Obituaries

Edwin Howard Marstellar, 60

June 11, 2021

Edwin Howard Marstellar, 60, of Denver, PA, passed away on June 11, 2021. He was the son of Charlotte Humphrey Marstellar Yeager and the late Howard Edwin Marstellar, and also the late step-father Billy Charles Yeager. He was the loving husband of Lisa Ifft Marstellar for over 35 years. Ed and Lisa married on March 20, 1986, and rededicated their marriage on July 5, 1986.

Ed dedicated his life to education, encouragement, and musical expression. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Grove City College, and obtained his Master’s degree in Music
Education from West Chester University. After teaching music in Galesburg, IL, and Elmira, NY, Ed spent 30 years as a master music educator at East Petersburg Elementary in the Hempfield School District. After retiring from teaching, Ed served as a Registration Specialist for Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital.

In his work and home life, Ed was always intentional in his actions, and took care of those around him. He loved spending time with family, and playing violin, piano, guitar, and singing, especially with his children. He enjoyed spending time in nature with his grandson, and taking photos of family, landscapes, and flowers. Ed was very faithful to his family and his beliefs, and will be remembered for his kind, gentle, calming, and encouraging presence. His loving and caring spirit will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

In addition to his mother Charlotte and wife Lisa, Ed is survived by his two daughters, Olivia Daugherty and Rachel Bartow and their spouses Denny and Matthew; siblings, Rebecca Yeager and Todd Yeager and their spouses Ian and Kylie; in-laws, Harold M. and Margaret Emma Ifft; brother-in-law Curtis Ifft and wife Anna; grandson James Daugherty; as well as a beloved niece and nephews.

A celebration of life service will take place on June 27, 2021, at 2pm at Lititz United Methodist Church. The service will be livestreamed through the church’s Facebook page, https://facebook.com/LititzUMChurch/In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Edwin’s name to Declaration House/REAL Life Community Services, 240 Main St. Suite B, Denver, PA 17517, or to the Power Packs Project, 1915 Olde Homestead Ln. Suite 102, Lancaster, PA 17601.

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Condolences to the Family

March 08, 2022

Mr. marsteller was my music teacher in elementary school!! We will never forget him, he was so nice 
Cecelia

October 29, 2021

Hello, Ed:
I know you are reading this in Eternity.  So, I tip my hat to you for a wonderful life.  I always enjoyed meeting with you and chatting at the blood lab.  You are an inspiration to me.  I hope you are listening to the loveliest music possible now, sung by the Angels themselves before the very Face of God.
Your fellow Wellspanite,
Charlie Marrone, from Philhaven

July 12, 2021

Our condolences to the family.  We knew Ed from high School and I knew him through music and classes.  I had often thought about him as I have such fond memories of him, Reed and David!!   I am so sorry for your loss.
 
Bobbi “Lerch” Mcbride and Randy Mcbride 

July 05, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. Frank Schutte’s Indiana family, Marcie, Vic, and Jeanine.

July 01, 2021

Lisa, just today I learned of your husband’s passing and my heart goes to you and Olivia and Rachel at this very difficult time. May Christ wrap his arms around you giving you strength and peace, and walk by your side as you navigate this new stage of your life. You prayed for me once when I needed guidance and I will do the same for you – Christ will be your steadfast partner, holding you upright, in the days ahead. Nancy Hamill
 

June 29, 2021

Dear Lisa, Rachel, Olivia and Family 
We are saddened by the news of Ed’s sudden passing and are so sorry for your loss. You all have been in our thoughts and prayers since we heard. He was such a great and gentle man. He always gave a special insight to topics in our small group. We wish we could have been at the service on Sunday but we had prior commitments. We will keep you in our prayers in the days and weeks to come as you mourn the loss of Ed.
Beth And Tom Smith

June 28, 2021

Dear Lisa, Olivia, Rachel, and family,
We were so sad to hear about Ed’s passing.  He was a wonderful person.
Please know that you have been, and continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love to all of you,
Donna and Earl Dinger

June 27, 2021

To Ed’s family,
So saddened to hear of Ed’s passing. I cannot imagine your heartache. I had the pleasure of meeting Ed at EPES. He was a kind and gentle man. Always had a smile for everyone. He would frequently visit with me in the health room where I worked and always had such a positive friendly approach as we talked. I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of playing the piano with Ed, where at times he would stay after school so we could play duets, mostly hymns. I will cherish that experience. Such an incredible legacy he left.
Love to his family,
Donna Fischer (former EPES health room nurse)

June 27, 2021

Hello,
I had the pleasure of working with Ed at East Pete for 7 years. He was a very kind man and you could see his passion for music and the students every day! I am very sorry to all his family, friends, and former students! 
 
