Louise Augusta Victoria (Zeitler) Witmer, 97, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 14, 2023 with her family at her side at The Glen at Willow Valley Communities. Louise was born in Ashland, Wisconsin on April 1, 1926. She was the daughter of the late Peter and Elizabeth Zeitler, who had emigrated to the USA in 1923 from the village of Theta near Bayreuth, Germany. After her family moved to Dublin, PA and Elkton, MD, they settled in Glasgow, DE, where she graduated from Newark (DE) High School. The family developed Zeitler Farms, a large (for its time) well-regarded purebred Guernsey dairy farm. Louise loved all animals and was heavily involved with the care and management of the young stock. A group of Lancaster County Guernsey Breeders visited Zeitler Farms in 1950. Among the group was Raymond F. Witmer. Louise (shyly) caught his eye, and the rest is history, 61 years of marriage. Raymond and Louise partnered to develop and operate Penn Del Farm (the farm on which he was born), a nationally recognized purebred Guernsey farm located along Beaver Valley Pike, in Strasburg Township, for 36 years. They developed numerous milk production records and award-winning animals. Most prominent was Penn Del Farm’s pride and joy, Penn Del Vesuvius Glenna, a three-time national champion cow. Louise and Raymond were recognized in many dairy-related business circles including at the county, state, and national levels. Louise had a big smile, a hearty laugh, and a huge heart. She was always ready to learn about someone’s day or adventure. She was a cookie and pie-maker whiz. At Christmas, she would be scouting out shoeboxes to wrap in festive paper and load with cookies to share with family, friends, and neighbors. There was one lone apple tree near the farmhouse, and for her, none of those apples could go to waste. Jars of applesauce would be flowing everywhere and shared with anyone who happened to stop in on any occasion. Her dogs were constant companions ... if you needed to find her, you looked for one of them and she would be nearby. She enjoyed taking walks on the farm, walking stick in hand. She never lost her cheerful perspective on life and could brighten anyone’s day.
Louise was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg for 71 years, throughout which she served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, avid prayer warrior, and active member of the Presbyterian Women’s Association, where she prolifically used her crocheting and quilting talents. Additionally, Louise was an active member of Farm Women Society #22, where she served as secretary for many years. Louise is survived by her four children: Peter C. (husband of Phyllis J.) of Lancaster; Mark Z. (husband of Betty J.) of Lancaster; Susan L. Silverstein (wife of Mitchell L.) of West Chester; and Mary A. Wile (wife of William H.) of Willow Street; and five grandchildren: William Witmer of Lancaster; Kenneth Witmer of Kailua, Hawaii; Jenna Witmer of Lancaster; Zacharie Silverstein of Seattle, Washington; and Gabriel Witmer of Lancaster; and seven great grandchildren. The last of her Zeitler generation, Louise was preceded in death by brothers Christian Zeitler, Fritz Zeitler, Hans Zeitler, Maximillian Zeitler and a sister, Elizabeth (Zeitler) Haenlein. The family expresses its profound thanks and gratitude to the staff of the Glen at Willow Valley Communities for the loving and affectionate care provided to Louise over the ten years she was a resident there. Additionally, a special thank you to Caring Hospice Services for their comfort and support over the past many months. A private traditional interment will be held in Willow Street Mennonite Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, 101 South Decatur Street, Strasburg, PA on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00AM with Rev. Robert K. Bronkema officiating. An informal visitation will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Louise’s memory may be sent to Caring Hospice Services, 101 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603, or Water Street Mission 210 South Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Arrangements entrusted to Murray A. Miller. reynoldsandshivery.com Comments are closed.
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