Major Joseph Anthony Accardo Jr., U.S. Air Force (Ret.) 58, of Ephrata, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, in his sleep Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015.

Joe was raised by Joseph Accardo Sr., and the late Antoinette (Rangatore) Accardo in Niagara Falls, N.Y.; and grew up among a large and caring family.

He is survived by his brother: Frank Accardo, husband to Donna Accardo, Chatsworth, Calif.; and is preceded in death by his brother, Jon Accardo.

Joe was an F-15 fighter pilot, and it was his skill and faith in God that carried him through 20 years of service.

Joe was married to Suzanne (Gettle) Accardo, and they had 32 years of unparalleled love that they were able to share with one another and their children.

Together, they raised two boys, who in turn will carry the love their father showed their mother into their marriages: Joseph A. Accardo III, husband of Laurelin Accardo, of Denver; and Christopher W. Accardo, fiancé of Devan Johnson, of Ithaca, N.Y.

Many knew Joe through his work with Sandvik, and he was also known for his passion and skill as a pilot, golfer, boater, and orator; but he is most remembered for the love and happiness he shared with his family.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Foxchase Golf Club, Stevens, from 6 to 9 p.m.. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a brief service at 7 p.m., officiated by Pastor Brad Haws. Refreshments will be served following the service.

Memorial contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

The post Joseph A. Accardo Jr., 58, Ephrata, USAF F-15 fighter pilot, worked at Sandvik, enjoyed golfing appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Randolph N. Sechrist Sr., 87, of Ephrata, passed away at home Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015.

He was the husband of the late Shirley A. Sechrist, who passed away Jan. 11, 2010. Randolph was born in Ephrata, son of the late Norman T. and Esther (Royer) Sechrist.

A member of the Ephrata High School Class of 1946, Randolph later served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked as a carpenter and owned and operated Randolph N. Sechrist General Construction and was formerly president of Cloister Builders. A member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincoln-Ephrata for more than 55 years, he formerly served as superintendent of the Sunday school. Randolph was a life member of the Cloister Post No. 429 American Legion, where he had been active on the Drum and Bugle Corps, a member of the Ephrata AMVETS Post 136, the Lincoln Friendly Circle, a life member of the Northern Lancaster County Fish and Game Association, and a former Boy Scout Leader for many years. He was an avid Penn State fan and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at his cottage at the Susquehanna River.

Randolph is survived by a daughter: Andrea Sechrist Martin; two sons: Randolph N. Sechrist Jr., husband of Donna M. (Ocker) Sechrist; and Eric C. Sechrist, husband of Donna J. (Keith) Sechrist, all of Ephrata; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law: Raymond Martin.

Funeral services were held at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, on Dec. 29, with Rev. Jeffrey Goodman officiating. Interment was at Lincoln Cemetery.

Donations in Randolph’s memory may be made to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1331 W. Main St. Ephrata, PA 17522.

To send an online condolence, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com. Services were under the care of Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata.

The post Randolph N. Sechrist Sr., 87, Ephrata, Korea veteran, Sechrist Construction owner, active in groups appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Linda J. Lorah, 50, of Ephrata, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital.

She was born in Ephrata to the late Glenn M. Stahl and Esther (Martin) Stahl, and was the wife of Eric L. Lorah.

She was a member of the Alive Church, Ephrata, enjoyed going to the beach and spending time with family. Linda worked as a daycare provider in her home.

In addition to her mother and husband, Linda is survived by two sons: Dustin T., husband of Elizabeth Lorah, of Ephrata; Austin K., husband of Staci Lorah, of Ephrata; four grandchildren: Mason, Owen, Alexia and Kol Lorah; brother: Ron Stahl of Ephrata; and a sister: Gloria Devonshire of California.

Services were held Dec. 27 at Alive Church, Ephrata. Interment was in the Memory Gardens Memorial Cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions in Linda’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

The post Linda J. Lorah, 50, Ephrata, in-home daycare provider, enjoyed going to beach appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Katie S. Stoltzfus, 93, of Ephrata, formerly of Narvon, died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, of natural causes at Fairmount Homes, Ephrata.

Born in Bird-in-Hand, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Betsie K. (Stoltzfus) Petersheim. Her husband, Leroy K. Stoltzfus, died in 1972.

Katie was a homemaker and a member of the Grace and Truth Fellowship. She volunteered at the Re-Uzit Shop in New Holland at the Country Gift and Thrift Shoppe in White Horse. She also was a member of the ladies sewing circle at Conestoga Mennonite Church.

