Gerald "Holly" Hollenbeck marched into eternity on Sunday night, October 18th, after saying good bye to his children, grandchildren, and his wife, Geraldine. He had struggled with the effects of COPD and cancer for too long and was ready to go home. Holly was born in New Holstein on May 18th, 1935 to Kingsley and Lucille Lauson Hollenbeck. In 1961 he embarked on a new adventure by marrying Geraldine "GerilBecky"Becker at St. Peter and Paul in Kiel. He attended New Holstein Elementary and New Holstein High School. In 1958 he graduated from Lakeland College with a degree in music. In 1975 he graduated from Vandercook College of Music with a Master's Degree in music education. Gerald is survived by his wife Geri, his four children and their families: Jeff (Tina Koch) and their daughters Rachel and Abigail of Green Bay; Nancy Hollenbeck and her children Sinclair and Max of Maple Park, Illinois; Christopher (Kristy Rumpf) and their daughters Olivia and Annalise of New Berlin; and Eric (Patty McCown) and children Jordyn and Brayden of Williamsport, Ohio. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Helene) of Sheboygan Falls, four sisters-in-law one brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Holly felt he had been blessed by working in several interesting occupations. From eighth grade through college he spent summers at Camp Brosius on Elkhart Lake, moving from lowly pot scrubber to assistant manager; water skiing every afternoon more than made up for any drudge work. Through these years he juggled work and school with service in the Naval Reserve. After college he taught music in Mishicot High School. After two years in Mishicot, he became Lieutenant Hollenbeck at St. John's Military Academy in Delafield. But eight years of martial music, reveille and a military lifestyle made public school teaching look quite attractive. In 1967, he accepted a teaching contract from Ralph Dosch and Donald Fictum. Holly, his wife and two toddlers moved back home to New Holstein where he added two more boys to his family and taught general music and band until his retirement in 2002. Holly retired but still wasn't ready to separate from education. He volunteered at the Kay-Tee avian center and learned enough about tropical birds to guide children's and retirees' field trips. Other favorite memories include starting a Senior Girl Scout's drill team in New Holstein. This group of twelve dedicated, self-motivated girls went on to win awards for their precision routines. He was so proud of them. Holly remembered the Halloween Ghost Parade with his young but enthusiastic band of middle schoolers. Also, he was tagged to do a yearly reading of Poe's "Cask of Amontillado" which he did with creepy relish for the upper grades. For a while, he portrayed Johnny Appleseed and The Big Bad Wolf. He loved the kids' reaction and proved what his friends already knew - that he was basically quite a ham!. Holly directed the St. John DCC church choir, succeeding his own mentor, Edgar Thiessen. For more than a dozen years he was on the board of the Wisconsin Bandmaster's Association, a group dedicated to promoting music in the public school system. But the musical love of his life was undoubtedly his involvement with the Kiel Municipal Band. Area concert goers may remember Holly as being the "Voice of the Band' as he announced numbers at concerts. However, moreso, the public may remember him for being the drum major fronting the band in parades for area holidays and picnics. He loved lining up the band with his mace, and he relished stopping in front of the New Holstein firehouse to play for the senior citizens seated there. Holly was a KMB member for forty-five years playing in the percussion section and eventually succeeding another mentor, Fritz Muenster at the bass drummer, with that organization he also participated in the National Community Band, performing in Texas, Illinois, and Kentucky. He loved the summer concerts in the park and in the Kiel City Hall, and band trips to places like Germany, Tennessee, Illinois, Canada, Washington D.C. and others. Those who knew him best remember that Holly loved to joke and tell stories, especially if it involved an accent. He loved to talk Navy or tell of his memories growing up as a police chief's kid during the war. It took very little prodding to have him recite "Prinderella and the Since." His friends will also remember the reason for his signature farewell-- (imagine accent here -- "Farewell, and tank you for flying Luftanza!" Friends and family are invited to a visitation at St. John's UCC in New Holstein at 3:00 on Friday, October 23rd followed by a Memorial service at 5:00 with Reverend Jim Werner officiating. Sippel Funeral Home is assisting the family. A memorial fund will be established in Holly's name. More than a thousand thank yous to Sandy Blatz and the staff of Calumet County Hospice for their priceless assistance in this most difficult time you are all God's blessing. For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net