Obituary of Melvin G. Hoffer

Melvin G. Hoffer, 90, of Elizabethtown, PA, entered heaven's glory on Wednesday evening, April 12, 2017 at United Zion Retirement Community, Lititz. Born in Mount Joy Twp., Lancaster County, he was the son of the late Christ H. and Margie Greiner Hoffer. He was the husband of the late Violet Sweigart Hoffer for 51 years prior to her passing in 2001. Mel was a lifelong farmer and faithful member of Elizabethtown United Zion Church where he served as treasurer, trustee, board member, and deacon for many years. He also served on the Board of Directors of both the United Zion Camp Grove and United Zion Retirement Community. In addition to farming, Mel drove school bus for the former Johnson Bus Service and was a salesman for Brandt Farm Supply and Hernley's Farm Equipment, all in Elizabethtown. In addition to spending time with his family and going to the mountains, he enjoyed hunting and visiting shut-ins. Mel also spent time volunteering at the Elizabethtown Fair, Mennonite Central Committee, and United Zion Retirement Community. He is survived by four children, Shirley L., wife of Glenn M. Moyer, Sharon L., wife of William J. Pierce, Jr., and Melva J., wife of Gerry L. Kready, all of Manheim, and Melvin C., husband of Sandra L. Landis Hoffer, of Mount Joy; 13 grandchildren, Wendy (Don) Horning, Eric (Sally) Moyer, Brent (Jonna) Pierce, Chad (Christine) Moyer, Jody (Jim) Fessler, Jeremy (Michelle) Kready, Ryan (Amy) Moyer, Nicole (Dave) Hardy, Travis Pierce, Keli (Daniel) Witmer, Ren (Julie) Hoffer, Jevin (Courtney) Kready, and Laken Hoffer, fiancée of Ryan Pelayo; 23 great grandchildren; and a sister, Theda Gibson of Edgewater, FL. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Ebersole and Velma Fittery. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday morning, April 18, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Elizabethtown United Zion Church, 401 East Park Street, Elizabethtown, PA. All are invited to a luncheon at the church immediately after the service with interment to follow lunch in the Elizabethtown Mennonite Cemetery. The family will receive guests at a viewing at the church on Monday evening from 6-8 PM and on Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:45 AM. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 21 South 12th Street, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500 or to the caring fund of United Zion Retirement Community, 722 Furnace Hills Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. To express a condolence with the family or to watch a webcast of the funeral beginning the day following the service, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.