Surviving are five children: Barbara, married to Galen H. Martin, of Narvon; Elam J., married to Shirley (Hostetler) Stoltzfus, of Martinsburg; Jacob L. Stoltzfus of Gordonville; Betsy Jane Shivery of Jacksonville, Texas; and Robert Lee, married to Vicki (Sparr) Stoltzfus, of Reinholds; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a half-sister: Ruth, married to David Fisher, of New Holland.

Preceding her in death are two brothers: Amos and Christian Petersheim.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m., at Conestoga Mennonite Church, 2779 Main St., Morgantown, with Pastors Lance Eisele, Alvin Horning, and James Hertzler officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held Sunday, Jan. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Groff-High Funeral Home, 145 W. Main St., New Holland; and on Monday, Jan. 11, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace and Truth Building Fund, 201 N. Walnut St., Morgantown, PA 19543.

To send the family online condolences, visit groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.

The post Katie S. Stoltzfus, 93, Ephrata, homemaker, volunteer, CMC ladies sewing circle member appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Robert “Bobby” H. Hammer, 78, of Denver, passed away Sunday, Jan, 3, 2016, at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital.

He was born in Lancaster County to the late Irwin K. and Helen (Houtz) Hammer; and was the husband of the late Marlene J. (Heister) Hammer, who died in 2012.

Bobby was a Philly sports fan and enjoyed fishing, boating, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He worked as a maintenance mechanic for Kalas Manufacturing, Denver, prior to his retirement.

Bobby is survived by three daughters: Renee L. Reese of Ephrata, Rochelle K. Stuter of Middletown, and Regina S. Hammer of Denver; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and five siblings.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by six siblings.

A visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 8, from 10 to 11 a.m., at the Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, 533 Walnut St., Denver, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., with Rev. Stephen Hollinger officiating. Interment will be private in the Fairview Cemetery, Annex.

Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.

The post Robert ‘Bobby’ Hammer, 78, Denver, worked at Kalas Mfg., Philly sports fan, enjoyed boating appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Dorothy M. “Dottie” Rhoades, 86, of Lancaster, passed away following a lengthy illness, Jan. 1, 2016 at Ephrata Keystone Villa.

Born in Warwick Township, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Jeannette Burgess Grube. In February, she would have celebrated her 51st wedding anniversary with her husband, Donald “Dusty” Rhoades of Lancaster, who was lucky to have her as his wife.

Dottie was a graduate of Lititz High School class of 1947 and worked at Bedford Shoe Co., Lititz, in her younger years. She retired from RCA, where she worked for 40 years.

A witty and fun-loving person, Dottie ran dress clubs for women in the 1980s. She was an avid reader and liked to watch old movies and HGTV. Dottie loved to travel and perfected her backseat driving skills on the many trips to amusement parks and the beach, which was her favorite destination.

A wonderful wife, loving mother, and the best cook ever, she will be greatly missed by her husband: Dusty; daughter: Julianne Heller, Willow Street; grandson: Wendell Christensen, husband of Courtney, Lancaster; great-grandson: Brady Christensen; and daughter-in-law: Jennifer Rhoades of Lancaster.

She is preceded in death by her sons: Christopher T. Rhoades, Scott J. Rhoades, and Brian K. Rhoades; and a brother: George Grube.

Family and friends are invited to the Richard H. Heisey Funeral Home, 216 S. Broad St., Lititz, on Thursday, Jan. 7, for a viewing from 10 to 11 a.m., and funeral service at 11 a.m, with Rick Martin, chaplain at Hospice for All Seasons officiating. Interment will be in the Brunnerville United Methodist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.

Visit richardheiseyfuneralhome.com. to send online condolences to Dottie’s family. Arrangements by Richard H. Heisey Funeral Home, Lititz.

The post Dorothy M. Rhoades, 86, Keystone Villa resident, RCA retiree, fantastic cook, beach lover appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Ivy L. Collins, 61, of Ephrata, passed away Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, at her residence, after a long battle with cancer.

She was born in Coatesville to the late Robert and Elaine Pearl and was the wife of Robert J. Collins.

She was a member of Carpenter Community Church, served in the U.S. Army, and was an extremely dedicated and valued member of the Girl Scouts.

