Obituary of John F. Killian

John F. Killian, 97, of Elizabethtown, PA, entered the Church Triumphant on Thursday evening, February 5, 2026 at Masonic Village Health Care Center. Born in West Reading, he was the son of the late Harry M. and Bessie M. Feeg Killian. He was the husband of Rosemary A. Griffith Killian for 75 years on June 17.

John was an active member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elizabethtown where he was an usher, choir member, and served on the church council. After graduating from West Reading High School in 1946, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. Early in his career, he was employed for seven years by Hershey Chocolate Co. as a manager of distribution. He retired in 1985 as manager from Prudential Insurance Co. after 30 years of employment. John was one of the founders of SIAP (Senior Insurance Assistance Program), now Apprise. He also served on the Governor’s Council on Aging. John was a member of the Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, F&AM in Elizabethtown. In addition to playing golf, he enjoyed traveling.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Susan J. Rhen, of Elizabethtown, Timothy D., husband of Ann Davis Killian, of Elizabethtown, and Barry J, husband of Patricia Brubaker Killian, of Springfield, MO; a daughter-in-law, Suzanne Elliott Killian of Delmar, DE; six grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, John S. Killian; and four siblings, Bruce Killian, Jayne Pierce, Joseph Killian, and James Killian.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday morning, February 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 125 East High Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. There will be no public viewing. The family will receive guests at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Private interment will be in Chiques Cemetery, Manheim. Please omit flowers. if desired, contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church. To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.