Obituaries

Gerald G. Darrenkamp, 83

Gerald G. Darrenkamp, 83, of Lancaster, passed away on February 26, 2011 surrounded by his family at Lancaster General Hospital. He was born in Lancaster City, on Cabbage Hill and was the son the late George and Catherine (Flick) Darrenkamp.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane (Powl) Darrenkamp. They were married on January 29, 1952 and recently celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Jerry was a member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church and was a 1945 Lancaster Catholic High School graduate. He was a 3rd Degree member with the Knights of Columbus Council #867 and a 4th Degree member with the Santa Maria Assembly.

He served his country with the US Navy.

Jerry was a second generation family grocer. His father established the family business at 713 Union Street out of their home in the Cabbage Hill area of Lancaster City. He joined the family business in 1948. Jerry’s entire foundation was based around the community of Lancaster. He worked extremely hard and he was the true example of customer service. His sons created the “Jerry Award” at Darrenkamp’s for any team member who went above the call of duty. It is considered quite an honor to receive this award.

After retirement, he continued to work at Darrenkamp’s with his sons and staff making deliveries throughout the county and especially enjoyed his deliveries to the Amish community. Jerry was always on the go and was known along with his wife, Jane, as the face of Darrenkamp’s Food Market.

Jerry loved to make people laugh. He was known by many as the “lucky fisherman”, his colorful socks and crazy holiday outfits, and great jokes. He also was known by many for his time, energy, and community support.

Survivng in addition to his wife, Jane, 4 children, son, Larry P., of Mount Joy, son, David J., husband of Sharon Landis, of Lancaster, daughter, Lynn A. Boyer, wife of John, of Lancaster, son, Joseph M., fiancé of Karen Snow, of Lancaster, 10 grandchildren, Jared, Jenna, Jordan, Ryan, Eric, Ian, Jayne, Whitney, Katelyn, and Peter, 2 great grandchildren, Anderson and Wyatt, 4 brothers, Thomas, Eugene, Raymond, Ronald, one sister, Mary Ann Rumberger, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Richard.

In honor of Jerry, all Darrenkamp’s Food Markets will close on Thursday from 6-10pm.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 4, 2011 from St. Leo the Great Catholic Church 2427 Marietta Ave. Lancaster, PA 17601 at 11am with The Rev. Peter I. Hahn as Celebrant. A viewing will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pk. Lititz, PA 17543 on Thursday from 5-8pm. There will be no viewing on Friday prior to Mass. Interment will be private in Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following; St Leo the Great Catholic Church or Lancaster Catholic High School 650 Juliette Ave. Lancaster, PA 17601 or The Clinic for Special Children 535 Bunker Hill Rd. Strasburg, PA 17579 to assist Amish Children. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com Charles F. Snyder Jr.

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Condolences to the Family

November 28, 2013

my great friend as a child    Jimmy Cross

Dear Jane & Family

My deepest sympathy for your loss. Gerry was a fun person to be around, he will be missed.

Deepest Sympathy
Darla Shaeffer, Rene’s sister

So sorry to hear of Mr Darrenkamp’s death.  Mike and I are out of the country or we would be with all of St. Leo’s celebrating his life.  He was always so nice to my family and I am so glad mike and I had the chance to see him after church a couple of weeks ago.

Joanne and Mike McMahon

My deepest sympathies.  Thinking of you at this difficult time.

Ann Marie Bolen
American Heart Association

we would like to express our deepest sympathies to the darrenkamp family at this time of sorrow.just know he’s in abetter place and his legacy lives on in the lives of his family. God bless you all.

the pennell family kelli,jay,autumn,and elizabeth

Jerry’s kind soul and giving spirit touched so many and will never be forgotten.

May the memories of Jerry and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead.

Sincerely,
Paul Rote, Barry Mellinger & Kevin Adams
Hometown Provisions

Darrenkamp Family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers.  I am proud to have been part of the Darrenkamp stores. 

My condolences,
Jeff Newswanger

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the remembrance of such a strong and supportive community leader.  May God’s grace touch the family.

Randall Gockley and staff of Lancaster Emergency Management and Public Safety Training Center.