In addition to her husband, Ivy is survived by a son: Allen Kenoyer TSG USAF; two daughters: Stephanie L. Collins and Lauri A. Collins, of Ephrata; three stepchildren: Robert J. Collins of Perth, Australia; Michael A. Collins of Limington, Maine; Thomas A. Collins of Halifax; nine grandchildren; three brothers: Tim Pearl of Cochranville, Steve Pearl of North Carolina, and Mark Pearl of South Carolina.

Services were held Dec. 24 at Carpenter Community Church, Talmage, with Pastors Glenn and Dwayne Hoover and Samuel M. officiating. Interment with military honors was at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

The family would prefer that memorial contributions in Ivy’s memory be made to Girl Scouts In the Heart of Pennsylvania, Friendly Valley No. 713, 350 Hale Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17104.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

The post Ivy L. Collins, 61, Ephrata, Army vet, active in Girl Scouts, attended Carpenter church appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Bonita Faye “Bonnie” Brendel, 65, of Denver, passed away Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, at her home.

She was born in Ephrata to the late Luther and Nancy (Good) Landis.

Bonnie was a member of the Ephrata AmVets Post #136, and Reamstown Athletic Association. She enjoyed crafts, woodworking, going to the beach, dancing to oldies music, and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was a production worker for the former Sun Line Corp.

Bonnie is survived by a son: Travis Lee Witmer, companion of Molly Heck, of Hanover; two daughters: Misty Ann Snyder of Denver; and Ginger Louise Urban, companion of Jody Mohler, of Ephrata; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother: Donald Landis of Denver; and two sisters, Peggy Klopp of Akron; and Susan, wife of Robert Frederick, of Denver.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.

The post Bonita Faye Brendel, 65, Sun Line Corp. worker, enjoyed crafting, time with her grandkids appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Rodney Hummel Crall, 86, of Ephrata, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at the Lebanon VA Medical Center.

He was born in Ephrata to the late Marlin and Agnes (Hummel) Crall.

Rodney served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family, with military honors accorded by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

The post Rodney Hummel Crall, 86, Ephrata, Vietnam veteran appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Julia S. Crills, 84, formerly of Reinholds, passed away Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, at Ephrata Manor.

She was born in Reinholds to the late Lee and Katie (Seltzer) Showalter and was the wife of Harold S. Crills, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage on May 10.

Julia was a lifelong member of Swamp Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reinholds. She was a also a member of the Reinholds Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and the Reinholds Lioness Club. Julia enjoyed quilting, doing puzzles, reading, and going to the shore. She worked for 16 years at Keystone Nitewear of Reinholds, prior to retiring.

Julia is survived by a son: Michael E., husband of Jaleen (Edwards) Crills, of Ephrata; a daughter: Colette S., wife of Robert Frantz, of Tioga County; three grandchildren: Jeremy and Chad Crills and Shannon Zecchinelli; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Mildred Blaszuk and Alverta Showalter.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers: Calvin, Clair, Ammon, Vernon, and Ernest “Tony” Showalter; and a sister: Katie Moyer.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, Jan. 7, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at the Swamp Evangelical Lutheran Church, 275 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Dennis L. Trout officiating. Interment will take place in the Swamp Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Julia’s memory may be made to the Swamp Evangelical Lutheran Church, 275 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds, PA 17569.

Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.

The post Julia S. Crills, 84, formerly of Reinholds, Keystone Nitewear worker, enjoyed quilting appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Lydia A. Beshore, 73, of Denver, passed away Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015, at Reading Hospital.

She was born in Ephrata to the late Carl and Alice (Worley) McNally, and was the wife of Harold D. Beshore, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage.

She enjoyed crocheting; visiting friends; and her dog, Johnny. Lydia formerly worked as an assembler for Dorma Door, and for Weaver Markets in the deli and party trays departments.

In addition to her husband, Lydia is survived by a brother: Charles McNally of New Jersey; a brother-in-law: Charles Beshore of New Holland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister: Mary I. Benner.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Lydia’s memory may be made to the Ephrata Cancer Center, 460 N. Reading Road, Ephrata, PA 17522.

Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.

The post Lydia A. Beshore, 73, Denver, Weaver Markets worker, enjoyed crocheting, visiting friends appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Brandon M. Jordan, 24, of Brownstown, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015, in Wernersville.

He was the beloved son of Shane and Stacey (Keppley) Jordan.

Brandon enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed many outdoor activities including: hiking, kayaking, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed watching and playing sports, especially football and basketball. Brandon was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan. He graduated from Conestoga Valley High School in 2009 and was employed by Morgan Corp. Brandon’s smile was unforgettable and his laugh was contagious. He will be sorely missed by many.

