Patricia Seims Hollenbeck, 91 of Waupaca, entered into eternal life on December 29, 2022.
Pat was born in Milwaukee on August 7, 1931 and spent her childhood there. She attended Marquette University for a year and then transferred to Mission House College (now Lakeland University) and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She met her future husband, Warren Hollenbeck at Mission House and they married in 1954. Pat worked as a High School English teacher for two years and then left to start a family. While the children were young, Pat became an active Den Mother. When her 3 children were older, she began work as a Public Librarian in New Holstein, WI. She quickly rose to Director of the Library and continued in that position until Warren’s new job took him to Manawa in 1979. Pat and Warren moved to Waupaca and Pat began working at the Waupaca Public Library. She wrote a column for the newspaper highlighting Library News and founded a Book Club. She continued to be active in various Book Clubs throughout her life. Her love of reading and learning was central to her life.
Pat’s involvement in the community was significant. She served on the Bethany Board, the Winchester Academy Board, and volunteered as a Red Cross volunteer and coordinator. Pat also trained and became a Stephen’s Lay Minister during her years with the United Methodist Church in Waupaca. She was also a dedicated reader for the blind. In later years, Pat became a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and actively participated in all facets of church worship and service.
Pat was predeceased by her parents, John and Florence Seims, her infant sister, Beverly, her infant daughter, Kim, and her husband, Warren Hollenbeck. Pat is survived by her three children, Rev. Scott (Dawn) Hollenbeck of Meeker, CO. Heidi (Joe) Buzzanga of Holmdel, NJ, and Todd (Jennifer) Hollenbeck of Neenah, WI. Grandchildren include: Kara Hollenbeck, Brett Buzzanga, Allison (Kieran) Buzzanga Toner, Jordan Hollenbeck (Ben Abendroth), Christopher (Elizabeth) Holdren and Lydia Armbruster (Justin Seehawer); and great-grandchildren: Aliyah & Atlas Seehawer,and Margaret & Alexander Holdren, as well as many extended family and friends.
Pat will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mentor, and friend. Her caring, generous spirit will be cherished by all who she befriended and loved including cats and cranes. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.