Gertrude Ann Hollenbeck

Lester, IA      Gertrude Hollenbeck age 85 of Lester, IA died Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne, MN      A memorial mass will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 28th at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, IA, with Father Francis Makwinja as Celebrant.      The Hollenbeck family will receive family and friends on Friday, July 27th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood.  Also, there will be a 7:00 PM Vigil service at the church Friday evening.      Gertrude Ann Hollenbeck was born November 2, 1932 near Larchwood, Iowa, the daughter of Louis and Mary (Roemen) Sehr.  She was raised on family farm and attended St. Mary’s School, graduating in 1950.  After her education she worked in Sioux Falls, SD as a sale person for various retailers.      On February 12, 1953 she was united in marriage to Leslie G. “Hap” Hollenbeck.  Together the couple lived in various place in N.W. Iowa.  During this time Gertrude stayed home and raised her children.      In 1967 Hap and Gertrude moved back to Lester, IA.  While raising her own children Gertrude provided child care for Lester families.      She was a lifelong member of The Church of St. Mary and served as a volunteer at CCHS in Sioux Falls, SD for several years.  She enjoyed reading, painting and preparing meals for her family.       On September 16, 2007 Gertrude’s husband of 54 years, Hap died.  She remained living at home in Lester until June 25, 2018 when she entered Luverne Sanford Hospice Cottage.      She is survived by three sons, Daryl (and Sheila) Hollenbeck of Larchwood, IA; Guy (and Barb) Hollenbeck of Alvord, IA and Lyle Hollenbeck of Canistota, SD; one daughter, Toni Van Veldhuizen of Topeka, KS;  23 grandchildren; 47 Great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Robert (Barb) Sehr of Larchwood, IA and Clarence (Nancy) Sehr of Phoenix, AZ; 1 sister, Peggy (Jim) Raley of Brandon, SD; sister-in-law, Evelyn Sehr of Sioux Falls, SD; and other extended family members.      She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Mary Sehr; her husband, Leslie “Hap” Hollenbeck; 2 brothers, John and Paul Sehr; and a brother-in-law, sister-in-law, Pete and Marge Hollenbeck.