Obituary of Daniel G. Haldeman

Daniel G. Haldeman, 99, of Lititz, PA, formerly of Manheim, PA, was called to Glory on Sunday morning, April 6, 2014 at United Zion Retirement Community where he made his home. Born in Rapho Twp., Lancaster County, PA, he was the son of the late John B. and Annie Ginder Haldeman. He was the husband of Catherine O. Ahner Haldeman for 10 years on February 21. His first wife, Ruth Hosler Haldeman died in 2001 after 64 years of marriage. Dan was the oldest member of Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim where he served as a lifetime deacon, taught Sunday school, and was church treasurer for many years. He also was a 40 year member of a male quartet and sang with the male chorus of the church. Early in his marriage, he and Ruth were house parents at the former Hershey (PA) Industrial School. He later began a long career of farming in Penn Twp. and also was employed for more than 50 years by the Manheim Auto Auction. He was a former Manheim Central School Board member and hosted international students in their home. While in his 70s, Dan hiked the Grand Canyon and camped overnight at the bottom. He also enjoyed bicycling, fishing, gathering mushrooms, picking wine berries, and playing the harmonica. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, Barry L., husband of Colleen Neher Haldeman, of Manheim, Linda H., wife of John R. Kopp, of Sunbury, PA, Mary A., wife of Robert M. Wolgemuth, of Manheim, Bonita L., wife of Ervin R. Stutzman, of Harrisonburg, VA, and Silvia J., wife of William C. Gearhart, of Halifax, PA; a daughter-in-law, Mary E. Bucher Haldeman, of Manheim; three step children, Brenda J., wife of Robert Martz, of Lititz, Judy Ann Ritter of Elizabethtown, PA, and Kathy L., wife of Rickie A. Fry, of Elizabethtown; 23 grandchildren; two step granddaughters; 49 great grandchildren; and two step great grandchildren; and four siblings, David G., husband of Mary Haldeman, of Lancaster, PA, Robert G., husband of Viola Haldeman, of Manheim, Glenn F., husband of Mary Haldeman, of Landisville, PA, and Joyce, wife of Clarence Lowe, of Mount Joy, PA. He is also preceded in death by a son, James H. Haldeman; a daughter-in-law, Donna M. Gochenaur Haldeman; great granddaughter, Gabryella Kopp; and nine siblings, Grace Hoffer, Anna M. Hess, John Henry Haldeman, Phares Haldeman, Martha Elliott, Thelma Keener, Marlin Haldeman, Rufus Haldeman, and an infant brother, Jacob Haldeman. A service to celebrate his life and bring glory to God will be on Wednesday evening, April 9, 2014 at 7:00 PM at Chiques Church of the Brethren, 4045 Sunnyside Road, Manheim, PA with Ervin Stutzman and Ron Strickler officiating. Private interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. There will be no public viewing. The family will greet guests at the church beginning on Wednesday afternoon from 5:30 PM until the time of the service. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made in his memory to Brethren Disaster Services, 601 Main Street, PO Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776-0188. A webcast of the service will be available beginning the day following the service at www.spencefuneralservices.com.