Obituaries

Robert L. “Bob” Harnish, 72

October 09, 2025

Robert Lamar “Bob” Harnish, 72, of Lititz, passed away peacefully at home on October 9, 2025. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Paul and Anna (Landis) Harnish. He was married to Karen Arlene (Deiter) Harnish for almost 50 years.

Bob grew up on a dairy-crop farm and he spent countless hours milking cows and growing crops and tomatoes. A graduate of Penn Manor High School, he had various opportunities in work/school programs, such as working for The Holsum Bakery, a fabric shop, and various restaurants. After marrying Karen, Bob began his 27-year career as the chief baker for “The Bake Shop” in Lititz and “Kissel View Farm Bakery” and catering business, located on the family farm. Bob also enjoyed working at Manheim Auto Auction and doing celery trimming and delivery for Sweethearts of Lancaster County. Most of all, Bob cherished his grandchildren and always greeted them with an I Love You, You are very special.

In addition to Karen, Bob is survived by 3 children: Andrew Michael Harnish (Lisa), Jennifer Lynn Kimeli (Brian), and Krista Joy Cruz (Ezequiel); 8 grandchildren: Holly Marie Harnish, Drew Michael Harnish, Alex Marshal Harnish, Zelia Joy Cruz, Mervin Ezequiel Cruz, Salina Chepchumba Kimeli, Louisa Arlene Cruz, and Ethan Isaiah Cruz; and 6 siblings: Larry Harnish (Paula), Jean Hoover (Don), Marlin Harnish (Sharon), Cheryl Burkholder (Rick), Leslie Harnish, and Dale Harnish (Kelly).

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 5-8 PM at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 11 AM at Worship Center, 2384 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. The family will receive guests beginning at 10 AM until the time of the service. A meal will immediately follow at the church. Interment will be held at 3 PM at East Petersburg Mennonite Cemetery, 6279 Main St, East Petersburg, PA 17520. Flowers are graciously accepted (Karen loves them!).

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Condolences to the Family

October 15, 2025

Oh my !! Good times w the Harnishes when our kids went to Manheim Christian Day School, you had a kid to play with  each of mine !! You guys always ❤️ loved on us including Karen’s parents and kept us supplied w goodies, love and hospitality and friendship ❤️ ill always cherish those memories 💖 ❤️ ♥️ .Laura Garvey -Maul

October 15, 2025

I was sad to hear of Bob’s passing, but imagined his face when he saw his Saviour. Bob was an example of helping others and always had a servants heart and a ready smile whenever he popped into Outback Toys. My condolences and prayers to the whole family. Renee Horn

October 13, 2025

Jenny Harnish Brian Kimeli and Family Please accept our deepest sympathies. You are in our hearts and prayers.
‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ – Psalm 34:18
With love, Vincent Kibet and Family.

October 13, 2025

We don’t lose loved ones, we send them on ahead! Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Bob was a Faithful Servan

October 12, 2025

I am sorry for your loss i will miss Bob alot it’s Johnny and charity breneman I am so glad we visited yous a couple weeks ago I really enjoyed talking to him when I picked up the celery trimming he was so kind to me I will never forget one time a got the celery trimming and I payed him cash about 50 to 100 dollars and we were going through hard times than I just got a heart operation not long ago and he handed the money back to me I was so glad I had to  cry I know than that Jesus was working with us it sure was great me and Bob talked about Jesus and about life our prayers are with you all Johnny and charity breneman 

October 12, 2025

I became friends with Karen Harnish through a writers’ group I joined in Lititz area in the fall of 2004.  I was drawn to Karen’s quiet strength and Christian faith and we started a friendship from that class.  There was a time of ‘long distance’ friendship where we lost touch as I moved to the Reading, PA area for 9 years.  I rejoined our friendship last year and I’m very glad for Karen’s willingness to pick up where we left off.  I met Bob a few times through that friendship with Karen and immediatley felt his warm spirit and loving nature.  I know Bob’s waiting for all of his loved ones (especially his loving wife) on the REAL SIDE of life–the ETERNAL one…sharing the bliss and pure joy of our Precious Jesus Christ the Lord of all creation.

October 10, 2025

We are so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers for the family. Bob and Shirley Thomas

October 10, 2025

I am so sorry for your families loss… I have great child hood memories husking corn at the bake shop as a kid. Bob was a GREAT man!! Joshua Matters

Visitation
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Thursday, October 16, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Worship Center
2384 New Holland Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services
Thursday, October 16, 2025
11:00 AM
Worship Center
2384 New Holland Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
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