Don William Hollembaek

Don William Hollembaek, “Don Bill”or “Red” 81 of Seaton, died Friday, October 26, 2007 at the Mercer County Hospital, Aledo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10:30 AM at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Aledo. Burial with Military Honors is in the Aledo Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday from 2 to 5 PM at Speer Funeral Home, with a rosary recited at 5 pm. Memorials may be left to the Seaton Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders or the Mercer County VFW. Don was born on January 25, 1926 in Keithsburg, Illinois to Chester & Ruth (Edgington) Hollembaek. He married Marilyn Douglas on December 28, 1949 in Aledo, Illinois. Don was a postal carrier for over 31 years, retiring in 1988. He also farmed near Little York where he enjoyed raising his cow and calf heard. Don was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. He was a US Navy Veteran, serving in both WW II and the Korean Conflict. Don’s memberships include: Mercer County VFW Post #1571, where he was past commander; AARP; Marion B. Fletcher American Legion Post, Monmouth ; National and State Rural Letter Carriers Association; the Mercer County Farm Bureau and a previous member of the Moline Elks Lodge, #556. Don was an usher for many years at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Aledo, where he gave gum to three generations of children. He was also known to leave bubble gum for the children on his mail route. Don is survived by his wife, Marilyn; a brother, Robert Hollembaek and his wife, Pat of Moline; brothers and sisters-in-law, Guy “Buzz” & Sandy Douglas of New Boston and Edwina & Bill Wright of Seaton and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Leo, Dick & Paul Hollembaek; a sister, Anna Mae Naert and a niece Lisa Newburg.