Jane and Family – I first met Jerry a few short weeks ago when you donated "Heart Healthy" snacks to help raise money for the Heart Ball. The picture of him surrounded by the school children will stay in my mind along with his warmth and sense of humor. I’m so sorry for the loss your family is suffering. He’ll be truly missed.
Fondly,
Sheri Riley

To the Darrenkamp Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you.   Jerry was never too busy that he couldn’t stop and give a hug and share a joke or two.   He will be missed.
May God’s love comfort you all.
Buzz and Carol Holmes

To Gerry’s family,

I used to live in Willow Street and Gerry was a fixture at the original small Darrenkamps store on West Willow Road. He was just the nicest man! Please know that he was well respected by many, many people. I am so sorry for your loss and extend my sincere condolences.

Nadine Leaman

Jerry will be missed by many! I met him 40 plus years ago when my Dad, Don Williams, served his store on Union St. I would ride with my Dad and Jerry always had time for me. He was a funny man and you could see he enjoyed life. I now service all the Darrenkamp store’s and always looked forward too seeing Jerry at the Willow St. store. I had the utmost respect for that man I will miss him very much!

God Bless,
Dennis Williams {Good’s Chips)

To the Darrenkamp Family,
My deepest sympathy to your family.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  Sincerely,
Chris Hoar

Sorry to hear of your loss. I’m sure he has everyone smiling in heaven.
I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless.
Doug Dussinger
Comcast Spotlight

Jane and Family, 
Our sincere sympathy to all. Gerry was always a pleasure to work with. His positive personality will always be remembered. He made a great impression on the industry, one that can never be replaced.
Sincerely, 
The Kunzler Family

I am thinking of all the Family. Mrs. Darrenkamp, Larry, Dave, Lynn and Joe, all of you are in my prayers. Love You all so much.

Jenny Kushner

Jane my prayers and thoughts are with you and your children.  I had the privilege of knowing Jerry for many years. As I see it Cabbage Hill lost a very good friend.

Love
Rosie Gramola

My prayers and sympathy are with family
Pam Gramola Cunningham

Dear Jane, Joe, Dave, Larry and Families,
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of grief and loss.  We will miss Jerry’s smiles, jokes and holiday attire, as many others have expressed already.  We remember sharing dinner with Jerry and Jane at a 50th Wedding Anniversay, and stating afterwards, how much the two of them made everyone laugh.  We also noticed how much the love flowed between Jane and Jerry.  It is that love that will aid all of you now. May God continue to Bless each of you.

In Christ’ Love,
Jim and Trudy Sheetz

Sincere heartfelt sympathy to Jane and all the Darrenkamp family in the loss of Jerry.  He always had a smile and was never too busy to stop and say hello.  He will be missed along with that crazy Christmas cap, and those crazy socks.  There’s sure to be a lot of laughter in Heaven as Jerry entertains. 

A faithful Darrenkamps shopper

On behalf of children of Paul and Dot Ressel, I would like to express our sympathy to your family.  Ever since I got my license, I was driving my Mom to Darrenkamp’s store beginning with the Union Street Store and then to Willow Street.  When my Mom and Jerry got to talking, I couldn’t pull her away.  May God greatly reward Jerry for all the joy he brought to others.

Sincerely,
Kathy (Ressel) Morris

About 25 years ago I meet Gerry at the small store in Willow Street. He always has a smile and something nice to say. For some reason when ever he would meet me it was always "Hello Gary, how are you doing" and you knew he really meant it. This went on for about 15 years and then finally my wife (she has worked for Darenkamps for about 25 years or more) asked him if he realized my name was Rodney, he was very surprised that someone had not told him this, so in his usual manner he called me Gary for the next 10 years so I guess when something works you continue doing it. I will always remember the outfits he wore on days like Halloween and how he treated my family, thank you Gerry and Please rest in peace, you deserve it.