 

June 24, 2021

Lisa, Olivia, Rachel and Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Ed at East Petersburg Elementary School.  His love of music, his dedication to his career, and his love for his family were very important elements in his life.  May all of you find peace and support each other in this time of sadness.  Remember the good times, as memories will never fade.
Sherry Ober

June 22, 2021

Lisa and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss.  I have fond memories of Ed teaching in Galesburg and connecting with him as a family friend. He was a man of manners, morals, love and kindness. Thank you for your phone call.  I will be praying for you and your family during this time.
Curt McCarty

June 21, 2021

All,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss.  The team at AWS is keeping all of you in our thoughts during this difficult time and we are here to support you.
Mike Volpe and the GGFS team

June 20, 2021

Dear Marstellar Family,
What a wonderful man your husband/father/father-in-law/grandfather/son was!  Ed will forever be remembered by me as a calm, caring, and happy presence.  When Ed and I would pass in the hallways, or have a moment to chat, he would always ask me how I was doing.  He never asked about school or work.  He went for the personal connection.  The very next question would be, “How are your kids?” asking specific questions about both of them, and using their names.  Ed had a way to make anyone with whom he was speaking feel like they were the center of the universe.  He expressed care every single day.
Needless to say, Ed is missed.  Our world was a better place because of him.  
You are in my thoughts.
Susan Hunter, 5th Grade EPES

June 20, 2021

Dear Lisa:  My heart was heavy when I saw Ed’s obituary in the Sunday paper and realized the sorrow that you and your girls are experiencing.  May our Sovereign God give you three the peace that passes all understanding as you lean on His Spirit for comfort and guidance in the days and weeks ahead.  I will be praying for your family.
Rebecca Schmid French

June 20, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Marsteller was my orchestra teacher and family friend. I remember him as genuinely kind and thoughtful. I enjoyed reading the memories of students he shaped long after he left Galesburg.  My deepest condolences to the whole family.
Rachel McCarty-Rockhold

June 20, 2021

Lisa, Olivia and Rachel, we are so sorry to hear about Ed’s sudden passing.  We will always remember his kind, gentle words and relaxed humor, and the fun we had working in the band bake sale tent on Friday nights!  Know that we are here for you, and praying for peace and comfort at this time especially.
Bob, Chris, Sarah & Rachel Hibbert

June 20, 2021

Dear Lisa, Olivia, and Rachel,  So sad to know of Ed’s passing last week.  My son Mike enjoyed his music inspiration in E Pete El,  and he was admired at LUMC with his eternal smile.  He had a commitment to friendship and education, and shared his musical talents freely.  He was a man of many silent talents in a layed-back lifestyle.  Thank you Ed for your inspiration to your family and friends.

June 20, 2021

WE are so sorry for your loss. It was such a kind person. Jeff and Teresa Wiedemer

June 20, 2021

Ed was truly a gift to all who crossed his path. He always had a kind word and a smile at the ready. Working with him at WellSpan ECH was always a pleasure. I imagine he was an incredible music teacher. Lisa and Family, please find comfort in knowing his impact will be felt for years and years to come. ~Christina Houdeshell (Cornerstone Imaging & Lab)

June 19, 2021

I had Mr. Marstellar for music class at East Pete Elementary school, he was always one of my favorite teachers! He was so into his work and made class so much fun:) 

