M. Ressler Genealogical Database

Obituary for Warren Hollinger

Warren B. Hollinger, 81, entered into rest at Landis Homes Retirement Community on December 30, 2010. He was the beloved husband of Mary Hollinger, the loving and devoted father of 7 children, and an endearing grandpa to 21 grandchildren and great-grandpa to 23 great-grandchildren.

Warren was born on March 24,1929. He was the son of Noah Hollinger and Elizabeth Blosser Hollinger. He grew up on his parents' farm with his sister and brothers - Alta, Lester, Earl and Luke - in Goodville, Pennsylvania.

Warren fell in love with Mary Musser at the tender age of 18. Rumor had it that Mary found her way into Warren's heart through her rhubarb pie, but Mary recently revealed that Warren's gentle spirit and love for her won her heart. Warren and Mary married on September 18, 1949 in Ephrata and enjoyed a wonderful life together for 61 years.

After getting married, they lived in Goodville and then settled in Ephrata where they raised their seven children - Mary Ann, David, Marian, Danny, Julia, Joyce and Jerry. Their children wish to take this opportunity to express their deepest gratitude for having had Warren as their loving father.

Early in his career, Warren established Hollinger's Farm Market and developed it into one of the leading stores in the area. He began by raising and selling his own fruits and vegetables. Soon Warren was making trips to the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market and orchards to find the best produce for his customers. A true entrepreneur, he added a grocery department, many fresh food specialty departments, and a lawn and garden department.

In December of 1968, Hollinger's Farm Market was totally destroyed by fire. Hundreds of friends and volunteers came together, cleaned up and built a temporary store within six days. Hollinger's was completely rebuilt a year later and served the Lancaster area for many more years.

The outpouring of support after the fire was inspired in part by Warren and Mary's commitment to creating community in their lives. Hollinger's Farm Market was more than a store. It was a community of employees, customers, vendors, friends and family, and a very special place for their children. Fond memories of life at Hollinger's linger in the minds and hearts of many who were touched by Warren's life and work.

Warren was also devoted to serving God and his church. He served as Sunday School Superintendent at Roedersville Mennonite Church. After retiring, Warren and Mary moved to Scotland, where they served as House Parents for Dove Westgate Church's youth ministry in Alva. When they returned to Lancaster, they served as House Parents at Turning Point in Leola, Pennsylvania. A member of Indiantown Mennonite Church and then Dove Westgate Church, Warren was an active participant and leader in his church communities.

Throughout his life, Warren gave generously of his time, talent and treasure in service to others. He organized family "vacations" to rebuild the community devastated by the Palm Sunday Tornado in Indiana and to build a school in Red Lake, Ontario. Warren worked tirelessly for the Pennsylvania Relief Sale in service, through Mennonite Central Committee, to those in need throughout the world. He served for more than 20 years as a committee member, board member and Chair of the Board. He was instrumental in expanding the Sale and moving it from a farm in Morgantown to the Farm Show Building near Harrisburg.

Warren was also a world traveler. As a young father, he took his family on trips every summer. He also loved to travel with his wife. They enjoyed many wonderful trips together.

In addition to his wife, Mary, who lives at Landis Homes Retirement Community, Warren is survived by his children, Mary Ann, wife of Nelson Bowman, Ephrata; David Hollinger, husband of Deborah Replogle Hollinger, Denver; Marian Rutt, wife of Philip Rutt, Akron; Danny Hollinger, husband of Dawn Martin, Chevy Chase, Maryland; Julia Hollinger Wray, wife of John Keating, Annandale, Virginia; Joyce Haller, wife of Rick Haller, Leola; and Jerry Hollinger of Bethesda, Maryland; 21 grandchildren, Sheila Greiner, Wendy Sensenig, Todd Bowman, Ryan Bowman, Heidi Oberholtzer, and Josiah Bowman; Jason Hollinger and Jolienne Guthridge; Peter Rutt, Elizabeth Siegrist and Philip Rutt II; Aaron, Abigail and Hannah Hollinger; Theodore and Mary Wray; Austin, Addison and Aubrey Haller; Genevieve and Warren Fleming-Hollinger; and a brother, Luke, husband of Barb Maule Hollinger of Orlando, Florida.

A viewing will be held from 5 to 8 PM, Monday, January 3, 2010 at Dove Westgate Church, 1755 W. Main St., Ephrata. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, on Tuesday, January 4, at the church, with Pastors Deryl Hurst and Duane Britton officiating. There will be no viewing the day of the service. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

The family wishes to thank the Landis Homes staff for the loving care given to Warren over the last two years and the Hospice of Lancaster County staff for offering support and comfort during the last weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Warren to Landis Homes Retirement Community at 1001 E. Oregon Rd., Lititz, PA 17543 or Hospice of Lancaster County at P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

Arrangement by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, visit stradlingfuneralhome.com.