Raymond F. Witmer of the Willow Valley Communities died at home on Sunday, January 12, 2014. He was 90. Mr. Witmer was born at home in Strasburg Township, a son of the late Clair H. and Minnie B. Rohrer Witmer. He graduated from the vocational agricultural program at Lampeter High School. Mr. Witmer and his wife operated the family farm, Pen Del Farm, where they raised purebred Guernsey cattle. During their 36 years on the farm, they set numerous production records. They also raised award-winning animals, including Penn Del Vesuvius Glenna, a three-time national champion cow.
He worked with many dairy-related organizations, including the FFA, 4-H, the Pennsylvania Dairy and Allied Industries Association, and the Lancaster County Farm & Home Foundation. He was a member of the county, state, and national Guernsey associations. Mr. Witmer was also a member of the board of directors of Lancaster County National Bank, later Hamilton Bank. He served on the Strasburg Township zoning hearing board for 20 years. He had been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg for 61 years. He served the church as a trustee and elder. Mr. Witmer is survived by his wife of 63 years, Louise A Zeitler Witmer; four children, Peter C., husband of Phyllis J. Witmer of Leola, Mark Z., husband of Betty J. Witmer of Lancaster; Susan L., wife of Mitchell L. Silverstein of West Chester, and Mary A., wife of William H. Wile of Willow Street; five grandchildren, William Witmer of Lancaster, Kenneth Witmer of Washington, D.C., Jennea Witmer of Lancaster, Zacharie Silverstein of West Chester, and Gabriel Witmer of Leola; his brother, J. Rohrer, husband of Mary Ella Witmer of Willow Street; and his sister, Miriam Bollinger of Brethren Village. Two brothers, Mervin Witmer and Paul R. Witmer; and a sister, Mary Meyer, are deceased. Friends may call at the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 18. A memorial service will be held from the church at 11 a.m. on that date with the Rev. Robert K. Bronkema officiating. Burial will be in the Willow Street Mennonite Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster PA 17604. Arrangements were made through Reynolds Funeral and Cremation Services, Quarryville. Comments are closed.
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