A Soldier Comes Home: Remembering Ernie Hoelscher

Ernie Hoelscher restored a Civil War freight wagon. Taking it from a pile of rubble to a sturdy wagon, it was rebuilt to the exact original specifications. On Monday, October 19, Ernie was driven to his final resting place at Minot’s Rosehill Cemetery in his wagon pulled by Phil Newman and his team of Belgian draft horses.

JoAnne Rademacher, Northern Sentry Contributor

“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling…
You who are weary come home…”

Ernie Hoelsher came home to North Dakota in 1954 after serving 13 months in the Army fighting for freedom on the Korean Peninsula. On Thursday, October 8, 2026, weary in body and mind of the war that never let go, Ernie left the bonds of earth to spend eternity in the glory and peace of his heavenly home.

Despite the war that haunted his nights, Ernie found a way to let joy and happiness into his life with his wife, Shirley, and the three sons and daughter they raised. His family has grown to include grandchildren, including two great-great grandchildren.

Ernie was a man of faith and integrity. He was a patriot, never wavering in his loyalty to God, family, and country. He enjoyed his many blessings, endured his sorrows, and expressed gratitude for everything and everybody that sparked joy in his days. Many are the family and friends who will miss this treasure of a man.
To read more about Ernie Hoelscher and how this seemingly ordinary man was truly extraordinary, look for him in the November 6th edition of the Northern Sentry Veterans focused insert.
Rest in peace, dear friend.

Graveside services for Ernie Holster at Rosehill Cemetery.

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