Obituaries
Arthur Lengacher, 98
December 21, 2015
Arthur Lengacher, 98, formerly of Kinzers, died Monday, December 21, 2015 at Garden Spot Village, New Holland.
Born in Krukovo, Russia, October 24, 1917, he was the son of the late Wilhelm and Margarethe Loesner Lengacher. He was married 57 years to the love of his life Martha Lengacher, who died September 4, 2002. He is survived by his three daughters, Edith, wife of David Duckworth of East Petersburg; Astrid, wife of Dr. Michael Ross, Denver, Colorado; and Heidi, wife of Dr. Michael Cohen of Lititz; a son, Arthur Jr., husband of Anne Weaver Lengacher of Gordonville; six grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers, Wilhelm and Alfred, and two sisters, Grete and Hanni.
Arthur and his wife operated Lengacher’s Swiss Cheese House, Kinzers, from 1955 until they retired in 1996.
Arthur had been a member of Bellevue Presbyterian Church since 1956. He was a member of the Christiana Lodge No. 417 Free and Accepted Masons of Pa., the Rajah Shrine of Reading, the Gap Lion’s Club, and the Lancaster Ski Club. He served on the school board of Pequea Valley School District. He was fluent in 5 languages.
He graduated from Agricultural Science School in Switzerland.
At the age of 4, Arthur and his family were able to escape from his homeland of Russia, during the Bolshevik Revolution and emigrate to Grenchen, Switzerland. He grew up on a mountain farm and worked very hard as a lumberjack. He grew up on skis and competed and won many medals as a young man in down-hill skiing, slalom, cross country skiing and ski jumping. He enjoyed helicopter skiing to the Bugaboos, British Columbia, and competed in the NASTAR Finals in Steamboat Springs, CO in 1988 and finished second in the 70 and over age group. He was an avid sports fan of Philadelphia 76er’s, Phillies and Eagles.
He met his beloved Martha during his service in the Swiss Army Ski Patrol during WWII. After the birth of their 3 oldest children, Arthur wanted a better life for his children, and being a courageous man, he emigrated once again to America in 1952, not knowing one word of English and having only a few dollars to his name. He was in search of the American dream and he was willing to work very hard to achieve it. After 6 months of saving every penny, he sent for his wife and 3 children to join him and he purchased a Swiss Cheese Factory in 1955 in Kinzers, PA. Their fourth child was born in America.
Arthur and Martha traveled the world together until Martha’s death in 2002. Arthur was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He was kind, honest, generous, and respectful. He taught his children the meaning of hard work and to live their lives by following the Golden Rule. He will be dearly missed by his children.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Garden Spot Village for their professional and kind care that they gave to Arthur during his stay in Personal and Skilled Care.
A private memorial service will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Arthur’s memory to the charity of your choice.
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Condolences to the Family
October 16, 2020
I worked at Lengachers cheese house from 1970 to 1974. I learned to love Arthur and his family. Have many good memories. What a unique job. Loved it so. I say hello to his wonderful children. I left the cheese house when Art jr. Returned from the Navy. Lee and I moved to cambria county on a small farm in 1975. We remember visiting at the Lengachers home at Christmas time. We lived in Paradise at the time. Condolences to the family. Arthur was a great man. I learned alot from him and Roland. Peace to you all…….Bob and Lee Rannels❤
March 05, 2018
My family patronized Lengacher’s Cheese House from around 1968, until the Lengacher’s retired. We lived in western Chester County, and passed by the business several times while heading to Lancaster. One particular evening, we were watching Wally Bruner’s “What’s My Line”, and were introduced to Mr. Lengacher, when he “signed in”. When his occupation was shown to the audience, “Swiss Cheese maker”, my parents immediately identified his last name – with that of the cheese house.
On average, we visited the store on almost a monthly basis. The name “Lengacher” was synonomous with quality. My condolences on your loss, and I thank your family for helping to make the Octorara Area a great place to live, and raise a family.
