Daniel Bernhardt Witmer, 77

October 19, 2014

Daniel Bernhardt Witmer, 77, passed away at Lancaster Regional Medical Center on October 19, 2014. He was born in Ronks, PA on June 9, 1937 to the late David L. and Anna Mae (Bernhardt) Witmer, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Arvella Pennington Witmer, and his two sons and their fiancées; Steven D. and Dianne Roeder and Michael P. and Bonnie Godsman; a brother, Benjamin J. of Lancaster; and a sister, Martha Krauss, married to Will, of Matthews, NC. He was preceded in death by a brother, David L., Jr. and a sister Patricia Spadea, married to John, of Lemon Grove, CA.

Growing up on a farm in East Lampeter Township, Dan had an appreciation and knack for all things mechanical. Always the motorcycle enthusiast, Dan was a novice racer in the late 1950s and early 60s.
He was a motorcycle mechanic for Lancaster Harley-Davidson, Willow Street, PA for 40 years until his retirement in 2003 and a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association. Dan was a founding member of the Whispering Pines Hunting Club, Lewistown PA and was a member of Historic Schaefferstown, Inc and Rough and Tumble Historic Associations.

Serving his country in the US Marine Corps from 1956 to 1958, he was a solid man who believed in doing the right thing always, keeping his word always, and living life while you can.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, P.O. Box 29543, San Francisco, CA 94129.

A brief Memorial Service will be held at 2pm on Monday, October 27, 2014 at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543.

The family will host a Celebration of Life from 4:00-6:00 PM, Monday, October 27 at Lancaster Harley Davidson, 308 Beaver Valley Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584. Ts, leathers and two wheels are encouraged. All motors are welcome.