Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
LOUISE K. JOHNSON
Louise K. Johnson, 92, of Elizabethtown, formerly of Wilkes Barre, died Monday evening at the Masonic Village. Born in Wilkes Barre, she was the daughter of the late Frank Christian and Mabel Bowkley Kuschel. She was married to George R. Johnson who died April 27, 2001. They were married for 59 years. A homemaker, she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes Barre. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Janet K. Read. Mrs. Johnson is survived by a daughter, Linda J., wife of Emmet James White head, Winchester, MA, a grandson, Emmet James, Jr., husband of Julia Gaudinski, Santa Cruz, CA, a granddaughter, Cynthia, wife of Scott Gaston, South Orange, NJ, and three great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 28, 2006 at the John S. Sell Memorial Chapel, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA at 2:00 PM with Rev. Margaret L. Rohnacher officiating. The family will receive friends Friday afternoon from 1:00 PM until the time of service. There will be no viewing. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.
ANNE RESETAR CONTE
Anne Resetar Conte, 87, of Elizabethtown, died Thursday morning at Colonial Park Care Center, Harrisburg. Born in West Elizabeth, PA, she was the daughter of the late Dan and Eva Ivancin Resetar. A homemaker, she was an avid reader, enjoyed collectibles, and was very proud of her granddaughters. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters , Helen Kalmarick, Julia Chegwidden, and Mary Hodges. She is survived by her son, James D., husband of Dennys Long Conte, Elizabethtown, two granddaughters, Elizabeth A.Conte, Elizabethtown, and Rebecca L. Conte, Harrisburg, and two sisters , Eva Probst and Margaret Blanton. Services are private at the convenience of the family.
JEFF A. NAUMAN
Jeff A. Nauman, 21, of Elizabethtown, died Wednesday morning from injuries sustained in a car accident. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Sterling C. and the late Lisa M. Wiest Nauman who died June 23, 2004. A forklift operator, he was a member of the American Legion Post #329, Elizabethtown. He loved cars. In addition to his Father , he is survived by a sister, Alicia R. Nauman, an aunt, uncle and cousin, with whom he lived, Michelle, wife of Thomas Hoffer and Justin Hoffer, Hummelstown, maternal grandparents, Willard, husband of Diane Wiest, Lykens, and paternal grandparents, Sterling R., husband of Shirley Nauman, Elizabethtown. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2006 at Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA at 2:00 PM with Rev. Raymond L. Brown officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the time of service. There will be no viewing. Interment will take place in Mount Tunnel Cemetery, Elizabethtown.
MARY E. MEADS
Mary E. Meads, 75 of Elizabethtown, died on Friday, April 28, 2006 at Hershey Medical Center. Born in Orbisonia, she was the daughter of the late Clifford and Ann P. Norris. She was the wife of Kenneth L. Meads who died in 1999. Mrs. Meads was a 1948 graduate of Orbisonia High School and was one of Jehovah's Witnesses from the North Mount Joy Congregation. Prior to retirement, she was employed by Masonic Village and the former State Hospital for Crippled Children, both in Elizabethtown. Mrs. Meads enjoyed all kinds of puzzles, was an avid walker and loved to read. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother Herbert Norris and a sister, Kathleen Shank. She is survived by a daughter, Bonnie K. Meads of Mount Joy; a son, Terry A., husband of Karen M. Meads of Marietta, a sister, Betty J., wife of William Stake of Elizabethtown and a brother, Edwin, husband of Marlene Norris of Shirleysburg. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown at 2:00 PM. Friends may call on Tuesday from 1:00 until the time of service. Interment will follow in Mt. Ober Cemetery, Elizabethtown.
LILLA G. MITTERLING
Lilla Gibson Mitterling, 94, of Elizabethtown, PA died January 8, 2007 at Masonic Health Care Center, Elizabethtown. Born in Philadelphia, PA, August 12, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Clarence U. and Alice Bockius Gibson. She was the widow of Dr. Robert Carl Mitterling of Drexel Hill, PA. She is survived by two sons , Ronald J. Bosbyshell, Richardson, TX and Rev. William A. Bosbyshell and wife, Caroline, St. Petersburg, FL, a niece, Beverly Barr Stohr and husband, William, of Bedford, VA. She leaves behind five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Lilla was employed by Springfield Township, Delaware Co., PA and managed the office of her late husband Dr. Robert C. Mitterling, Upper Darby, PA. Funeral services will be held at Sell Chapel, Masonic Village Elizabethtown, PA Friday, January 12, 11:00 a.m. and Burial will be Friday, January 12, 2:45 p.m. Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA. n lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Masonic Village Elizabethtown, One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or All Saints Episcopal Church, 310 Elm Ave, Hersey, PA 17033. Arrangements by Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, Elizabethtown.