Tim, from Parkesburg
March 08, 2016
Dear Heidi,
Our deepest feelings for the passing of your father. You will be surprised: I am Francesc Bofill from Barcelona. our families met at least during two summers holidays, maybe 40 years ago in Salou when you travelled with our common Swiss friends the Feller-Trachsler from Grenchen; they are dearly missed as well as your mother Martha and my father Joan. I expect you and Arthur Jr are fine and hugs to all of you!
francesc.bofill@gmail.com
January 27, 2016
Heidi, Buebi (hope I am spelling that correctly), Astrid and Edith,
I just learned of Papa’s passing and am mourning, as I am sure all of you are. You know how special ALL of your are to me and Papa was like my second father. Kind, gentle, thoughtful, caring, the platitudes could go on and on. And a gentlemen to the fault. There will never be another like him and he will be missed and remembered by so many. My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time. Once you are over your initial grief, you will be able to reflect on how truly special both Mama and Papa were for years and years. I love and miss you all.
Sue Remley
December 31, 2015
Heidi, I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a nice man that I remember fondly whenever I was there. He truly was a gentleman.
Joan Parmer Bills
December 29, 2015
The Crandall’s in Vermont and Zurich send their sympathies to our dear Lengacher friends. While many miles and extended periods of separation have prevented our ability to visit on a regular basis, we hold you all dear to our hearts. Your Papa was such a wonderful influence on our lives and we remember fondly the days in your cheese house, watching him work the milk to make those giant wheels of Swiss Cheese. He is at rest with Martha!
Our best wishes and sincere hugs to you all. We look forward to visiting with you again sometime soon.
Love, Francie and Jeff and all the Clan!
December 28, 2015
Heidi, We are so sorry to hear the news. Your dad was such a sweetheart. He lived a good long life and was so lucky to have you, Artie, Edith, spouses and grandchildren so near by. You and your family have always been so special to me.
Love, Merle and Rick
December 28, 2015
Dear Edith, Astrid, Art and your extended families,
Thinking of all of you and the sadness that you are feeling as you say goodbye to your father. May you find comfort knowing that mama and papa have reunited. Your family has always been very special to our family. Many fond memories that we will forever carry. Peace of Christ be with you all. Blessings to all of you as you carry on the family legacy!
Love,
Brenda Young Grager and family
December 26, 2015
Dear Heidi, Edith, Astrid, Art and your families,
Every time I think of Arthur, I smile. He was the best….a kind and generous man. I know that he provided a fine example as a loving father, husband and friend to all who knew him, so his legacy will live on in all who were fortunate to have been touched by his grace. The world was definitely a better place because of his presence and now the heavens will celebrate his magnificence! We will miss you, dear Arthur! ❤️
With deep sympathy,
Mary Ann Heltshe-Steinhauer
December 23, 2015
Dear Edith, Nancy and the rest of the family. Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss. My parents and I always enjoyed visiting with your father. I know he is in a better place and back with the love of his life that he missed so very much. He was the perfect example of a loving father, grandfather and husband. Try and have a Merry Christmas. I’m sure he would want that. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary Stauffer, Evelyn and Charles Heitshu
December 23, 2015
We have many fond memories of as my father used to call him”the big cheese”. He will be missed by all, a twinkle in his eye, a kind word, always a gentleman.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. May you find peace in the many memories that you hold dear to your hearts. God be with you at this time.
The Harlan (Mose) Stauffer family
December 23, 2015
Sincere condolences to the Lengacher family!
So sorry to hear of your loss!
With sympathy from Sally, Ron, Carol, & Sue Bouder
December 23, 2015
Dear Heidi and family,
I am saddened to hear of the loss of your father. I only knew him as your dad and remember him from my many visits to the Cheese House; but what an amazing and adventurous life he led! He was a remarkable man, and all of you certainly are living testament to his values of hard work and discipline.
My most heartfelt sympathies go out to you for the loss of this dear man. He will be remembered fondly.
With love,
Peggy Darling and family
December 22, 2015
Dear Lengacher Family-
The world has truly lost a fine gentleman. As a young Gap girl, he always greeted me with a friendly smile, kind words, and that wonderful twinkle in his eye! Please accept my deepest condolences.
Debbie Coates Heffner
December 22, 2015
Dear Edith,Astrid,ArthurJr.,Heidi and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have lost a special Lancaster and Sanibel Island friend.We have so many fond memories of both of your parents at Donax Village! ( even taught us how to make fabulous swiss fondue!) Tom had many good times as a child with all of you at your home. These are memories we will hold onto for a lifetime. We will keep you in our prayers and remember your father as a loving, gentle, and kind person. Love Tom and Jane Groff
December 22, 2015
Dear Art and Anne,
This is obviously a great loss — we feel your pain, as we have both previously lost our fathers.
Hang in there — you will receive a flood of happy memories as time goes on.
God bless you (and you probably didn’t even sneeze!) ?
With love,
Rick and Cathy
December 22, 2015
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Lengacher Family. I remember Mr. Lengacher from when I was around 12 years old. My Dad, Cliff Bixler, had his own business and we would stop there on our way home from the Broomall Market on Saturday’s to get Swiss Cheese. I remember the big vats in the front of the store where the cheese was made, and I remember Art Jr., plugging the swiss cheese for us so we could see if the holes were big or small – our customers liked the small holes. Being very true to his obituary, Mr. Lengacher was a gentleman, and very kind. I loved talking to him and will never forget him. I have very fond memories. I will say prayers during this difficult time for the family for peace and healing.
Sincerely,
Lisa Bixler Witman
December 22, 2015
Dear Art and Ann, I know Diane wrote a note this morning, but just wanted to add my input.
We send our condolences to all the family. What a fantastic life story. A fine person all around, your Dad set a clear example of how hard work, lots of smarts and great ethics resulted in a great family and life so well lived. Hope to see you soon. Love, David
December 22, 2015
Glory to God on the Highest. What a wonderful amazing man, Art Lengacher, was. Truly a man that loved life to the fullest. I remember meeting Art Lengacker at the age of 10-11 years old. In the money room – at the Lions Club Carnival – I was in charge of counting the coins. And Art was trying to explain something to me. He and I got to laughing because he knew I truly couldn’t understand what he was saying to me. However, over the years and years to come, I could understand the wisdom that this man professed. His love for his sweet Martha, his family, his country and most importantly to his Lord and Savior. I will see you again some day Art. May you know you are loved by many!
Paula Ardrey Diem
December 22, 2015
We just got word of Arthur’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you. What an amazing life he lived! Thinking of you, Art and Anne, and all family members of this remarkable man. All Our Best, David and Diane Moore
December 22, 2015
My sympathies to the family. I am so sorry for your loss. My grandfather Frank Nickel, had a delivery route and use to deliver Blue Ribbon cakes & Little Debbie products to Lengacher Cheese for many years. I remember being with him once and we stopped there for a delivery. He use to bring home ham & swiss cheese sandwiches to my grandmother when his route took him to Gap and Kinzers. He loved stopping at the cheese house on his route. Thanks for the memories. God bless you. Sharon Nickel Myers
December 22, 2015
Dear Lengacher family,
My thoughts are with you all. I remember your father fondly from those many years ago in Gap. I can still see him move those huge wheels of cheese with such great ease. And, I remember his fondness for sport and all the Philly teams (and disappointment of the the 1964 Phillies late-year slump). And most of all, I remeber his kind spirit. He truely had a full life and I know you will miss him.
Much love,
Sanford Hostettter
Richmond, VA
December 22, 2015
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy to Art’s familly. He was a wonderful man and
will certainly be missed.
Bob and Johanna Gingher
December 22, 2015
Bryan, Julie, Matthew and Natalie, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved hearing stories about him. He was an amazing man. Treasure your memories and know that he is always in your heart. Thoughts and prayers are with you always. Love you Granny and Pawpaw Curtis.
December 22, 2015
To the Lengacher family: My sincere condolences to you all. I enjoyed knowing your father and mother through S. Clyde Weaver, Inc. and finding them warm, lovely people. My memories make me smile as I think of them. May God comfort you as you also remember. ~Mary Ann (Landis) Ogburn
December 22, 2015
We want to extend our sympathy and to tell you we thought a great deal of your parents. I know my parents(Red and Emma Robinson) loved them. Your father was indead a gentleman. He will be long remembered He left you with a great heritage. You have had much and so you have loss much.
Emmajane and Bob Denlinger
December 22, 2015
Dear Lengacher Family, I am saddened to see of your father’s passing! He was a wonderful man & was always looked up to by me! I have fond memories of him and your mother at “the cheese house,” and all of you coming into our store. You were (are) a great family! How I wish I would have heard his life story!!
God’s blessing to all of you as you grieve.
Bob Byler ( from BYLER’S STORE.)