Laura Hollenkamp

Laura A. Hollenkamp, age 74 of Melrose, died Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at her home after a courageous 21 year battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 28 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. Rev. Vince Lieser will officiate with interment following in St. John's Cemetery near Swanville.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Laura Hollenkamp was born October 22, 1931 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Anthony and Agnes (Doege) Essler. On June 24, 1952 she married Elmer Hollenkamp at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. The couple resided in Sauk Centre until 1965 when they moved to Melrose. There she was employed by Jennie-O Foods for 27 ó years, retiring in 1992. The couple also owned and operated East Side Bait Shop in Melrose. In 1988 they moved to Pine Lake near Burtrum. Since August, 1995 she had resided in Melrose.She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Christian Mothers and St. Elizabeth's Mission Group of Swanville.

Survivors include five children, David (Mary) Hollenkamp of Burtrum, Mark (Arlene) Hollenkamp of Grey Eagle, Mike (Kim) Hollenkamp of Sauk Centre, Lois (Scott Tschida) Lashinski of Melrose and Louise (Jerry) Rieland of Freeport; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and brother, Norbert Essler of Melrose.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer Hollenkamp on October 6, 1992; daughter, Lisa Ann Hollenkamp in 1974; and son, Roy Hollenkamp in 1980.

Serving as casket bearers will be Brian, Steven, Jim and Josh Hollenkamp, Cody and Zachary Rieland and Duane Ahrens. Cross bearer will be Angie Lashinski, scripture bearer will be Becky Lashinski and lector will be Vicki Hollenkamp. Honorary bearers will be Erma Walz, Lessie Schulzetenberg, Alma Von Wahlde, Elaine Schumer, Edith Paeglow, Marie Worms, Dorine Wiebolt, Bernice Massmann, Gertie Cremers, Louise Hagstrom and Goldie Miland.