June 19, 2021

I am so deeply saddened over Ed’s passing.  He was a valued colleague and a great friend.  We spent countless after-schools hours over the years working together on the drama program at East Petersburg Elementary School.  In addition to the time we spent on full-cast rehearsals, Ed worked tirelessly with individual cast members to help them develop their talents beyond what they thought was possible.  Add that to the hours he put into preparation for Christmas and Spring concerts, and it was evident that Ed’s dedication to the children at our school was boundless.  
Ed was a Master Teacher.  Frequently he would go from teaching 5th or 6th graders to working with a kindergarten class of 5 year olds, and he’d never miss a beat (no pun intended).  After I moved into administration at EPES one of my joys was witnessing Ed working with his 6th grade choruses. I would occasionally stand outside the music room door listening with admiration as Ed blended those young voice together.  
As would be expected, many of the children that Ed taught have spread out across the country and even the world, so many will not know of his passing.  What they do know, at those times when they lift their voices in song, perhaps with a memory way in the back of their minds, is that they had their early music experiences with Mr. Marstellar when they were at East Petersburg Elementary School. What a legacy!
For me personally, I will remember a wise man with a kind and calm demeanor who was a valued friend and colleague to all of us who worked at EPES.  Lisa, Olivia, Rachel, and grandson Jimmy, the most important thing I can say about your husband, dad, and grandfather is that he was the living, breathing, epitome of a “Good Man.”
Tim Mateer
 
 

June 18, 2021

All I can say is that Ed was a person who truly made the world a better place.  In the many years I worked with him at East Pete, he always had time for a conversation, sincerely interested in the lives of this around him.  I will never forget his gentle voice and kind smile.  Know that many hearts go out to you.
 
 
 

June 18, 2021

Thank you for being such a kind soul! I miss our chats. You were an amazing person! You will be deeply missed. – Soraya and Aaron Surotchak

June 18, 2021

From the moment I met Ed I knew he was an extraordinary man. His warmth and kind nature shone through with every patient he served at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital. Having a musical background myself, it was enjoyable talking about music together. It was a honor and privilege to have known him. 
Sarah Werner

June 18, 2021

My heart just breaks for you and your family.Such a compassionate,sweet,kind man. Was definitely one of a kind. Such a pleasure to have met him. He will be missed.
Penny Enck

June 17, 2021

Lisa, My deepest condolences to you and your family. Words can not capture what this great man contributed to the East Petersburg Elementary School Community.  Ed deserves standing ovations and countless curtain calls for bringing music to life for all the children and adults he came to know.  May you find comfort and ease some of the pain reflecting on your special memories. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Cray-(Long time friend and colleague from our years together at EPES.)

June 17, 2021

I am so sorry for you loss. He will be missed by his East Pete family. It was an honor to know him.
Deb Walters

June 17, 2021

Thank you for being you. You have touched so many hearts with your kind and gently soul. You will be missed by so many. May you rest in peace. I will think of you often Ed.
Joanne Xiong

June 17, 2021

Ed was a great friend.  We spent many hours together at Grove City College.  I’m glad we got in touch again over Facebook.  We always talked about getting together since we were both in PA.  I’ll always treasure his friendship and gentle spirit.
Dan McCay

June 16, 2021

I had the pleasure of getting to know Ed during my tenure at Hempfield. What a wonderful educator and kind, gentle human being he was. May peace be with Lisa and the entire family during this difficult time. RIP Ed.
Chris Adams

June 16, 2021

Mr. Marsteller was my elementary school Music Teacher at East Pete – he was such a kind man and was extremely passionate about his profession.  His patience and enthusiasm have stuck with me through the years.  I am now an educator of 11 years and thank him for his positive influence on my educational experience.  May he rest in peace! 
Rebecca Richter (formally Shertzer)

June 16, 2021

Lisa, I am truly so sorry for the loss you and your family are enduring. My heart breaks for you all. He was always very kind and always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him.  I hope that God wraps his arms around you all and comforts you in your time of grief. Just know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers. 
Debra Wright

June 16, 2021

My heart goes out to you all. Such a kind and gentle soul, taken too soon. God must have some seriously big plans for him! Anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask. Hugs!!
Connie (Weaver) Franklin

June 16, 2021

I was so sad to read of Ed’s passing.  From the time I met him as a Schoeneck Dad to our friendly encounters at WellSpan facilities,  he always was so kind and personable. You are in my prayers!
Sharon Myers

