Sandra Joy "Sandy" Hollenbeck

Sandra Joy "Sandy" Hollenbeck, 90, of Lincoln, IL., passed away January 12, 2026, at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield, IL.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home. A memorial visitation will be held from 10 AM until 11 AM Friday, January 16, 2026, at Lincoln Christian Church. Memorial services will follow at 11 AM. Burial will be at a later date.

Sandy was born September 10, 1935, in Oblong, IL., the daughter of Henry O. and Nellie (Slider) Thornton. She married William "Bill" Hollenbeck on March 9, 1955. He preceded her in death on April 4, 2008. Sandra graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in Mt. Carmel, IL. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master of Science degree in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. She interrupted her college work to join her husband Bill who was serving with the United States Army in Vincenza, Italy. While living in Italy, Bill and Sandy traveled throughout Europe. After college, she taught in elementary schools in Terre Haute, Indiana, Lincoln, and Beason Illinois. She was a member of Lincoln Christian Church where she served in various ministries through the years including teaching Sunday school, vacation bible school, interpreting for the hearing impaired, calling on shut-ins and serving on women's ministry teams. She belonged to Sarah Circle, Jolly Seniors, Little Lambs Sunday School Class, and Lincoln Christian Church "Life" groups.
She also was a member of the IRTA (Illinois Retired Teachers Association), DeWitt Clinton Retired Teachers, and the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She served as a volunteer at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital for more than 20 years and also volunteered at the Christian Nursing Home. In 1994, after retiring from teaching, she opened an antique and collectibles business. She also traveled the United States with Bill, helping him exhibit his handmade archtop guitars. She was also an avid Chicago Bears fan.

Survivors include her son Douglas A. (Catherine) Hollenbeck, daughter Jeannie (Roger) Bakken, granddaughters Chelsea Hollenbeck and Sarah (Paul) Hollenbeck-Milburn, step grandchildren Kyle Bakken and Mason (Emily) Bakken as well as two step great grandsons Ellis Bakken and Adrik Bakken. Also surviving is her sister Sharon Tenbarge, her sister-in-law Hazel Hollenbeck, and brother-in-law Leo Main, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Jeanine Main, and her nephew Greg Main.

Memorial donations may be made to Lincoln Christian Church, Harvest of Talents, or the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation.