Ed Hollenback

Ed passed away after a courageous 2 year battle with cancer. Ed went peacefully to be with the Lord on March 22, 2014 in the presence of his loving wife Eleanor, five children, and numerous grandchildren and close family members. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard, sister Mary Lou, infant son Brian Keith, infant daughter Lynn Marie and grandson Parker Joseph.

Ed was born in Deer Lodge, MT on September 22, 1937 to Catherine & Richard Hollenback. At the age of 14, Ed’s father passed away and he assisted his mother and family to run the family cattle ranch in Gold Creek, MT. Very difficult times would follow. Through these times Ed developed his strong Catholic faith and work ethic established by his mother Catherine.

Ed graduated from Powell County High School in 1955. Upon graduation he continued to assist in running the cattle ranch until he enrolled at Carroll College in 1957. Ed married Eleanor(Elly) Peterson on January 31, 1960 in Deer Lodge, Montana. Ed graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Business Administration in 1964 and embarked on a banking career in Superior, MT which spanned 50 years until his retirement from the Family of Banks in 2012. His compassionate and honest approach with his customers left an impression on the community in which he served. His interest in his customers went well beyond their financial lives and he showed a genuine interest in their personal lives as well. Ed mentored many employees in the banking industry over the years, many of whom went on to have successful careers in and outside the banking industry.

Ed served on many boards and organizations: Mineral County Hospital Board for 35 years, mostly as Chairman, Lion’s Club , Knights of Columbus, and Superior Volunteer Fire Department. Ed was an integral member of the St. Mary Queen of Heaven Church for 50 years, serving the church in many financial, business and spiritually related capacities over the years. Ed attended Cursillos, served meals at the Povorello Center and traveled to Jamaica on a Food For The Poor mission and got to see Pope John Paul II speak at a World Youth Conference in Denver, CO. in 1993. Ed’s spiritual life was a large part of his existence and it prepared him well for life’s trials & tribulations.

He loved watching his kids and grandkids compete athletically and he was an overall “Great Sports Fan”. He was an avid Montana Grizzly and Denver Broncos fan, attending many games throughout the years. Perhaps his fondest memories were watching his granddaughter win two State Championships with Loyola Sacred Heart High School in 2006. Although his health held him back the last two years, he took great joy in following another grandchild win back to back State Football Championships in 2012 and 2013 also at Loyola. Grandpa (Ed) loved watching and interacting with his grandkids and great grandkids!

Much of his time in the summer was spent at the cabin on Flathead Lake. He loved boating, projects, and sitting on the deck watching his kids and grandkids on the water. Ed and Elly received great joy caring for their lawn and garden and attending to the lawn and flowers at the church. Ed simply loved life with his family and he always had a simplistic view of what brought true joy to him and the Lord he served.

Ed is survived by his wife, Eleanor of Superior, sons; Jeff (Cindy) of Missoula, Ron (Joan) of Denver, CO., Joe (Donna) of Spokane, WA, Shawn (Julie) of Lolo, daughter Christy (Bill Vigue) of Superior, 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, sister Josephine Johnson (David) of Denver, CO, brothers, John (Carole ) of Gold Creek, Robert (Debby) of Fredrick, MD

Very special thanks to all of the medical staff at St. Patrick’s Hospital who assisted with care over the last 2 years and to Partners in Home Care who helped in his final days. We would also like to thank Superior for allowing the Hollenback family to be a part of their community over the past 50 years. In addition, we would like to thank Loyola Sacred Heart for embracing Ed & Elly as part of their family.

Rosary and Vigil will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday March 27th and Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Superior. Burial will follow at the Superior Cemetery as will a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to memorialize Ed may make donations to the Elevator Fund at St. Mary Queen of Heaven Church, P.O. Box 102, Superior, MT, 59872 or Mineral County Medical Foundation, PO Box 66, Superior MT, 59872.