Kenneth J. "Ken" Hartzler

Kenneth J. “Ken” Hartzler, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, April 1, 2024 at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Elkhart, IN, he was the son of the late John and Catherine Fisher Hartzler. 

Ken was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was devoted to his wife, Janet Horning Hartzler, with whom he would have celebrated 52 years of marriage in July. In addition, he is survived by a daughter, Rhonda, married to Pret Zook of Schaefferstown, and a son Brad, married to Jenn Hartzler of Lititz; three grandchildren, Kaitlan, Caleb, and Alison Zook; three siblings Kaye Hartzler of Las Vegas, NM, Vivian Hunt, husband of John of Kansas City, MO, and Wayne Hartzler, husband of Nickie of Terre Haute, IN. He was preceded in death by siblings Laveta Randall, Ernest, Louis, and Ruby Hartzler. 

Ken obtained a BS in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, a BS in Electrical Engineering from University of South Florida, and a Master of Engineering Science from Penn State University. Ken was actively employed as an engineer by the PA Department of Environmental Protection. In earlier years, he worked for Hershey Foods, Sechan Electronics, and Turkey Hill Dairy. Ken served four years in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He attended Jerusalem Church in Manheim. Ken was a lifelong ambassador for amateur “ham” radio. He obtained the highest level of licensure, Amateur Extra Class (NI3Y.) He was a part of various Ham Radio clubs and enjoyed using amateur radio to connect with people all over the world, help first responders with EMS training, and mentored other operators.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ken’s Memorial Service at South Lebanon Community Church, 13 Evergreen Road, Lebanon on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Saturday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Interment will be private in Gingrich’s Mennonite Cemetery.