Praying that God will comfort you in your time of sorrow. Gerry was an exceptional person that will always be remembered for his friendliness, his sense of humor, and most of all his loving heart. He will be missed by all.
With sincere sympathy,
Missy Lyter and family

Dear Jane and Family,
Patti and I were deeply saddened to learn of your loss. Jerry was such a friendly person who we always looked forward to seeing at our annual Coats for Kids Telethon. His jokes and Christmas pants always added fun to these events. Even though I did not know Jerry very well he made me feel we were buddies every time our paths crossed. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
You have our deepest sympathies.
Paul and Patti Quinn

I was so sad to hear of Jerry’s passing.  I was born and raised on Cabbage Hill right up the street on Fairview ave right up the street from the store.  I have went to that store since I was a little girl being able to go to the corner store my self with my mom looking to make sure I got there running as fast as you can to get to the store to know you are safe.   Gerry was always there I swear waiting for me with the great smile and crazy socks to make me smile. And the holidays oh the holidays Gerry was the king.  Gerry and the entire Darrenkamp family are unique people and so glad that’s where I was raised, and I say that because that corner store on Cabbage Hill was much more than just a store Gerry and everyone made you feel like family and was always there to make you smile.  I am sure Gerry is Heaven telling his crazy jokes and smiling down on us all.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the family.  May the Lord Bless you and comfort you.

Barbara Hiltz
Janice Hiltz
Harry Hiltz

Jane and family,

Please accept our sincere sympathy for your loss. We will never forget all the great memories and enjoyable times you and Jerry provided for us.  We shall keep him in our prayers.  We suspect he has already planned a regular time for poker games with Leo Bitzer, Milt Finefrock and the rest of the usual
St. Joseph Street crowd.

Rick and Linda Bitzer
Alexandria, VA

Ann Bitzer and Dexter Newcomb
Scituate, MA

I was so sorry to hear about Jerrys passing. I will always remember when I came back to Lancaster every summer with my parents Jim and Kate Grassel and before we would return home Jerry always made me feel so special by giving me my pick of candy for the long cross country drive home. He never made me feel like a bother, instead he made me feel very special and loved. He will always be a cherished childhood memory for me. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
               
Marie Zadravec (nee Marie Grassel)

Dear Jane,
I was just informed about the Jerry’s death by my niece who lives in Lancaster. She sent me the newspaper notice today.  We saw him and you at the recent high school reunion.  Carole and I extend our deep condolences to you and the family.  It was always a pleasure to spend time at your home, which was such a vital part of the reunion experience itself.
As you probably remember we live here in California, on the rim of the world, and are not up to date with what is important to know about.
Jerry was a wonderful and funny guy as well as a successful one.  He had it all. Carole and I will miss him as well as not being able to see you all until our next high school reunion. 

With deepest sympathy, 
Dick and Carole Trapnell

Our condolence on the loss of your husband and father.  He will be missed not only by family butalso by his employees.

Mr.& Mrs. Frank Scheingraber

Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to your entire family.  Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Brad and Cindy Olena

To Jane and Family: 
I just found out about Jerry’s death on the internet.  I know this is late in coming, but please accept my deepest sympathy and that of my entire family.  Jerry will be greatly missed and I know that he is in heaven with the Lord looking down on all of us.

Carol Bryan

Dear Jane and family,

I was saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing! Mother, aka Bess, would keep me updated thru the years with all that went on with your family. I have many memories of Jerry, being at the store growing up, and being at Catherines with my pap,James Darrenkamp. I remember the picnics and Christmas parties with my nan also. Jane, you and Jerry were always so happy and pleasant! May you and your family be blessed with fond memories of such an admirable husband and father! I’m delighted you were able to spend 59 years with such a wonderful man!You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Warmly,
Brenda Bair (Dolores Souders daughter)

I was deeply saddened when I learned of Jerry’s death.  I got to know Jerry, Larry, Jane,  Joe and Dave as a Coca Cola sales rep. in the early ’80’s, at the Union Street store.  I have many fond memories of my time there.  Jerry always greeted everyone with a smile and a handshake;  weather you entered as a customer thru the front door;  or a vendor thru the back. He treated everyone he knew with dignity and respect—and passed all of his fine qualities onto his children and his employees.  I pray that the family finds strength and peace in how respected Jerry was by so many people!!  May God bless you all during this most difficult time. 

Bob Shirk
Landisville, Pa.

Our hearts go out to your families at this time of sadness. He was a very caring,compassionate person. like a lot of lancaster residents, his loss leaves void in alot of hearts. Lacster lost one of our great men but he has three others to carry on his legacy, and i know they will make him proud. all our prayers are with you all. GOD BLESS.

CAROLYN KAUFFMAN ( TRACIE RILEYs mom)Better known as carol.

I grew up on Laurel Street right around the corner of the orginal store.  Jerry and all of his family hold a very special place in my heart.  Jerry will be missed.  I Love you all.

