Obituaries
Elam Herr, 73
September 02, 2025
Elam Herr, 73, of Landisville, PA, passed away on Tuesday September 2nd, 2025 leaving
behind a legacy of kindness, service, laughter, and storytelling.
Elam earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from Millersville
University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He
built a successful career spanning five decades as the Director of Legislation and Assistant
Executive Director for the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors. In addition
to his work with PSATS, Elam spent decades in leadership roles including, but certainly not
limited to, those on the East Hempfield Zoning Hearing Board, the Lancaster Osteopathic
Hospital Board of Directors, the Amos Herr House Foundation and Historical Society, and
multiple other responsible land-use committees.
Elam held many passions throughout his life, but none more important than the time he spent
with his family and, more recently, his grandchildren. In his short time as a grandfather, he
poured love and joy into every moment, leaving behind memories that will forever shape and
enrich their lives. Beyond family time, Elam was often called upon by friends and relatives to
help build or repair anything from furniture to appliances to household projects. Though he had
no formal training, he possessed a keen and trusted mechanical mind that made him the first
person many turned to for help. In his free time, Elam took pride in maintaining one of the best
lawns in his neighborhood and transforming his home into the scariest house on the block
each Halloween with his imaginative and elaborate displays. He was also a phenomenal skier,
fortunate to ski across the United States and Europe. Elam often said that even if he could ski
every day of his life, it still wouldn’t be enough.
Elam passed away due to glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. Over the
course of two years, he faced two brain surgeries, radiation, multiple rounds of chemotherapy,
and participation in two clinical trials. While glioblastoma is a terminal diagnosis, Elam met it
head on with true bravery, inspiring hope in others facing similar battles and contributing to the
advancement of treatments through his involvement in cutting-edge research.
Elam is predeceased by his father, Elam Herr; his mother, Adalene Rutter; his step-father,
William Rutter; and his sisters Lillian Granfield, Catharine Horvath, and Joan Veith. Elam is
survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Patti Herr; his children, JD (Alex) Herr and Caitlin
(Craig) Lager; and two grandchildren, Owen Herr and Scarlett Lager. There was no greater
love than the love Elam shared with his family.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Elam’s life on Saturday, September 20th at Charles
F. Snyder Funeral Home located at 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Visitation is scheduled
from 10am-12pm and a service will begin at 12pm. To honor Elam and his legacy, please
spend time with your loved ones, be a leader for positive change, help others in need, and
share your favorite stories thoroughly and regularly. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating
to the Glioblastoma Foundation (glioblastomafoundation.org) in memory of Elam’s admirable
strength.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
October 14, 2025
Elam and I first met at Gspia as classmates. We continued our friendship when I won an election to the Pa. House of Representarives and he took a job representing The Township supervisors. I would often see him around the Capitol with his wide grin and a snappy salutation. He was a great friend and will be sorely missed. Condolences to Patti and the family. RIP, Tom Michlovic
September 17, 2025
Elam was a great pleasure to work with, both when I was a Township Supervisor and later State Representative. Always kind and helpful, he spresd joy wherever he went. He was one of the “good guys” around the Capitol. I will rember him fondly.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Chris Ross
September 15, 2025
I’m sorry to hear about Elam’s passing. I knew him to be a faithful public servant and champion of local government, recognizing all the good it does in protecting people and property. I knew him for over 20 years through his work at PSATS. May the God of all comfort wrap His arms of love around all Elam’s friends and family at this time of significant loss.
Alex Graziani
September 15, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. Elam was a favorite visitor at the Wenger house back in the ’80s, and not just because he always hooked us up with huge bags of movie popcorn. Elam wore his big, happy heart on the outside and was one of those people who radiated such goodness his presence made you feel good. When I was a kid (a teenager) he’d come by to see my Dad and always ask how I was doing and whether I liked school. I always said I did and he’d tease me for it, tell me I shouldn’t and do it in a way that made it clear he was joking, as he’d gently, playfully kick my feet. Elam will live on in my heart forever, and I hope all your good memories with him carry you through this difficult time. – Beth Ann Wenger
September 12, 2025
I only knew Elam from his work with PSATS and even then, I can’t say I knew him real well. But I can say he always worked hard for townships, improving local government, and for the benefit of our communities across the State. I always enjoyed his presentations and what I learned listening to him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Steve Brown, East Whiteland Township
September 12, 2025
Its hard imagining this world without my Elam. He was so much more than family. He was a caring friend, a helpful guide, and a good soul who loved his family and friends. He was never too busy to lend a hand and always found time to laugh. He was a father figure to many because of his incredible integrity and caring attitude. He is definitely gone too soon but it wasn’t without a fight. He fought to see his family and he fought so that others might live longer. There is no one that I admired more.
Tony Horvath
September 10, 2025
I have know Elam more then 40 years and you will never find nicer guy. We shared many laughs and war stories over his career and mine. We spent many days chatting with Pat Rhoads and solving problems. Lol
My Deepest Sympathies and prayers for his family! Stan Saylor
September 10, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. Elam was a good, gentle person. He worked tirelessly for PSATS. I’m glad I had the privilege to meet him through PSATS. Mary Jo Campbell
September 10, 2025
Elam was special. We crossed paths at Millersville State College and often in our community. I always admired his spirt and his joyfulness. He will be missed.
Jeff Bradley
September 10, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of Elam’s passing. Always offering a smile in Harrisburg. Really one of the good ones. He’s missed.
Stacey Mulholland
September 10, 2025
My condolences to Patti and family. Elam and I worked together for many years during our local government lobbying days. I fondly remember all the long session days when all the LG lobbyists would hang out in the Local Government Commission offices or in Rep Peck Foster’s office. Elam always had a gentle way about him and would bring humor to help keep us going. I always looked forward to when he shared his ideas for his Halloween setup and costumes each year. RIP Elam. Diane Bosak
September 10, 2025
Patti and family, sorry for your loss. Elam did so much good for the East Hempfield community, seving over 46 years on the Zoning Hearing Board, an incredible feat of selfless public service. We will miss him greatly at the Township.
Scott Russell, Supervisor, East Hempfield Township
September 09, 2025
We are so sorry. Elam was a positive force for our Commonwealth. Everyone appreciated his knowledge, timely advice, and friendship.
Marianne and Jere Strittmatter
September 09, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Elam for years. I considered him a friend and missed him when he retired. My condolensces to the family and friends. David A. Greene
- Visitation
- Saturday, September 20, 2025
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, September 20, 2025
- 12:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
