Obituaries

Elbert “Bert” B. Nixdorf, 91

Elbert “Bert” B. Nixdorf, 91, of Woodcrest Villa, Lancaster, PA, passed away on Monday, June 11, 2012, at Hospice of Lancaster County, Mount Joy. Born in Lancaster, he was son of the late Washington Musser and Allegra Baker Nixdorf. Bert was a veteran of WWII having served with Special Services 33rd Unit in the European Theater of Operations. He was a graduate of McCaskey High School, Class of 1938, and received a B.A. degree from F&M in 1942. From Temple University in 1948, he received his M.Ed. degree and went on to NYU for his Administrator’s certificate. As a retired educator, Bert also worked several years at the Whitesbog Environmental Center near Chatsworth, NJ, presenting lessons to adults and children relating to the environment and history of Southern New Jersey. Additionally, he led nature walks for the Senior LIFE (Learning Institute for Elders) group at Burlington County College as well as volunteered presentations on the historical and cultural aspects of Burlington County, NJ.

Bert grew up in a home environment of nature appreciation. He was active in the Boy Scouts into his college years, the YMCA, Batona Hiking Club, Allentown Hiking Club and the Wilmington Trail Club. He was founder of the Sussex County (NJ) Bird Club and co-founder of the Outdoor Club of South Jersey, serving as its president for eleven years and as trips chairman for fourteen.

In 1964, he published Let’s Go and See – Day Trips in New Jersey and Southeastern PA for Families, School and Youth Groups. In 1976, he produced Hikes and Bike Rides in New Jersey and in 1983, Bike Rides in New Jersey.

Bert’s interests included traveling, camping, local history, Elderhosteling, birds, wild flowers, gardening, hiking, and stamp collecting. He was a member of Wayside Presbyterian Church, Landisville, PA.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty, two children: Dr. Karl Nixdorf, husband of Debra Davis, Montvale, NJ, and Janet Lorraine, wife of Scott Rowand, of Mount Joy, PA, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his sister Nancy Rose of Lancaster, PA.

A Memorial Service will take place 11:30 AM Saturday, June 16, 2012, in Eagle Commons at Woodcrest Villa, 2001 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA, with The Rev. Stephen P. Fritz and Chaplain Mim Cruz officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 AM in Eagle Commons. Interment in Wayside Presbyterian Church Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Lancaster County Conservancy, PO Box 716, Lancaster, PA 17608, (717) 392-7891. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

April 28, 2017

It was a long time ago!  But I went on many a hike that Bert led for the OCNJ. I always found him to be extremely knowledgeable and a wonderful conversationalist!  He introduced me to hiking and I will be forever grateful.
Rita Bianchi  (1979-1980’s)
 
 

So sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. These times are always hardest on the survivors.
It was Bert who introduced me to tubing the Pine Barrens rivers. During my childhood, no one ever told me I could tube a river close to home! I so enjoyed the experiences that I came to lead some tubing adventures for the OCSJ and for my family and friends! I still continue today. Thank you Bert!
~Penelope Burkey, Franklinville, NJ

Condolences to the Nixdorf family. I met Bert in the mid 90’s and went on a few of his hikes, before he "retired " and moved to pa. The s.j. outdoor club has been a lifesaver for me. In more ways than I can count.
   Thanks, Bert. Your legacy lives on.
 
            Dave Robinson

My condolences to the Nixdorf family. I first became acquainted with Bert through a reoccurring article that he wrote for the local "Burlington County (NJ) Times" newspaper . In it, he would describe his weekend hiking adventures with the "Outdoor Club of South Jersey". This seemed intriguing to me and at the age of 18 I became a member of the OCSJ and joined Bert on my first hike along the canal leading into New Hope, Pa. What a great trip! That was over 35 years ago but it seems just like yesterday. Well not only am I still a member, but have been walking in Bert’s shadow by leading my own hikes with the club for many years. Thanks Bert for providing me the motivation to get off the couch and causing me to care about the great outdoors! You will be sorely missed.

