Obituaries
Dwight Harry Brubaker, 82
December 18, 1942 - May 14, 2025
Dwight Harry Brubaker peacefully breathed his last breath on earth and entered his Heavenly Home to meet his Savior, Jesus, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. His final days began with a stroke on May 2, which ultimately inhibited his physical body from sustaining life.
Born on December 18, 1942, Dwight was the son of the late Harry Franklin and Nora (Hershey) Brubaker. He was the devoted husband of Sandra (Smith) Brubaker—his childhood crush who became his high school sweetheart and cherished wife of 63 years.
A lifelong resident of Lancaster, Dwight spent all 82 years of his life in his beloved hometown. He was the fifth generation to grow up on the family farm, where he lived for 65 years before moving from “The Old Homestead” to Mill Creek.
A proud graduate of Conestoga Valley High School’s Class of 1960—the second class to graduate from the “new school”—Dwight was a loyal Buckskin. Thanks to his mother’s help with farm chores, he participated in basketball and tennis, cheered on from the sidelines by Sandy. As class president, Dwight prioritized keeping his classmates connected, organizing regular reunions with Sandy’s help.
His professional life began on the family farm, but when the Host Farm Resort purchased part of their land to build a golf course, Dwight became its first employee. He earned an associate’s degree in Turf Grass Management from Penn State and served as superintendent of the golf course for 15 years, transforming the landscape from fields to manicured greens and beautiful flower beds. He also held board positions and served as president of the Golf Course Superintendent Association.
In 1979, Dwight transitioned into real estate, becoming a partner with Kingsway Realty. This became a sweet spot for him to sustain his satisfaction for helping people. For more than 45 years, he served generations of buyers and sellers with unwavering integrity and generosity—often placing others’ needs above personal gain. Early in his career, he was recognized as Realtor of the Year. He remained active in realty organizations and served on multiple Boards of Directors.
When Dwight and Sandy traveled, they notably enjoyed music venues in Branson and Myrtle Beach. Inspired by these experiences, Dwight envisioned a similar venue in Lancaster. By 1997, with the partnership of friends, his dream became reality with the grand opening of the American Music Theater. Dwight and Sandy remained enthusiastic patrons throughout the years, especially looking forward to the theater’s annual original Christmas production. Dwight cared so deeply about the message of the performances, often brought to tears when speaking about the impact they had—not only on him but also on the many others who experienced them.
Throughout his life, Dwight was committed to faith and community. As a youth, he was active in Youth for Christ, eventually serving on its Board of Directors. He also served on the board for the Big Brother Association, was honored as Big Brother of the Year, and was a member of the Corporation of Lancaster Bible College. A faithful member of Calvary Church, Dwight served as a deacon, ushered for 60 years, and played key roles on both the land search and building committees during the church’s relocation.
In recent years, as Sandy’s needs grew, Dwight took on many roles—chef, chauffeur, accountant, pharmacist, hairstylist, calendar keeper, and activities director. His selfless caregiving was a profound expression of loyal love, living out the vow “in sickness and in health” with quiet strength.
Dwight’s smile was warm and inviting, his laughter full-bodied and contagious. He had an enduring passion for sports, both as a participant and spectator, always rooting for the underdog—unless they were up against Penn State or a Philadelphia team. He also followed politics, often tuned in to FOX News. Above all, his greatest joy was found in time spent with family, always interested and supportive of their ambitions, careers, and aspirations.
He is survived by his loving wife Sandy and their three daughters: Kim Scott (Tim) of Leola, PA; Kelly Michalski (Morris) of Xenia, OH; and Krista Keiser (Andrew) of Avon, CO. Also surviving are his sister Dolores Buckwalter (Harold) of Lititz and brother Jere Brubaker (Judy) of Lancaster, PA; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sisters and their husbands, Sara Jane Lowery (Paul) and Nancy MacKilligan (Bruce), and by his stepmother, Irma S. Brubaker – whom Dwight introduced to his widowed father.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15
A viewing will take place 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Rd, Lancaster, PA. A service celebrating Dwight’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 23, 2025, also at Calvary Church. Family and friends will be received from 10:00-11:00 am. Memorial service will be livestream: https://www.calvarychurch.org/memorial-service/
Memorial Gifts
Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601 or https://alumniandfriends.lbc.edu/give-now
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
June 25, 2025
Sandy, daughters, sons, and grandchildren. God now has a good man on his side. You all will miss him, his jokes and hugs. He was truly a wonderful man, so blessed in his life. Joe and I knew him for years and especially while we resided next to him. A better neighbor we could not have had. May God’s peace be with you – a peace only He can give. Love -Linda and Joe Myers
May 31, 2025
To Sandy & Loving daughters, So sorry to see of Dwight’s passing. What a great Life Dwight lived with so many Contributions to the Lancaster community. Dwight was a good friend and great asset to the Host Farm Resort among other great local involvements. May Peace and God be with you. Paul & Kathy Harclerode
May 24, 2025
Our prayers and sympathy go to Brubaker family. We started school with Dwight and Sandy and have been in touch with them through the years. We are sorry we had to miss the service as we had prior plans and were out of town. Once again our sincere sympathy. Jan Hershey and Larry Huber
May 23, 2025
Viewed cousin Dwight’s wonderful memorial service virtually here in Waco TX. So proud of family members and friends who spoke from the heart of Dwight’s life here on earth. Sandy, Lori and I stand with you in our prayers. Love to the entire family.
