Paul Edward Hollinger

On January 1, 2018, Paul Edward Hollinger, at age 74, passed away peacefully from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in his Mansfield home in the arms of his best friend & wife, Brenda Hollinger and surrounded by his children and grandchildren. The last hours of his life he was in the presence of family listening to his favorite Christian hymns as they shared with him the impact he has had in their lives and memories he has created for them in his lifetime. His life on earth ended surrounded by love and began in life in Eternity in the arms of Jesus.

Anyone who knew Paul was aware that his first priority was God and his walk with the Lord. His second priority was always his family and the life he shared with his wife, children and grandchildren. Paul loved to spend his time with God, his family, reading Christian books as well as books on history, the newspaper, and of course, his produce magazines. He loved watching sports, but his favorite sports to watch were ones in which his children and grandchildren played. He also enjoyed his many years as the church softball coach for Bethel EC, Mansfield First Assembly of God and Journey Life Center. He was the type of coach that not only taught softball, but about the love of Jesus.

Paul loved traveling, especially on cruises where his favorite part was the food buffets and unlimited ice cream cones. He said he enjoyed traveling all over, but nothing compared to, or was as important, as his time spent with his family. Paul retired from being a Produce Manager after working almost his entire adult life doing what he loved in Produce at Frazel's/Geyer’s (Mansfield), TJ’s Supermarket, Super Kmart (Ontario), and Walmart (Dayton). He always taught his children the importance of doing what you love and are compassionate about, because then it will never feel like a job. There wasn’t a grocery store he entered that he didn’t go straight to the Produce Department to “check it out”.

Paul had an infectious smile and an amazing sense of humor. He always felt it was best to laugh in life, even through hard times. He also loved playing pranks on people and just making people laugh. Paul was an active member at his church, Journey Life Center, where he also served as an Elder and Group Pastor. He loved going to church and hearing Pastor Philippi preach. Paul lived his life not judging others, but by example. There wasn’t a person that Paul wouldn’t take the time to share about God and His Amazing Grace. He exemplified a life of character and integrity through his actions. Through Paul's unwavering faith and belief in God, he was instrumental in leading many souls to salvation throughout the years he served God. Paul also started a Bible study at their condo so their neighbors could have some fellowship and church service if they were unable to attend church on their own. His favorite Bible verses were Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" and Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

Every morning Paul sent each of his family and many friends a daily scripture text to uplift and encourage them in their walk with the Lord. He also sent a text message every night to his family saying "Good night. I love you". There wasn't a day that went by that any of Paul's family didn't feel and hear his love for them or his love of God.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Brenda Kay (nee` Frederick) Hollinger; his son, Chip William Hollinger and wife Jamie Charnell, and their two children, Jackson Christopher and Carsyn Abigail, who is currently stationed at the Pentagon; his daughter, Melissa Rene` (nee` Hollinger) Young of Lexington and husband Scott Thomas, and their children, Christian Paul, Carissa Rene` and husband Devin Batdorf and their sons Mason Allen, Owen Paul and Roman Matthew, Caitlyn Sara, Zachary Thomas (wife Hailee), Morgan McKenzie and Joshua Scott; his daughter, Melinda "Mindy" Kay Hollinger of Ontario and her two sons, Zachary Paul and Nickolas Jon; his son, Benjamin George Hollinger of Cincinnati and his three sons, Benjamin Garrett, Brendan Paul & Brady James; step-mother, Rema Hollinger of Mansfield; brother, Ronald Hollinger of Mansfield, sister, Nora "Cookie" Hollinger-Kron and husband John Kron of Mansfield; sister-in-law, Vicki Sahr and husband Bud of Florida; and brothers-in-law, John Frederick and wife, Paulette of Galion, William Frederick and wife Renea of Mansfield and James Keller of Mansfield.

Paul is preceded in death by his mother, Jeanette Hollinger; father, George Hollinger; his father-in-law, William Frederick; his mother-in-law, Barbara Frederick, all of Mansfield; and sister-in-law, Claudia Keller of Mansfield.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd. Paul’s funeral service will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at his home church, Journey Life Center, 2578 State Route 39, Mansfield, with Dr. Bruce Philippi officiating. He will be laid to rest after the funeral service at Mansfield Memorial Park. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Journey Life Center or OhioHealth Hospice.