11/25/2023
Elmer N. Burkholder, 79, of Leola, died peacefully at home on Saturday, November 25, 2023. A farmer most of his life, he later worked at Sharp Shopper. He was a member of the Groffdale Mennonite Church (Groffdale Conference). Born in Lancaster County, PA on October 14, 1944, he was the son of the late Samuel R. and Anna Mary (Nolt) Burkholder. He was united in marriage to Mary H. (Martin) Burkholder on Feb. 10, 1966.
Surviving besides his wife are: sons, John Elmer (Verna Weaver), Leola, Jay Evan (Lucy Nolt), Ephrata, LeRoy M. (Susan Nolt), Leola; daughters, Roseanna M. (Marlin Z.) Newswanger, Shelby, OH, Mary Ella (Marvin W.) Zimmerman, East Earl, Linda M. (Warren) Sensenig, Narvon, Grace M. (Lavern M.) Brubaker, Shiloh, OH, Kathryn M. (Alvin W.) Zimmerman, Penn Yan, NY; 48 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; a sister, Sarah N. (late John Z.) Brubacher, Leola; sisters-in-law, Annetta M. (Nolt) Burkholder, East Earl, Emma Z. (Martin) Burkholder, Ionia, IA. He was preceded in death by: his brothers, Ivan N., Paul N., Leroy N., Willis N., and an infant brother; sisters, Esther N., Martha N., Anna Mary N., Elsie N. Burkholder, Katie N. Zimmerman; 2 grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank Hospice and Community Care for their dedicated service during Elmer’s illness.
Visiting hours are planned at the late home, 181 Forest Hill Rd., Leola, on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM. The funeral is Friday, December 1, 2023 at Groffdale Old Order Mennonite Church, 90 Groffdale Church Rd., Leola, at 9:30 am with Bishop Ammon Weaver officiating. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery.