Donald Orville Hoellrich

Donald Orville Hoellrich, 87, of Rockbridge, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Pickering House in Lancaster. Donald was born on July 10, 1937, on the family farm, the son of the late Orville and Edith (LaGorin) Hoellrich. He was married in 1964 to Judith (Geithman) Hoellrich, who survives.

Donald graduated from high school in 1955. He attended Bowling Green State University from 1955-1956, then transferred to the University of Toledo and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1961. He earned his Master of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1965. Donald joined the General Motors Corp. Toledo plant in 1961 and retired in 1991 after various promotions over the years, resulting in a position of manufacturing production manager. He also spent two years in Detroit, Michigan with General Motors manufacturing research and development, from 1965-1967.

Donald spent several years coaching his sons in T-ball, baseball, and soccer. He enjoyed golf until his glaucoma caused loss of his upper vision. Donald was very active as a founding member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Sylvania, Ohio. After 15 years with that parish, he and Judy transferred membership to Olivet Lutheran Church where Donald spent many years as a personnel director. He also spent several years as an evangelism chairperson.

In 1975, Donald and his family moved to the country just outside of Sylvania, where he helped to build their house and began development on a vastly abandoned apple orchard. They added new trees and developed a cider press, which was a very popular attraction. The business was called The Apple Place. Donald also developed a large garden which provided the family with fresh vegetables. Over the years, he enjoyed homemade wine from his grape vines, and drinking homemade craft beers that he worked on with both of his sons.

After many success-filled years, Donald designed a new house for himself and Judy; a single level with no steps and full wheelchair access, designed for them to call home for many years to come, being within one mile of both sons and their families. Their new home caused a change in church membership, to the Presbyterian church. Donald blessed the church with a new kitchen, tearing out the old and building a new kitchen with a focus on new electrical power demands, ensuring that the church could continue to provide for its members for many years.

Donald is survived by his loving wife, Judy; their two sons, Kurt (Maggie Hobson) Hoellrich and Eric Hoellrich; and four granddaughters, Mikaela, Anna, Emma, and Caitlin.

Donald was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan (Seiling) Hoellrich, who he married in 1962; brother, John Hoellrich in 2017; and daughter-in-law, Kelley (Schaefer) Hoellrich in 2024.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2 West Hunter St, Logan, with Pastor Jeff Ott officiating. Friends may visit from 10 am to 11 am Friday at the church.

Donations can be made in memory of Donald to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the food pantry at the First Presbyterian Church.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com