This message is for Betty. Betty, I was one of the LIFE members who enjoyed Bert’s Nature Walks back in 1996/1997. I was new to LIFE at the time and these classes were most enjoyable and educational. I also remember reading Bert’s column in the 50’s in the Courier Post concerning Outdoor Club events, which at the time I was unable to attend. When I joined LIFE and was able to go on these walks, it was just wonderful. I remember you always accompanied Bert and we had some conversations along the way. Please accept my sympathy for your loss. Bert was a great guy and contributed so much to nature enjoyment in New Jersey.

Eleanor Gitto

I have fond memories of hiking with the Outdoor of South Jersey with Bert Nixdorf. As a librarian we also had his book on Hikes and Bike rides in New Jersey in our library.

To me he was a great man and greatly to be admired. I feel he helped many enjoy the Pine Barrens.

I especially remember his "Hippopotamus hikes".

Sincerely,

Sandra Johnson

member,Outdoor Club of South Jersey

Dear Mrs. Betty Nixdorf and family,

I was saddened to learn of my friend Bert’s passing. In the 1970s, Bert took my course on the NJ Pine Barrens. We remained in touch for many years and I followed his success as a leader of the Outdoors Club. I lost track of him when he left NJ and made many unsuccessful attempts to get his new address. I regret that I did not get to see him again. I will always remember Bert with great fondness.

Sincerely,

Ted Gordon, Pine Barrens Botanist & Historian

My condolences to the family. I have many good memories of Bert’s bike rides and hikes. He will be sorely missed.

Ed Jarvis

Betty and family

May God comfort you and we will miss "Bert". I stopped in to see him when the bed was empty – sad, sad feeling. Will miss his "HI", many fond memories of Bert.

God Bless all of you

Pat Smith

Pat and Bob Burton want you to know that our hearts are with you at this time.

Bert was a special person, able to introduce new people to the natural world around us. His life has sparked many people to be able to enjoy walking , canoeing, enjoying the birds and insects etc.

Many people who came into contact with him came into a life of health, inner strength and happiness .

We thank him and his family for sharing with us.

I worked with Betty in the Commercial Loan Dept of First National State Bank in Burlington. My deepest condolences to the Nixdorf family. Bert’s accomplishments speak for themselves. You must be so proud of the path he blazed and the legacy he leaves. His work lives on. Blessings to you all.

With deepest sympathy,
Sarah Vitulano Robson,
Medford, NJ

Janet

So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Please give my sympathies to all of your family. Keeping you all in prayer. Hope all is well otherwise.

Sincerely, Jill (Rockhill) Lucas

I met Bert in the 1970’s when he chartered and ran the Outdoor Club of South Jersey. Not only did he get me enthused about hiking in the Pines, but he also turned me on to birding. Many a Christmas season, he, myself and others would be involved with the annual Audubon Bird Count. While hiking I had often noticed a particular bird flitting about as we walked down a trail. I ended up asking him about it ( it was a towhee) and that was the beginning of a life long hobby of watching the birds.
Bert and I also developed hikes for the Outdoor Club and we had quite a lot of fun trying to make sure we knew were we were going, and even more importantly, where we were. There were times when his boy scout training with a compass got us out of a bind and onto a know trail. They were great times.

My condolences and best wishes to the family ( especially Betty – who was often anxious about our wanderings).

Bert was a good guy and I certainly cherish the memories our friendship of so many years ago gave to me.

I wish to express my sympathy to the Nixdorf family.  About 37 years ago I worked at Heritage Bank in Fairgrounds plaza in Mt. Holly NJ.  I went on a few of Mr. Nixdorf"s hikes.  I was lucky enough to have some of my photos printed with Mr. Nixdorf’s article in New Jersey Outdooors magazine.

Sharon Cox Anderson
Southampton NJ

It was my honor to be part of his health care. You and He are in my prayers . . .

Kat, CC

Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info