Obituaries

February 22, 1929 to February 5, 2025

GOSHEN - Jean Marie Hollenberg, 95, formerly of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Jean Hollenberg

She was born Feb. 22, 1929 in Kankakee, IL to Paul and Effie Harrison. She grew up in Lucerne, IN 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 at Indiana University Nursing School. They married Feb. 4, 1951. Dr. Hollenberg preceded her in death in October 2020.

After two years of alternative service in Crossville, TN, they settled in Winamac where they raised their family: Steve (Kathy Barr), Sherri (Galen) Plank, Lori (Phil) Bontrager, Jenny (David) Almdale, Sandy (Tim) Morgan, and Holly (Chris – deceased) Liechty; plus exchange students Christian (Karin Schreiber) Willnow and Deepika Tillekeratne.

The Hollenbergs moved to Peoria, IL 1987-1994, after which they were happy to return to Winamac. Mrs. Hollenberg 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. The Hollenbergs 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. 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 at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 12 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.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Yoder Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.