Elbert "Bert" B. Nixdorf, 91, of Woodcrest Villa, Lancaster, PA, passed away on Monday, June 11, 2012, at Hospice of Lancaster County, Mount Joy. Born in Lancaster, he was son of the late Washington Musser and Allegra Baker Nixdorf. Bert was a veteran of WWII having served with Special Services 33 ^rd Unit in the European Theater of Operations. He was a graduate of McCaskey High School, Class of 1938, and received a B.A. degree from F&M in 1942. From Temple University in 1948, he received his M.Ed. degree and went on to NYU for his Administrator's certificate. As a retired educator, Bert also worked several years at the Whitesbog Environmental Center near Chatsworth, NJ, presenting lessons to adults and children relating to the environment and history of Southern New Jersey. Additionally, he led nature walks for the Senior LIFE (Learning Institute for Elders) group at Burlington County College as well as volunteered presentations on the historical and cultural aspects of Burlington County, NJ.

Bert grew up in a home environment of nature appreciation. He was active in the Boy Scouts into his college years, the YMCA, Batona Hiking Club, Allentown Hiking Club and the Wilmington Trail Club. He was founder of the Sussex County (NJ) Bird Club and co-founder of the Outdoor Club of South Jersey, serving as its president for eleven years and as trips chairman for fourteen.

In 1964, he published Let's Go and See – Day Trips in New Jersey and Southeastern PA for Families, School and Youth Groups . In 1976, he produced Hikes and Bike Rides in New Jersey and in 1983, Bike Rides in New Jersey .

Bert's interests included traveling, camping, local history, Elderhosteling, birds, wild flowers, gardening, hiking, and stamp collecting. He was a member of Wayside Presbyterian Church, Landisville, PA.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty, two children: Dr. Karl Nixdorf, husband of Debra Davis, Montvale, NJ, and Janet Lorraine, wife of Scott Rowand, of Mount Joy, PA, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his sister Nancy Rose of Lancaster, PA.

A Memorial Service will take place 11:30 AM Saturday, June 16, 2012, in Eagle Commons at Woodcrest Villa, 2001 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA, with The Rev. Stephen P. Fritz and Chaplain Mim Cruz officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 AM in Eagle Commons. Interment in Wayside Presbyterian Church Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Lancaster County Conservancy, PO Box 716, Lancaster, PA 17608, (717) 392-7891. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100