Dale E. Witmer

Dale E. Witmer, 62, of East Petersburg, entered into rest on Sunday, February 28, 2010, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Born in Lancaster, Dale was the son of J. Stanley and Ethel (Wenger) Witmer of Lancaster. He was the husband of Jeanne M. (Wert) Witmer, and they celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary in December of last year.

Dale graduated from Manheim Central High School in 1965 and Dyke College in Cleveland, Ohio with a bachelors degree in Accounting and Business Administration in 1969, and then served two years in alternate service at the Winchester Memorial Hospital in Virginia.

Dale was a certified public accountant and loved to work with numbers. He was employed as the real estate manager for Harvest View Apartments in Mount Joy. Previously, he enjoyed working with his family at Witmers Greenhouses and served in management for Boyd Wilson and the Horst Group. He also maintained a private tax service business for many years.

Dale was a lifelong member of Erisman Mennonite Church. He acted in many leadership roles there, including serving as Deacon, Church Chairman, and adult Sunday school teacher. He cared deeply about missions and served on the board of Eastern Mennonite Missions and as treasurer for Fundameno. As a part of his work with Fundameno, he helped establish the Bezaleel school in Guatemala.

Dale loved nature. He especially enjoyed annual canoe trips and weeklong vacations in Ocean City, New Jersey with his family. He also loved to garden.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and his grandchildren were the love of his life.

Surviving in addition to his wife and parents are four sons: Donovan husband of Julie Roberts Witmer of Lancaster, Douglas husband of Rebecca Thut Witmer, Denison Witmer husband of Jennie Noakes, David Witmer all of Philadelphia, four grandchildren: Juan, Salena, Ruben, and Noemi, a brother, Jay husband of Elsie Witmer and a sister, Linda Witmer all of Lancaster.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Dales Celebration of Life Service on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 3:00 PM at the Erisman Mennonite Church 8 South Erisman Road Manheim, PA. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family in Erisman Mennonite Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Saturday afternoon from 2-4PM with additional visitation on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 PM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Dales memory to Bezaleel C/O Fundameno Attention: Carl Metzler 105 North View Road Lititz, PA 17543 or Adoption Advocates International 709 South Peabody Port Angeles, Washington 98362.