June 16, 2021

I was deeply saddened to hear of Ed’s sudden passing. I first met him when he was a grad student at West Chester. He was a talented student who was always upbeat and willing to lead his fellow students in arranging and performing class compositions. He exuded confidence and encouragement in all that he did. He was a wonderful teacher and a great musician. I am proud to have been his teacher and colleague. with sincere sympathy
Jane Pippart-Brown 

June 16, 2021

I didn’t get to meet Ed on a regular basis, but the times I did were always fun-filled and enjoyable. He had such a calming effect on my craziness! And a shared view of musical education. He was a true gentleman and will be missed. My prayers and thoughts to the family. 
Howard H Boots

June 16, 2021

Dear Lisa, Olivia, and Rachel, and family…we send our most heartfelt sympathy for your profound loss. Ed was a wonderful man in so many ways, and he was a blessing to so many people. His calming presence, his bright wit, his deep wisdom–will be dearly missed. My prayers are with all of you. Love, Sharon Wilson

June 16, 2021

So hard to comprehend the empty space left by so loving and kind a man.
Rose & Rachel Ashbaugh

June 16, 2021

mr marstellar was a cool dude
andrew willard

June 16, 2021

Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss.  I know that there are no words that will truly ease one’s mind at such a time of loss, but my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Lisa Sweigert

June 16, 2021

Sorry to hear of his passing. Such a gentle and kind man. My children all had him for music. Wonderful man.
Joan Holliday

June 16, 2021

My heart is breaking to hear this news.  I worked with Ed at East Pete and feel blessed to have known such a kind and caring man. 
Carrie Lindell

June 16, 2021

Ed’s mild manner and constant patience with students will always be remembered. His Spring concerts at East Petersburg were fantastic! He would take the time to have EVERY class in EVERY grade learn a song that would spotlight a particular musical instrument. The children were always so proud of themselves after those concerts!! The students would start learning songs early, so that they would be able to sing with confidence. He was so passionate about music education that he would teach up until the last possible minute of class! Many students lives have been enriched because of Ed’s gift of music! 
Laura Bear (former second grade teacher East Pete)

June 16, 2021

Lisa and family, you are all in my prayers. Life will be different, but with God’s help, your journey through grief will lead to wonderful memories.
Bertie Hensel

June 15, 2021

Sorry for your loss. I will always remember him.
Sandra Yarian

June 15, 2021

I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Marstellar’s passing. He was an excellent music teacher, and I was lucky to be one of his many students. I still remember some of the songs he taught us. 
Kristin Formica Wolgemuth

June 15, 2021

One of the best music teachers I have ever had! As a kid he was a great teacher to look up to and was SUPER dedicated to his profession! One of the greats that will never be forgotten!
Barbie pitz

June 15, 2021

Sending lots of love and support to the family. Mr. Marstellar was my music teacher at East Petersburg Elementary back in the late 80s to mid 90s. He was a great teacher and made learning about music fun. 
Elizabeth Earhart

June 15, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I was blessed to see and receive Ed’s kindness for over 10 years while working with him at East Pete. He was an amazing man. 
Scott Krauser

June 15, 2021

Mr. Marstellar was certainly one of our teacher favorites from East Petersburg!  All three of my children loved how much fun he made music to learn!  He had a forever gentle, calm – yet enthusiastic spirit!  His classes adored him.  I am sure that he will be sorely missed by all.  Our prayers and thoughts are definitely with him and his family during this most difficult journey.  Rest in peace, sweet Mr. Marstellar!  The Burdyn Family 

June 15, 2021

Your husband/father was so welcoming to me as a newer teacher at East Pete. He always provided a comforting, reassuring smile when I needed one. His member will always stay with me. Thinking of you all. 
Breana Lampo 

June 15, 2021

He was an amazing person who always made the time to truly listen and learn things about the person he was talking to. He is already missed so much. You were very, very blessed to have him as a Father and Husband. 
Missi Krawizcki (ECH)

Services
Sunday, June 27, 2021
2:00 PM
Lititz United Methodist Church
201 Market St.
Lititz, PA
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