Jacob Linneaus Harnly

Jacob Linneaus Harnly, resident at Landis Homes Retirement Community in Lititz and formerly of Manheim, died peacefully on Saturday, April 20, 2019 with his family by his side. He was 94 years old. Born in Upper Leacock Township, Lancaster County, he was the son of the late David E. and Lillian E. (Snyder) Harnly.

He and his wife Jeanette enjoyed 63 years of marriage until her death in 2014. He was a faithful and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by a daughter, Judith H. Maurice (Keith) of New Holland; and son, Dr. Neal S. Harnly of Elizabethtown; four grandchildren: Jeffrey S. Shirk of Lancaster, Heather N. Blake (Ryan) of Lewisburg, WV, Taylor J. Brandt (Sara) of Lancaster, and Elyse M. Catoe (Colin) of Kingwood, TX; nine great-grandchildren: Keira A. Shirk (and her mother, Lisa D. Griffin), Andrew R. Blake, Jillian R. Yount (and her mother, Tara E. Yount), Sage Renee Brandt, Brandt R. Blake, Evren S. Brandt, Jonah S. Catoe, John A. Blake, and Caleb S. Catoe; a sister-in-law, Ella Judy Harnly of Lancaster; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, A. Renee Brandt; his stillborn sister, Bertha Mae; sisters: Dorothy A. Hart, and Barbara E. Harnly; and brothers: David, Lester, and Raymond. He was the last of his immediate family.

Jake was known to many in the Manheim community as the calm and considerate service manager at the former Sauder Chevrolet Company, where he was employed for 42 years.

He grew up in Manheim and graduated from Manheim High School in 1942. As a young teenager, he spent his summers working on a farm north of the borough. After graduation, he served as a conscientious objector in Civilian Public Service, first in the Grottoes, VA, as a farm worker, and then at Marlboro, NJ, as a hospital worker until the end of WWII. Upon returning to Manheim he worked for Longenecker Greenhouses.

Jake had a trusting awareness of the presence of God. He and Jeanette were founding members of Bethel Mennonite Church of Lancaster, where he served as deacon and Sunday School teacher. Later he served as Sunday School teacher at Mount Joy Mennonite Church.

In his retirement he devoted considerable time to his grandchildren and his love of gardening. One of his greatest pleasures was growing flowers. Roses were among his favorites.

After he and Jeanette moved to Landis Homes, he continued to provide loving care to his wife until her death.

His family and those who knew Jake will remember him as kind, patient, steadfast, and faithful. He was respected for his quiet wisdom. He will be missed.

The family wishes to recognize the skilled and loving care that Jake received at Lancaster General Hospital, both in the Emergency Room and on 6th Floor West.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his memorial service at Landis Homes Retirement Community, WEST BETHANY CHAPEL, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at 3:00 PM. Friends may visit with the family immediately following the service. Interment will be private in Kraybill Mennonite Cemetery, East Donegal Township. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send contributions in Jake’s memory Landis Homes Caring Fund, Development Office, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543.