WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Jan Hollenbeck, age 70, of Vicksburg, died July 2, 2011, at his home.
Jan was born June 29, 1941, in Battle Creek, to Burdette and Thelma (Bridenstien) Hollenbeck. He graduated from Vicksburg Community Schools and Western Michigan University.
Jan was a schoolteacher for 27 years. He began his teaching career with Mendon Community Schools in 1965, where he remained until his retirement in 1992. Jan was a dedicated teacher and mentor who touched many lives throughout his career. He loved his school “family” and was a committed Mendon Hornets fan through and through.
Jan continued to stay busy after his retirement by working for the Greater Kalamazoo Auto Auction in Schoolcraft, where he made many loyal friends and connections.
Jan was a volunteer firefighter for the South County Fire Authority for several years. He was a faithful and devoted member and helped provide emergency medical services to the best of his ability. Jan also had a passion for classic cars and enjoyed displaying his cars in area shows. He loved riding his motorcycle with his friends and was a member of the Mall City Wings-Chapter D motorcycle club.
Jan is survived by his sister-in-law, Peggy Hollenbeck-Portenga (Richard) of Lawton; nieces Jodie Hollenbeck-Charles (Bradley) of Schoolcraft, Jill Hollenbeck-Cain of Hartford, Ind., and Jane Hollenbeck-Jones (Jeffrey) of Lawton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Burdette and Thelma Hollenbeck; and a brother, Gary Hollenbeck.
Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. today and 10-11 a.m. Saturday at Mendon High School, 148 Kirby Road, Mendon. Memorial services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the high school. His ashes will be interred later in North Fulton Cemetery.
It is suggested that memorials be directed to the either the South County Fire Authority or the Mendon Community Schools Foundation.
An online register is available and condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com.
