10/12/2024
Robert E. “Bob” Stoltzfus, 91, of Lancaster, PA, beloved dad and Papaw, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024 after a lengthy battle with respiratory issues.
Born to Samuel and Mary (Auer) Stoltzfus in Upper Leacock Township during the Depression, he was delivered by his dad. He attended a one-room school in Hopeland, PA until moving to East Lampeter and graduated from East Lampeter High School in 1950. Drafted into the Army in 1953, he served in the Korean War. He married June Reese on April 15, 1956 and they had three children. Working in the boat business most of his life, he worked at Trojan Yacht, Hartman & Lapp Marine and eventually went into business himself, along with his business partner, Jim Witmer, and established B & J Marine at Long Level along the Susquehanna until his retirement. After retirement, he worked part-time at Manheim Auto Auction and worked for his brother repairing guitars at Lancaster Musical Repair in Lancaster. If he worked for you, you were guaranteed a full day’s work. He participated in the Lafayette Lions Club for over 40 years and had served as President. He served with the East Lampeter Ambulance Association for many years and was awarded a Lifetime Membership.
He enjoyed hunting all his life, as a child small game hunting with his dad and going to the mountains each year to hunt deer and turkey, taking his sons on some of those trips. He also enjoyed traveling with friends and family, especially a memorable trip to Disney World with his granddaughters. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and the Phillies but more than anything spending time with his family, most recently having the family together for the annual corn freezing day at his house.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Karen See (Mike); sons, Terry Stoltzfus (Margaret) and Todd Stoltzfus (Tina); grandchildren, Amy Hurst (Jon), Ali Stoltzfus, Chyna Brown (Alexander) and Paige Breitegan (Jon); four great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Jim Stoltzfus (late Pat), and Larry Stoltzfus (Polly).
He is preceded in death by his wife, June in 2023, and his brother, Rodney Stoltzfus.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lafayette Lions Club, c/o Michael Witmer, 1882 Windy Hill Rd., Lancaster, PA 17602.
A private service will be held for the family. Interment at Mellinger’s Mennonite Cemetery.