In addition to his parents, Brandon is survived by his three brothers: Mason R., Owen T., and Kohl A. Jordan; maternal grandparents: Harold E. (Butch) and Roberta D. Keppley of Brownstown; maternal grandmother: Vicki Cresci of Port Saint Lucie, Fla.; paternal grandmother: Fennie Jordan of Leola; maternal great-grandmother: Ruth Keppley of Brownstown; maternal great-grandmother: Phyllis Kveragas of Lititz.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather: John Jordan; and maternal great-grandfathers: Harold E. Keppley and Norman Getz.

A life celebration was held Jan. 2 at Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, Lancaster.

Memorial contributions in Brandon’s memory may be sent to the Brandon Jordan Benefit Account at the Ephrata National Bank, P.O. Box 457, Ephrata, PA;. or to the Gate House for Men, 649 E. Main St., Lititz, PA 17543. Funds sent to the benefit account will be used to provide counseling services to incarcerated inmates.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

The post Brandon M. Jordan, 24, Brownstown, worked at Morgan Corp., enjoyed hiking, Eagles fan appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Donald C. Zoller, 77, of Stevens, passed away at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016.

Donald was the loving husband of Sarah “Sally” (Mattis) Zoller and son of the late Frederick O. and Grace V. (Whiteman) Zoller.

Born in Elverson, Donald was a lifelong Lancaster County resident. He was a U.S. Army veteran, former Upper Leacock chief of police, and served as a Lancaster County constable. He most recently worked at the former Galens of Ephrata appliance and furniture store.

Donald was a Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Phillies fan. He enjoyed going out for breakfast, working in the yard, and spending time with his family and pet dogs.

In addition to his wife: Sally; he is survived by five children: Donald W. Zoller of Lititz; Rhonda, wife of James Pickel, of East Lampeter; Darla, wife of Robert Valotta, of East Earl; Tracy L. Fishel of Lititz; and James L. Fishel of Stevens; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by four sisters: Charlotte, Grace, Hazel, and Dorothy; and two brothers: Robert and Freddie.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by a sister, Jane.

Services were held Jan. 5 at Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata, with Chaplain Nilda Roman officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

To send an online condolence visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com. Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata, was entrusted with the arrangements.

The post Donald C. Zoller, 77, Stevens, Army vet, Upper Leacock chief of police, Phils fan appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Bertha M. Martin, 95, of Ephrata, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, at her residence.

She was born in West Earl Township to the late John and Martha (Martin) Rissler; and was the wife of the late Rufus G. Martin, who passed away Dec. 11, 2013.

She was a member of the Conestoga Mennonite Church (Groffdale Conference).

Bertha is survived by two sons: Ivan R., husband of Katie (Zimmerman) Martin, of Ephrata; Rufus R., husband of Anna Mary (Brubacher) Martin, of Ephrata; daughter: Anna R., wife of David S. Weaver, of New Holland; two daughters-in-law: Lena W. Martin of Ephrata; Mabel H. Martin of Ephrata; 25 grandchildren; 99 great-grandchildren; brother: John, husband of Alice Rissler, of Leola; brother-in-law: Titus Horning of East Earl; sister: Martha M. (Garman), wife of Eugene Bartsch, of Lebanon; and a sister-in-law, Alta Rissler of Martindale.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bertha is preceded in death by two sons: John R. and Aaron R. Martin; daughter: Martha R. Martin; four brothers: Isaac, Martin, Jacob, and Paul Rissler; two sisters: Anna Rissler and Edna Horning.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, Jan. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at the Rufus Martin Jr. residence, 26 E. Trout Run Road, Ephrata. Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, at 8:30 a.m., at the Rufus Martin Jr. residence, with further services at 9:30 a.m., from the Conestoga Mennonite Church, West Earl Township, with Bishop Ammon Weaver and Ministers Luke Nolt, Mervin Hoover, and Leon Horst officiating. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery. Kindly omit flowers.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

The post Bertha M. Martin, 95, Ephrata, Conestoga Mennonite member, had 99 great-grandchildren appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Paul H. Freeman, 96, of Denver, died Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at his home of natural causes.

Born in Sinking Spring he was the son of the late Howard H. and Mazie A. (Reber) Freeman. His wife, M. Elizabeth (Good) Freeman, died May 26, 2015.

