Jean M. Hollenberg
Jean Marie Hollenberg was born Feb. 22, 1929 in Kankakee, Illinois to Paul and Effie Harrison. She grew up in Lucerne, with her identical twin Shirley Ann and sisters Marilyn Sue and Thelma Lu. Her sisters and parents preceded her in death. She met Edward Lowell Hollenberg when she was in Indiana University Nursing School. They married Feb. 4, 1951.
After two years of alternative service in Crossville, Tennessee, they settled in Winamac where they raised their family: Steve [Kathy Barr], Sherri [Galen] Plank, Lori [Phil] Bontrager, Jenny [David] Almdale, Sandy [Tim] Morgan, Holly [Chris – deceased] Liechty, exchange students Christian [Karin Schreiber] Willnow, Deepika Tillekeratne. Ed and Jean had moved to Peoria, Illinois 1987-1994, after which they were happy to return home.
Jean celebrated even smallest moments of life. She enjoyed camping, reading, traveling, planning a party and sports. She devotedly supported Ed’s Family Medical Practice. She was active in church, giving leadership to children’s choir, various programs, and hospitality. Her support was palpable – and she greeted all she met with her effervescent smile and hugs.
Jean and Ed created a welcoming sanctuary at their Walnut Hills Farm which they offered to so many people. They cherished their 23 grandchildren and partners and 21 great grands, all who are proud to carry their grandparents’ legacy forward: (Steve) Scott, Julia, Stephanie; (Sherri) Laura, Brian, Meleah; (Lori) Andrea, Rachel, David, Darin; (Jenny) Annalise, Kali, Kristofor; (Sandy) Emily, Elyse, Lucas; (Holly) Caleb, Joshua, Rebekah; (Christian) Sophie, Leoni; (Dee) Arjuna, Rehan.
Ed preceded her in death in Oct 2020. We give her back to our Creator with gratitude for her life and generous love.
A memorial service for Ed and Jean will be held April 12 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Winamac.
Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Deputy Director for Stewardship, IN State Parks, 402 W Washington St Room W298, Indianapolis, IN 46204 ATTN: Pokagon State Park Ed/Jean Hollenberg Memorial Fund or to Winamac First UMC, 201 E Spring St. P.O.Box 343, Winamac, IN 46996 in their honor.
(Pulaski County Journal — Feb. 19, 2025)