KENNETH I. WAHL
Kenneth I. Wahl, 83 of Elizabethtown, died on Thursday, July 6, 2006 at Hershey Medical Center. Born in Mohnton, Berks County, PA, he was the son of the late Irvin and Ethel Binkley Wahl and the husband of Loretta Ruth Buchalter Wahl. They were married for 51 years in December 2005. Mr. Wahl was a member of Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church. He was a US Army veteran of WWII where he participated in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Wahl retired in 1983 from the PA Air National Guard where he had served since 1949. He worked as quality control supervisor having achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Following retirement from the Guard, he worked five years for Engle Business Systems and an additional five years for the Manheim Auto Auction. He was a member of Conewago Post #329, American Legion and Fred Barley Post #5667, VFW, both in Elizabethtown. Additionally, he enjoyed woodworking, camping and spending time with family. He is survived by his wife Loretta, two sons , Richard K., husband of Deborah Wahl, Baltimore, MD; Gregory S., husband of Pamela Wahl, Elizabethtown; seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, three sisters , Mildred Haas, Eleanor Cox, Elaine Zimmerman; and two brothers , John and Vernon Wahl. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church, 996 East High Street, Elizabethtown at 10:30 AM. Friends may call at the church from 9:30 until the time of service. Interment will take place in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church, 996 East High Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Arrangements by Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, Elizabethtown.
JOHN M. LEEDOM
John M. Leedom, 82, of Lebanon, formerly of Elizabethtown, died on Monday, January 8, 2007 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon. Born in West Donegal Twp., he was the son of the late LeRoy F. and Mary M. Mason Leedom. He was married to Catherine E. Murphy Leedom for 62 years on June 24, 2006. A machinist, Mr. Leedom retired from RCA, Lancaster. He was a US Navy veteran of WWII. Mr. Leedom was an avid photographer, hunter, and fisherman. He also enjoyed woodworking. He was preceded in death by brother, Harry Leedom. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Fred M., husband of Delores Leedom, Lebanon, 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and a sister, Jane Bates, Lancaster. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 12, 2007 at Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA at 2:00 PM. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday afternoon from 1:00 until the time of service. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
LESTER S. MILLER
Lester S. Miller, 96 of Lancaster, formerly of Rheems, died on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at the Mennonite Home. Born in Mount Joy Twp., he was the son of the late Samuel R. and Elsie Young Miller. He was the husband of Helen Shelly Miller who died in September 1998. Retiring after 46 years, Mr. Miller was employed as a mill superintendent by Wenger Feed Mill in Rheems. A member of West Green Tree Church of the Brethren since 1938, he was a former Sunday school teacher and previously served on the church board. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Miller was preceded in death by a sister, Kathryn L. Miller and a brother, C. Roy Miller. He is survived by a son, Gerald L., married to Marilyn Miller, Middletown. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 15, 2007 at West Green Tree Church of the Brethren, 740 Greentree Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 at 11:00 AM. There will be no viewing. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10:00 until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church. Arrangements by Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, Elizabethtown.
RUSSEL D. HEISEY
Russel D. Heisey, 88 of Rheems, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, December 16, 2005 at ManorCare Health Services, Elizabethtown. Born in Mount Joy, he was the son of the late John and Alice Dourte Heisey. He was the husband of Almeda Zeager Heisey; they were married for 64 years. As a faithful Christian, Russel was a member of Goods Mennonite Church, Bainbridge, where he blessed the lives of young and old alike. His life was an example of zeal and commitment. Russel took special interest in the natural world and found great fulfillment in noticing the details of God's creation. For 30 years, he was employed by Wolgemuth brothers of Mount Joy. Upon retirement, he remained active by involving himself in his family and others. His selfless contribution to our lives will be greatly missed. Russel served with C.P.S. for over 3 years working in soil conservation. He was preceded in death by a grandson, three brothers and two sisters . In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children; Esther M., married to Roy Brubaker, Elizabethtown, Dale E., married to Suzanne Heisey, Costa Rica, Stanley R., married to Mary Heisey, Rochester, WA, J. Elvin, married to Glenda Heisey, Bainbridge, Joyce E., married to Ken Ruhl, Elizabethtown, 21 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, a sister; Naomi Suydam, Lancaster, and a brother, John Heisey, Tucson, AZ. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 from Goods Mennonite Church, 4374 Bossler Road, Bainbridge at 1:00 PM, with Pastor J. Nelson Bechtold, officiating. Friends may call on Monday evening at the church from 6:00-8:30 and on Tuesday from 12:00 PM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Goods Mennonite Church, Building Fund, 4374 Bossler Road, Bainbridge, PA 17502. Arrangements by Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, Elizabethtown.