Cousin Stan and Lori Brubaker
May 23, 2025
Dwight was a kind and personable man. As a fellow Kingsway agent, my sister Julie & I appreciated his wisdom and calm ways. As a friend to our parents, his concern was noted with our mom’s passing and his concern for our dad.
Brubaker family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Jill Stoltzfoos & Julie Nelson for the Lee & Eileen Charles family
May 22, 2025
Dear Sandy and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the homegoing of our dear friend, Dwight. We know he will be profoundly missed by your family and by all who knew, loved, and respected him.
We are especially grateful for Dwight’s enduring friendship to us personally, as well as for his faithful partnership with the ministry of Ambassadors for Christ. We remember when we were first looking for a home—Dwight graciously assisted us in exploring the options available. Over the years, he showed us many kindnesses, including giving us opportunities to attend performances we would not have otherwise experienced.
During the building of the Ambassadors for Christ Training Center and Lodge, Dwight played a vital role by introducing us to trustworthy architect, contractors and offering wise, reliable counsel. His support was a true gift and made a lasting impact.
A prayer shared with me when my father passed in October 2008 has stayed with me, and I hope it brings some comfort to you as well:
“God, grant me the comfort in knowing that one dear to me now has an understanding of You that I cannot even imagine. Help me to deal with my sorrow by seeing my loss as another’s fulfillment of joy and peace. Help me to be grateful for the time we shared together and to rejoice in the memories.”
In the days ahead, as you grieve, may you find peace in the assurance that Dwight is now in the presence of his Heavenly Father, hearing the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
With heartfelt sympathy,
David and Karen Chow
May 22, 2025
Kim, Kelley, Krista and Mrs. B, it’s hard to think of your mom without your dad however, I’m sure he will be taking charge and getting things all set for her arrival when she is ready. What a wonderful family you all are. Your parents we’re always so supportive and generous of my involvement with you all as a coaching teacher. I know his passing will leave a big space in all of your lives, but there is one thing I am certain that your parents are so incredibly proud of the women you have become. It comes as no surprise to me that with great parents like yours that you all would see the successes that you have for you and yours. I am sorry that I cannot make it out to the service. But next time you were in town, I would love to meet up for a mini Gerdes/Brubaker reunion! Sending my most sincere sympathies and a big hug to your mom. Rest In Peace Mr B
Lee Gerdes
May 22, 2025
Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, and looking forward to hugs in Milwaukee.
Love,
Mary Beth Minnis
May 21, 2025
Dear family of Dwight, My sincere sympathy to you as you are going through this sad time. Dwight will be missed by many and expecially his dear family. He was a special cousin to Wilmer and now they are experiencing their Heavenly reward. May you continue to find comfort through Faith, family and friends. Cherish special memories.
Love and prayers
Joyce Hostetter
May 20, 2025
Dear Kelly and Morris,
First, what a beautifully written obituary. I felt like I had known your dad for years. What a beautiful testament to a life lived for Christ.
Our condolences to your entire family. What joy you must feel knowing he has heard the words “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Sincerely, John and Gerry Jones (parents of Jarrod Jones)
May 20, 2025
Dear Sandy and your family,
You and Dwight became known to us as neighbors on the other side of the gazebo. Warm greetings, creative yard ornaments, tender personal conversations, and glowing smiles all melt into memories we shared as neighbors. We send our caring and sincere sympathies to each. Our community was a beneficiary of sharing daily life with Dwight and Sandy.