Paul retired as a butcher after many years with Carl Good Inc., Denver, and had worked previously as a farmer. He was a member of Peace United Church of Christ, the Garden Spot Lions Club, and formerly served as a Sunday School teacher. He enjoyed watching football and baseball, especially the Phillies and the Eagles. He also served on the Brecknock School Authority Board while it was being built.

Surviving are two sons: Nelson P. Freeman of Mohnton; and Robert R., married to Vaye Freeman, of Denver; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death is a sister: Dorothy Fitterling; and a brother: John Freeman.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 16, at 10:30 a.m., at Peace United Church of Christ, 37 E. Swartzville Road, Denver, with the Rev. William Hoch officiating.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Peace UCC, 37 E. Swartzville Road, Denver, PA 17517; or to the Garden Spot Lions Club, P.O. Box 26, Bowmansville, PA 17507.

To send the family online condolences, visit groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.

The post Paul H. Freeman, 96, Denver, butcher, Brecknock School Authority member, Phils fan appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Charles H. Aughinbaugh, 93, a resident of Maple Farm Nursing Center of Akron, formerly of Chambersburg, Denver, and Ephrata, passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016.

His wife of 65 years, Jean A. Aughinbaugh, passed away Jan. 2, 2007. Born in Chambersburg, Charles was a son of the late Charles P. and Helen T. (Trayer) Aughinbaugh.

He was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran and served during World War II. Charles worked as a manufactured housing plant manager for Skyline of Ephrata, and Liberty of Leola. He was a member of Ephrata Blue Lodge F&AM No. 665 and Cloister Post 429 American Legion, both of Ephrata.

Charles is survived by a daughter: Barbara Jo, wife of Martin Rouen, of Wexford; a son: Charles T., husband of Yvonne (Stauffer) Aughinbaugh, of Denver; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, Charles was preceded in death by one brother: Gene T. Aughinbaugh.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata. To send an online condolence, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com

The post Charles H. Aughinbaugh, 93, Akron, WWII vet, Skyline housing plant manager, father of two appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Charles A. “Charlie” Prinz Jr., 78, of Ephrata, passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, after a brief illness.

He was the loving husband of Donna E. (Ressler) Prinz. They recently celebrated 39 years of marriage. He was born in Philadelphia to the late Charles A. and Margaret Prinz.

Charlie was a photographer in the U.S. Navy and a Coast Guard Reservist. After his military service, he was a professional photographer for 30 years and later in life earned an associate’s degree in culinary arts from the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, specializing in pastries. A member of Bethany United Church of Christ, Charlie enjoyed laughter, spending time with his family, the outdoors, the arts, weaving, reading, cooking and a good cigar.

In addition to his wife: Donna; he is survived by his daughter: Linda, wife of Edward Schreiner, of Lancaster; son: Charles “Chip” Prinz, husband of Sheri Buffenmyer, of Ephrata; and daughter: Tracy Prinz, wife of Christopher Brown, of Los Angeles, Calif.; and four grandchildren: Nathan, Edward, Nettie, and Amelia.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial service at Bethany United Church of Christ at 140 E. Main St., Ephrata, on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 2:30 p.m. Friends may greet the family from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service. A private interment will be held at the family’s convenience.

Per Charlie’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter in support of his wife, Donna; or to Bethany United Church of Christ.

The post Charles A. Prinz Jr., 78, Ephrata, Navy vet, professional photographer, supporter of the arts appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Clarence R. Wise Jr., 73, of Ephrata, went to be with his Savior Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at his residence.

He was born in Ephrata to the late Clarence R. Wise Sr. and Geraldine Mae (Heffner) Wise.

Clarence, known as “Junior,” was a 60-year active member of Bergstrasse Lutheran Church, Ephrata. He was also a member of the weekly “Tuesday Boys.” He enjoyed hunting, bowling, and fishing in his adult years. Clarence worked in maintenance and was a night watchman for the Landis Valley Farm Museum and Ephrata Cloister. He will be greatly missed by family and friends who loved him.

Clarence is survived by a sister: Judith R. Steffy, of Lancaster; three nieces: Angela Montgomery, Shari Steffy and Kristen Smith; one great-niece: Amanda Deebel; three great-nephews: Jordan Steffy, Zachary Montgomery and Jaheim Smith; three great-great-grandnieces: Emma and Olivia Deebel and Meera Steffy; and a cousin: LaVerne B. Hyman, of Akron.