MILDRED F. GIPE
Mildred F. Gipe, 84 of Elizabethtown, died on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at her residence. Born in Lower Swatara Twp., she was the daughter of the late John and Anna Diemler Fisher. She was the wife of Harvey M. Gipe, Sr., who died in 1984. Mrs. Gipe was a member of Conewago Church of the Brethren, Hershey, where she was a former Sunday school teacher. She was also active for many years as a 4H leader and Girl Scout leader. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death a son; Harvey M. "Puff" Gipe, Jr. and 2 brothers . She is survived by 2 daughters ; Joyce G. Taylor and Bonnie, married to David Schildt, both of Elizabethtown, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 5 brothers and 4 sisters . A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 23, 2005 from Conewago Church of the Brethren, 7035 Schoolhouse Road, Hershey, at 3:00 PM, with Pastor Scott Cooper, officiating. There will be no viewing. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to VNA Hospice, 3315 Derry Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111 or to Conewago Church of the Brethren, 7035 Schoolhouse Road, Herhsey, PA 17033. Arrangements by Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, Elizabethtown.
DR. JOSEPH E. DANDOIS, P.E.
Dr. Joseph E. Dandois, P.E. Professor Emeritus Dr. Joseph E. Dandois, P.E., died Sunday, December 25, 2005 at home. Born March 21, 1933 in Mayburg, PA, he was the son of the late John C. and L. Belle Wyatt Dandois. He is survived by his wife, B. Judith Baker Dandois. They celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary on December 15th. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters ; Pamela B. Yocum and Jennifer J., wife of John D. Hamilton, two grandchildren; Samuel C. and Benjamin J. Yocum, niece; Jackie A., wife of Chris Mortenson, two grandnieces; Christin and Breah Mortenson, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Charles E. and R. Joy Dandois, five aunts, two uncles and numerous cousins. Dr. Dandois retired from Pennsylvania State University as Professor Emeritus, after 30 years of teaching Electrical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Technology. Over the course of his career, he taught at the Main Campus in State College, the Hazelton Campus and the Harrisburg Campus at Middletown, PA. He was an active member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the American Society of Engineering Educators (ASEE) and was a Professional Engineer (P.E.). He received his first Bachelor of Science in Education in 1953 from Mansfield State Teachers College. Dr. Dandois received a second Bachelor of Science in 1960, a Masters of Science in 1963 and his PhD in 1969, all in Electrical Engineering and all from The Pennsylvania Sate University. Additionally, he was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown and served in the in the US Army from 1953-55. A Funeral Service will be held at Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, on Friday, December 30, 2005 at 12:00 PM, with Pastors John B. Davis, II and Frank A. Nickel, Jr., officiating. Viewing will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2005 at the Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 and on Friday from 11:00 until the time of service. If desired contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 398 Locust Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.
MICHAEL A. WILSON
Michael A. Wilson, 48 of Elizabethtown, died on Friday, December 23, 2005 at his home. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Constance Herr Wilson, with whom he resided and the late Harold H.W. Wilson. He was of Protestant faith. Mr. Wilson enjoyed riding motorcycles and in his earlier years was involved with competitive arm wrestling and weight lifting. He was a 1976 graduate of Elizabethtown Area High School. In addition to his mother , he is survived by four brothers ; Steven H., Christopher B., Harold H. and James J. Wilson, and 5 nieces. Services will be private. Public viewing will take place on Friday, December 30, 2005 at Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 3544 North Progress Ave., Suite 202, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
MILDRED M. MARONE
Mildred M. Marone, 91 of Rheems, died on Monday, December 26, 2005 at Rheems Nursing Center. Born in Lebanon, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Emma Snavely Dressel. She was the wife of the late Peter J. Marone. Mrs. Marone was baptized in the Roman Catholic faith. Prior to retiring, she was employed as a nurse's aide. She was also active in the Elizabethtown Senior Citizens and loved animals. She is survived by two daughters ; Patricia A. Marone, Elizabethtown and Margaret A. Miller, Leesport, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made Castaway Critters, PO Box 86, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.
