a huge extended family in the Pacific Northwest. As a child; whenever the family returned from being overseas, a family reunion was held at his grandmother's (Bomo) home. Out would come all the instruments. Some of the relatives had instruments too. Bill with his violin (or fiddle), Steve,along with his brothers Dennis and Buck ; sister Susie added vocals along with vocals from other relatives, too. No family gathering was complete without a musical performance by the Hoelscher Family Band. Steve’s gift of music came from his father Bill. Bill's natural aptitude and love of music that instilled a deep rooted, everlasting love for music in Steve and all of his siblings. Steve was a man of faith. He was a very strong Christian and the family is truly comforted that he's at peace with the Lord. He actively practiced the teachings of Jesus in regards to unconditional love and sacrifice. He would give the shirt off of his back to a stranger, even if he was in need, at times, himself. He was a kind man with a warm heart and a beautiful smile and will be sorely missed from the depths of our souls. Until we meet again, we love you, Steve. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his son Jason, and brother William Leo “Buck” Hoelscher. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy Hoelscher of Kansas City, Missouri, his children, Camlyn Hoelscher and grandchildren; Zechariah “Zec” (Makayla) Hoelscher of Junction City, Kansas, and their child Kodi; Brother, Dennis (Sandra) Hoelscher of West Seattle, WA; and sister Susie (Dave) Hoelscher-Cottler of Sammamish, WA and their children, Christopher “Chris” (Stephanie ) Cottler, Kaitlyn (Jon) Bate of Kirkland, Washington. And Nancy’s children, Mark Goede of Kansas City, MO and Laura (Andrew) Good of Winnetka, Illinois and their daughter Greta Good. He will also be missed by many, many friends, too numerous to count. There will be a Celebration of Life for Steve on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 4 pm at the Hoelscher home,112 W 119th St. Kansas City, MO 64145. Additionally, there will be a Celebration of Life for Steve in Sammamish, WA. In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help Nancy. Please visit GoFundMe.com and search for Steven Hoelscher.

Steven F. Hoelscher

December 16, 1955 - May 22, 2024