Nelson R. Gingrich, 60, of Manheim, died Saturday, February 6, 2016, at Hospice & Community Care, Mount Joy, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer over a 4-1/2 yr. period. He was born to John Musser Gingrich of Woodcrest Villa and the late Blanche Kreider Gingrich. Nelson was the devoted husband of Yvonne Bomberger Gingrich for 37 years.

A graduate of LMHS, Nelson drove tractor trailer most recently for UPS in Harrisburg. His driving skills were fine tuned while also working at Snavely's in Landisville, Sauder's Eggs in Lititz and Carlos R. Leffler's in Richland, over a 38 yr. span. Nelson enjoyed participating in state & national truck competitions having won many class trophies. His expertise was well established.

Nelson poured a lot of life into a short amount of time. His positive optimism & warm contagious smile drew others into his circle.

He loved the outdoors, boating and watersports. He was an avid slalom skier. Family trips to the Eastern seacoast & the Outer Banks were cherished.

He was a member of LEFC, Lititz, where he was a sunday school teacher and actively involved in an ABF class. His personalized faith was shared with many persons he met.

In addition to his wife Yvonne and father John, Nelson is survived by three children: Ange, wife of Sheldon Horst, Julie, wife of Jeremy Horst and Randy Gingrich, husband of Amy (Zimmerman ); his granddaughter Isabella Horst; and six siblings: Donald Gingrich, husband of Esther, Ann, wife of Richard Martin, David Gingrich, husband of Marian, Ken Gingrich, Sharon, wife of Fred Umble, and Beverly, wife of Larry Kerry.

Following Nelson's wishes, his body was donated to science. A Life celebration will be held at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church in Lititz on March 19th at 2 PM. Please feel free to read Nelson's writings at www.caringbridge.org/visit/nelsongingrich where you can also place a condolence to the family.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hope for Healing Fund; attention Megan Weber, Penn State Hershey, Office of University Development, 90 Hope Drive, A 120,Hershey, PA 17033.