Obituary of Jack Duane Hollenbeck

Jack Duane Hollenbeck passed away at his home in Canby, Oregon on Nov. 25th, 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was born in Nevada, Iowa on June 28, 1936, the youngest of three children born to Cleo and Leota Hollenbeck. When Jack was two years of age, the family moved to Southern Calfornia, where Jack grew up, attending schools in Pasadena, Calif. Jack graduated from John Muir High School in 1954 and then attended Pasadena City College. On December 2, 1959, Jack was inducted into the U.S. Army and went to Fort Ord, Calif. for Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training. Having completed his training, Jack was sent to serve in the 25th Division at Hawaii in 1960. Hawii turned out to be a wonderful opportunity for Jack to continue playing baseball all while serving in the office of the Sergeant Major as clerk and Courts and Boards Clerk.

Prior to being shipped to Hawaii, jack proposed to his sweetheart Helen Stoner. They married on December 28 of 1960 at First Lutheran Church of Pasadena. Jack then returned with his bride to Hawaii. The couple lived in Wauikiki, with Jack commuting to Schofield Barracks each day. He was honorably discharged in February of 1962, returning to his job at Bertea Corporation in Pasadena.

Jack and Helen had three children: Jeffrey, Wendy, and Amy. They were blessed to be married for 60 years and 11 months, just missing their 61st anniversary. During their marriage, Jack continued to play semi-pro baseball, umpired with his brother bob, coached Little League baseball, high school girls softball, and a city league men's baseball team. Jack also served as an assistant coach and hitting coach for Concordia Univerity, Portland baseball team with his friend Dwaine Brandt.

The Hollenbeck family moved from Missio Viejo, Calif. to Canby, Oregon in the spring of 1977. They became mini farmers on three acres just outside of Canby. Jack found employment at nearby Columbia Helicopters in Aurora, Oregon, where he worked for the next 20 years, retiring in 2009. In the meanwhile, the couple opened a sporting goods business in 1978. Hollenbeck's Canby Sports Center was an instant hit in the small town of Canby.  All three Hollenbecks children worked in the store where Helen was bookkeeper, buyer, and retail assistant.

Along with Helen, he was active in leadership in the Lutheran church at Abiding Savior in El Toro Calif. and Hope Lutheran in Woodburn, Oregon.

Jack is survived by his wife Helen, three children Jeffrey (Deanna), Wendy (Brian), and Amy (Andrew), six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. His parents and his brothers Bob and Erwin preceded Jack in death. He will be remembered for his faith, his wit, and love for others. If you every said "Hi Jack!".... He always responded with: "Dont say that on an airplane."

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts and donations may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Lutheran Hour Ministries. Jack was given the grace by God to live and give all who knew him a bright smile and heavenly spirit. Interment is at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. We now commend him to God's care and keeping.