C. TROY RISSER
C. Troy Risser, 71 of Elizabethtown, died on December 30, 2005 at Hospice of Lancaster County. Born in Hershey, he was the son of the late Floyd Graby and Florence Hershey Risser. He was the husband of Patsy A. Plasterer Risser. They were married for 48 years in February 2005. Retiring in 1996, Mr. Risser was employed by Klein Chocolate Factory and it's successor, M&M Mars in Elizabethtown. He also enjoyed helping around the family farm, loved to garden and was an avid sports fan. Mr. Risser was preceded in death by a son Kenneth E., who died in 1999. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters ; Karen R., married to Phillip Row, Lititz and Kathy Risser, Elizabethtown, two grandchildren, Collin Row and Hannah Row, two sisters ; Doris F. Martin and Sara F. Risser and two brothers ; Floyd G., Jr. and John J. Risser. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 2, 2006 from West Green Tree Church of the Brethren, 740 Green Tree Road, Elizabethtown at 11:00 AM with Pastor Donald E. Hollinger, officiating. There will be no viewing. The family will receive friends on Monday at the church from 10:00 until the time of service. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to West Green Tree Church of the Brethren Building Fund, 740 Green Tree Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.
CLARENCE BOWERS
Clarence Bowers, 73, of Berlin, PA, formerly of Elizabethtown, died Sunday, January 1, 2006. Born in Conoy Twp., he was the son of the late William P. and Victoria Leibey Bowers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six siblings, Dorothy Sheetz, Luella Bowers, Fern Bowers, Eugene Bowers, Isabel Schweers, and Foster Bowers. Mr. Bowers is survived by a niece, Hazel M., wife of John Freels, Manheim, and several other nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2006 at the Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. David P. Harris officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of service.
ORPHA E. KRAYBILL
Orpha E. Kraybill, 95, formerly of Elizabethtown, died early Saturday morning, January 7, 2006 at the Mennonite Home, Lancaster. Born in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late David and Minnie Witmer Erb. Her husband, Norman R. Kraybill died in 1987. Orpha was a member of Elizabethtown Mennonite Church, and was actively involved in church life. She had a keen interest in overseas missions, and for over 60 years she mailed calendars and letters to many overseas missionaries each Christmas. A homemaker, she enjoyed entertaining guests, gardening, tending her raspberry patch and heirloom soybeans, raising African violets, reading, writing letters, and sewing. She and her husband were involved in the beginning years of Camp Hebron, and she served as cook for the first summers of the camp. She and her husband volunteered at Penn Alps, Grantsville, Maryland in the 1970's. They hosted numerous long-term students in their home. Orpha also volunteered at the Mt. Joy Gift and Thrift Shop. Orpha was preceded in death by a son, Robert, and a sister, Helen (Mrs. Ira E. Miller). She is survived by, three children, Harold E., husband of Esther Emswiler Kraybill, Lebanon, PA, Helen L. wife of John J. Miller, Lancaster, and Herbert E., husband of Sharon Jantzi Kraybill, Lancaster, 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and a brother, D. Wilbur Erb, Harrisonburg, VA. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 13, 2006 at the Elizabethtown Mennonite Church, 300 South Spruce Street, Elizabethtown, at 10:00 AM with Pastors Richard H. Frank and John M. Myers officiating. Friends may call at the church on Thursday evening from 5:00-7:00 PM and on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Internment will take place in Bossler Mennonite Church Cemetery, Elizabethtown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Orpha's memory may be made to Camp Hebron, 957 Camp Hebron Road, Halifax, PA 17032. Arrangements by Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, Elizabethtown.
ELIZABETH P. ELWELL
Elizabetht P. Elwell, 90, of Elizabethtown, formerly of Palmyra and Aldan, PA, died on Monday, January 9, 2006 at Masonic Village, Elizabethtown. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna Vuatir Palmer. She was the wife of Benjamin H. Elwell. They were married for 59 years in April 2005. Mrs. Elwell was a member of Aldan Union Church, Aldan, PA and attended Lebanon Valley Bible Church. A homemaker, she also worked as a bookkeeper with her husband in their plumbing and heating business. Mrs. Elwell was a graduate of the Philadelphia School of Bible, class of 1940 and was recognized for her dedicated christian service as an honorary member of the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church. In addition to volunteering, she also enjoyed knitting and sewing. Mrs. Elwell was preceded in death by a daughter; Janet Ruth Elwell, who died in 1972. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sisters ; Pauline Steele, Glen Mills, PA and Ann Salter, Ashton Twp., PA. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 13, 2006 at Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown at 11:00 AM, with Pastors James A. Ober and Norman Yeater, officiating. Friends may call at Miller/Sekely Funeral Services from 10:00 until the time of service. Interment will follow in Glenwood Memorial Gardens, Broomall, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2001 North Front Street, Suite 321, Harrisburg, PA 17102.
