Robert "Bob" Hollenbeck

Robert "Bob" Edward Hollenbeck, of Seneca, IL, passed away Friday, November 24, 2023 at Pleasant View Lutheran Home at the age of 104.

Bob was born October 1, 1919, in Norman Township, IL, to James Edward and Ida Winifred (Hanley) Hollenbeck. He married Evelyn Rosendahl  on April 26, 1941 in Kinsman, IL. She passed away on February 27, 1996.

Bob was an extremely skilled finish carpenter and a member of the Carpenters Union for 70 years. He built trophy cases at Seneca High School and the altar at St. Mary of the Fields Church in Grand Ridge. He always wanted to teach his skills to the next generation and taught in the Carpenter Apprentice  program at the Grundy Area Vocational Center in Morris for many years. At age 96, he was very proud to receive an honorary Seneca High School diploma. He was also an avid farmer and farmed 80 acres and raised sheep. He loved music and was a very skilled banjo and guitar player. He organized and led his own group, the Rhythmaires for many years. He enjoyed taking trips with family and thru the Mazon Bank. He enjoyed  family trips to Branson to hear music. He liked to go to restaurants, especially R Place in Morris and get coffee with the guys everyday. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church and was an Usher for over 60 years.

He is survived by his daughters, Elaine (Deb Schmitt) Hollenbeck Wheeler of Madison, WI and Patricia (Art) Meierdirk of St. Charles, IL; his grandchildren, Jenifer and Jessica Wheeler and Tim and Amanda Meierdirk; his great grandchildren, Amelia, Kayleb, and Cody Meierdirk; and his special nephew, James (Sheila) Hollenbeck.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Evelyn, and his siblings, Fayette Hollenbeck and Julia Phipps.

Visitation will be Monday, November 27, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Osborne-Nelson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 28 at St. Patrick's Church in Seneca, with Fr. Bowan Schmitt officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick's Church in Seneca.