A viewing will be held Friday, Jan. 15, from 10 to 11 a.m., at the Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9 Hahnstown Road, Ephrata, followed by his funeral service at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Herbert A. Lohr officiating. Interment will take place in the Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Clarence’s memory may be made to Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9 Hahnstown Road, Ephrata, PA 17522.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

The post Clarence R. Wise Jr., 73, Ephrata, Ephrata Cloister night watchman, active at Bergstrasse ELC appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Jason J. Steffy, 82, beloved husband, dad, and pappy, went home to be with his Savior Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, after a brief illness.

Jason, of 139 Country View Drive, Ephrata, was married to Maribelle (McGinnis) Steffy, and they celebrated 62 years of marriage on May 9. He was the son of the late Noah and Metta (Martin) Steffy.

Jason is lovingly remembered by his six children as a godly and dedicated father. Surviving are three sons: Randall, married to Sara (Frey), of Lancaster; Jason Scott, married to Sue (Frey), of Lititz; Thomas, married to Victoria (Martin), of Leola; and three daughters: Joan, married to James Ranck, of Christiana; Julia, married to Jeffrey Horst, Gordonville; and Jan, married to Dean Mast, Lancaster. In addition to his children, he will be missed by an Ethiopian “daughter”: Fasika Berhane, McLean, Va.; 17 grandchildren: Jeremy, Austin, Alex, Matt, Shelby, Melissa, Rachael, Hamilton, Sean, Tanner, Olivia, Morgan, Marshall, Sophia, Mitchell, Madeline, and Monica; 10 great-grandchildren, and one on the way. Jason is also survived by three sisters: Marian (Naaman) King of Atglen; Edith Hershey of Ephrata; and Harriet (Joseph) Kepiro of Ephrata.

Jason served in 1-W service as a milk tester in Towanda, before beginning his career as a self-employed wood and metal patternmaker with Steffy’s Pattern Shop, Bareville, until retiring in 2005. Jason faithfully pastored at Village Chapel Mennonite Church for 25 years and generously gave his leadership gifts in service to Lancaster Mennonite School Board as chairman for 13 years.

Devoted to his wife and family, Jason will be fondly remembered for his gentle nature, his gracious spirit, and his sage wisdom. His woodworking skills became hobby in his retirement years, and he meticulously crafted countless gifts for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed reading, travel, gardening, and making grandfather clocks. He leaves a legacy of honesty, integrity, and a desire to do things right.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Chester and Allan; and two sisters: Alberta Benner and Faith Buckwalter.

A time to greet the family will be held 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14, and Friday, Jan. 15, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Hinkletown Mennonite Church, Division Highway, Ephrata. A memorial service celebrating Jason’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15, following visitation. Pastor Jeffrey Horst and Bishop Lloyd Hoover will officiate. Private family interment will take place at Groffdale Mennonite Church, with Pastor Thomas Philpot officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jason’s memory to Fairmount Homes Caring Fund, 333 Wheat Ridge Drive, Ephrata; or Village Chapel Mennonite Church, “Jason Steffy Memorial Fund,” 350 Wissler Road, New Holland.

Special thanks to Compassionate Care Hospice, Home Instead, and Fairmount Homes for the kindness and care shown to Jason, Maribelle, and family.

To send the family online condolences visit groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.

The post Jason J. Steffy, 82, Ephrata, operated pattern shop, chaired Lanc. Menn. School Board appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Janet C. Fritz, 85, of Ephrata, and formerly of Reading, passed away at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016.

She was the loving wife of the late Wilbur M. Fritz, who passed away April 24, 1995, and daughter of the late Morris and Julia (Sitko) Miller.

Janet had worked in the offices of the former Gerhart Bros. Coal and Lumber Co. and Walter Heckrote Insurance of Ephrata.

She enjoyed reading, traveling, and solving crossword puzzles.

Janet is survived by two children: Kim N., wife of James Michener; and Derek D. Fritz, all of Ephrata; three grandchildren: Lori Michener of Lancaster, Peter Michener of Philadelphia, and Michael Fritz of East Earl; four great-grandchildren; one sister: Shirley Rupp of Ephrata; and one brother: William Miller, husband of Kathy, of Ephrata.

In addition to her husband and parents, Janet was preceded in death by one grandson: Aaron Fritz; one sister: Fern Christ; and one brother: Jack Miller.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Donations in Janet’s memory may be made to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

Arrangements under the care of Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata. To send an online condolence, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com.

The post Janet C. Fritz, 85, Ephrata, Gerhart Bros., Heckrote Insurance employee, mother of two appeared first on Ephrata Review.