Ronald Duane Hollenbeak

SALEM - Ronald D. Hollenbeak, age 81, left his family and friends on June 8th, 2014 following complications after surgery.

He was born in Eugene, Oregon to Lee Hollenbeak and Dorthea Simmons. Ron attended Klamath Union High School from 1951 to 1955.

After High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force July 8th 1955. Ron was Honorably Discharged July 24th 1959. He remained in the Air Force Reserves another 4 years, until July 7th 1963. The majority of his service was at Hamilton Air Force Base located near San Francisco. His expertise was Field Maintenance.
Ron then went to Oregon Technical Institute from 1959 to 1961, where he received an Associate Degree in Diesel Engineering.

Upon completing 2 years of college, Ron worked for Weyerhaeuser Timber Corporation for many years, as a Timber Faller. He married Bonnie Rhoads on May 9th 1970. Ron and Bonnie celebrated 44 years of marriage this last May.

Ron and Bonnie were members at Grace Baptist Church for many, many years. He enjoyed Model Railroading, drawing cartoons and giving them to family, friends and local school children; when they came to visit the retirement center. Ron also enjoyed reading; his favorite authors were James Patterson and Tom Clancy.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie, daughters, Debbie and Jennifer brother Larry and sister Arlene, step children Donald and Michael Rhoads, Deborah Tompkins and Rebecca Culp, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren.

Ron loved visiting with people; he always had an interesting tall tale to tell. His personality was infectious; he just made you feel good about the time he spent with you. Ron was care free and easy going. He will be dearly missed. We also can rejoice that his pain is gone, that he has a perfect, eternal body and someday we will see him again. Until that day comes for us Ron's memory will live in our hearts and minds.