Nancy Willcox
May 20, 2025
To Sandy, Kim, Kelly, Krista and family,
My heart is saddened to hear of your husband’s/dad’s graduating to Glory. So much could be said. But, to me, he/Sandy were the epitome of an EXEMPLARY CHRISTIAN couple that I have ever known, bar none! Perfection if there ever was here on Earth. We will be reunited soon…”in the clouds”, and be FOREVER with the Lord he loved and lived so very well. My sincerest condolences. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 states, “…comfort one another with these words (of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
Bonnie E. Cain
May 19, 2025
Dear Sandy and family:
Dwight was an unassuming low key friendly person who spoke to you with conviction and understanding. It was never about him. His love for you and others was boundless and it showed. We should all emulate his graciousness.
Thank you for sharing him with us for all these years.
With deepest sympathy and condolances and much love,
Ron and Dee
May 19, 2025
I met Dwight in about 1967. He gave me a job on the golf course in Lancaster. He was always very kind to Linda and me. He will be greatly missed. I didn’t know his birthday was the same day as mine, only two years earlier. May the Lord comfort the family;
Bob Pittman
May 19, 2025
Dwight was a great boss when I worked for him on the Host Farm grounds crew in the 70’s. Condolences to Sandy, Kim, Kelly and Kendra.
Rick Heisley
May 19, 2025
I am so sorry to learn of Dwight’s passing. Dwight has been a friend and client for more than 40 years. I had so much faith and trust in him as a realtor that I even referred my in-laws to him (and that’s saying something)! Dwight would rank up near the top of my list of most favorite people in my life. He always had a pleasant demeanor, which I have no doubt was tied to his profound faith. I will certainly miss him. My family and I will keep the entire Brubaker family in our prayers.
Rich Weeber
May 19, 2025
My condolences to Sandy and the girls, Dwight and Sandy were my neighbors for many years. Dwight was a fine gentleman, a great family man and a supporter of his community. He volunteered to help me at a very difficult time in my life. It was very kind of him. He was always quick with a smile and a hello. My heart goes out to you. Treasure your memories. Lorna
May 18, 2025
So sorry to hear about Dwight’s stroke, but so grateful that he is no longer suffering. He is now seeing JESUS face to face. Halleluyah! Bob and I were in the Joy class a few yrs ago at Calvary when Jim Lines was teaching, in class with Dwight and Sandy. Love and Prayers for all left behind.Bob and Dorie Kemp.
May 18, 2025
We met Dwight and Sandy when we moved to MillCreek. As a couple, they were so welcoming and made us feel right at home there. Dwight was very helpful when we needed tickets to American Music Theatre. We remember Dwight as always smiling and helping others. He had a heart for the Lord and lived out his life in honor to God. He will be sorely missed by so many. We send love and condolences to his three daughters as well as to Sandy.
Love, Sandy and Gary Cross
May 18, 2025
We were so sorry to hear of Dwight’s passing. He was a good friend and member of our arthritis class. He will be missed. Sincerest sympathies. Carl and Doris Graver
May 18, 2025
Dear Sandy:
I was so sad when I read of Dwight’s passing. Sending love and prayers to you, Kim, Kelly and Krista. May God comfort you and watch over you.
I remember the good times spent with you and Dwight – Miss Lancaster County Pageant in Ephrata, football game at Penn State with lots of snow, playing card games with Bill and Judy Harnish and various Sunday School progressive dinners. The two of you were my ex-husband’s best friends since high school.
I hope that Dwight didn’t suffer too much before his death. As we know, he is no longer hurting but he is with his Heavenly Father now, resting and at peace.
May God watch over you, Kim, Kelly and Krista in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Beverly Martin
May 17, 2025
Thinking of the family at this very difficult time. Dwight was the kindest man and loved his wife so much. He spoke with pride about his three girls and his grandkids and great grandkids. Dwight did so much for his wife and always put her first. He always asked about my parents and he was saddened by my Dads passing in July 2024. I am sure they are both chatting away enjoying the splendors of heaven. What a sight that must be! Praying for Sandy as she continues on her journey surrounded by people who love her .
Trish Hauber
- Visitation
- Thursday, May 22, 2025
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Calvary Church
- 1051 Landis Valley Rd.
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Friday, May 23, 2025
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Calvary Church
- 1051 Landis Valley Rd.
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, May 23, 2025
- 11:00 AM
- Calvary Church
- 1051 Landis Valley Rd.
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions >
