March 9, 2026 – West Bend, Wi – Darold M. Hoelz of West Bend died on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Kathy Hospice at the age of 99 years. He was born June 20, 1926 at home in Rockfield to the late Martin and Mae (nee Kurschner) Hoelz.
He attended the one room school house in Rockfield, and went on to graduate with the Class of 1944 from West Bend High School.
On November 29, 1947, he was united in marriage to Margaret Varnes at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Margaret predeceased April 27, 2011.
On June 6, 1944 (D-Day), he enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his service during World War II, he went on to serve with the Wisconsin Army National Guard with mobilization in the United States Army during the Berlin crisis. In the Guard and Army, he was an Aircraft Maintenance Officer and a rated Master Army Aviator. An award is given out annually in his name to an outstanding enlisted person in an Aviation Unit in the Wisconsin ARNG.
He was a member of the S/Sgt Henry F. Gumm Post #486 American Legion in Jackson and Our Savior’s United Church of Christ in Germantown.
Survivors include 2 daughters Marylu (Robert) Heldt and Barbara Haubrich; 5 grandchildren Ryan Heldt, Michael (Aleena) Heldt, Steven (Paige) Haubrich, Amy (Marc) Vandiepenbeeck and Lisa Haubrich; 8 great-grandchildren: Amelia and Madilyn Heldt, Hailey Remich (fiancé Jack), Brailynn Haubrich, Bradley Frank, Saylor Haubrich, Eleanor Vandiepenbeeck, Margot Vandiepenbeeck and Kaylani Haubrich; sister-in-law Valerie Hoelz; other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law Brad Haubrich and 1 brother Jerome.
A gathering for family and friends will be held on Sunday, March 22 from 1 until 2:45 p.m. at the Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend with a memorial service at 3 p.m. Military honors will follow, performed by the S/Sgt. Henry F. Gumm Post #486 American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Our Savior’s United Church of Christ or the charity of the donor’s choice appreciated.
