Joseph H. Hollenkamp

Joe, 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family after battling Alzheimer’s for more than ten years. He was born on February 6, 1937, to Frederick (Fritz) Hollenkamp and Elizabeth (Roth) Hollenkamp. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lois (née Potter); daughter, Victoria Hollenkamp, sons, Rick Hollenkamp (Tara) and Jon Hollenkamp, and daughter, Jo Anna Hollenkamp; grandsons, Joe (Kelly) Hollenkamp and Jacob Hollenkamp; granddaughter, Adeline (Andrew) Rauchbauer; great-grandchildren, Joey, Taylor, Scarlett and Lily; four generations of nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Anna (Hollenkamp) Coleman. Joe grew up on the East Side in St. Paul. Shortly after graduating high school in 1955, he started working for the Great Northern Railroad where he completed a blacksmith’s apprenticeship. Joe worked for the railroad as it evolved into the Burlington Northern Railroad and then Burlington Northern/Sante Fe Railroad. After 44 years, Joe retired as the last working blacksmith in the entire BNSF railroad system. Joe was at his very happiest when surrounded by his family, especially the more than 30 years he was able to spend with Lois at “the camper” on North Long Lake, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – and fishing. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, June 14 at THE CHURCH OF ST. JEROME, 380 E. Roselawn Ave, Maplewood. Visitation at the church from 10-11 AM Tuesday. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Park.​In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association or charity of donor's choice.