Debra Burns – Rottmund

To the entire Darrenkamp Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. We didn’t know Jerry well, but enjoyed seeing his smiling face over the years when we visited the stores to shop or to do the child-resistant package testing.  May you all keep his memory and spirit alive through the re-telling of stories about his life and how he touched people along the way. What a great legacy he has left to the Lancaster community, which is present in all of you.

Sincerely,
Deb & Mark Perkins
Dave & Judy Hipple
Tina & Jodi
Bird Dog Marketing Group, LLC
Child-Resistant Package Testing

Dear Jane & Family.
Our Sympathy is with all of you. Jerry was a wonderful man, he was always so jolly and a lot of fun to work with. He will be missed by all. I knew Jerry when I was just a child going grocery shopping with my mother at Union St. Darrenkamp Market. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to your entire family.

Wanda & Daniel Snyder

To Jane and the rest of the Darrencamp family—We were so very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences.

Bob and Kathy Bucher

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Darrenkamp families.  As a young child I went to the  Union Street store location with my parents, Arlene and James Bleecher.  I have fond memories of Gerry Darrenkamp.  He was always smiling when you came in through the store, would give my sisters and I a sample of a slice of ham (I am thinking Kunzler, since my Dad worked for Kunzler… 🙂 I always looked forward as a kid going with my Mom to the Grocery store.  I was sadden to hear of his passing but know he is at peace with the Lord now.

Beth (Bleecher) Walters

My thoughts are with the entire Darrenkamp family during this difficult time.

Mona Yuninger

To Jane and Family:

     Please accept our sincere condolences in your time of sorrow.
Shopping at the Willow Street store was always so much more pleasant when Jerry was there smiling and laughing. We will all miss him.

Frances & Ron Roschel

What a wonderful tribute and turnout on Thursday evening. The Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home did a wonderful job of handling the overwhelming turn out.

I clearly knew there would be an enourmous show of support.
I planned on getting there at 5:00pm. I also kept my schedule clear for the rest of the night in anticipation of a delay with all the people showing their support.

As the one condolence says Jerry Darrenkamp was a true Lancaster Legend!

signed,
anonymous

Our thoughts & prayers are with you in your time of grief.  Jerry was what Darrenkamps stood for – family…you had to smile when he was in his costumes for the holidays.  He will be greatly missed.
     For this is a journey we aLL must take
      And each must go alone.
     It’s all a part of the Master’s plan,
      A step on the road to home.
Jerry’s now home & we will keep you in our prayers.

Theresa & Jere Bagenstose

We would like to express our sympathy on the passing of your husband.  He was always a joy to be around.  I look back to when we were neighbors and we went to high school and the fun I had with Jim and Bob and the tricks that Bob used to play.  Also enjoyed going to the movies with you and your father otherwise I would not have been able to go.  You are in our prayers.

Your loving friends,

Karl and Jean Brubaker

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time.  May you have comfort in knowing Jerry is now resting with our Lord.

The Buckius Family
Tom, Lisa, Bryan and Olivia

Dear Friends,

On behalf of The Salvation Army, we extend our deepest sympathies to your family during these difficult days.

We are assured that God will be ministering His comfort and strength to you today and in the days to come.  We also thank God for His promise of Eternal Life for those who have trusted in Him for their salvation.

Please be assured of our prayers for family and friends.

May God Bless You.

Major B. Bryan Smith
The Salvation Army

Dearest Sympathy to the Darrenkamp family.  I am blessed to have known Jerry.  I am so sorry for your loss.

With much love,

Tara Braun

Dear Jane, Joe, Dave and Larry…

So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing! Just wanted to say that I didn’t know Jerry real good but the few times that I had meet him and spent some time with him has really made an impact on me. Such a joy to be around. He had that special personality that just made me feel like a long time old friend. He reminded me so much of my great uncle and therefore we seemed to have an immediate bond. There was never a time that he didn’t make me smile and laugh! He has run the race with endurance and finished with honor! Blessings to you all!!

Rob Althouse

I was sad to hear of Jerry’s passing.  He was always a friendly smiling face when I would take my daughter to their store on Union Street.  When we moved from the Hill I would come back just to go to Darrenkamp’s store.  It was always a pleasure to shop there and Jerry was always there to greet you.

Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you. 

Cyndi McGeehan Conover

I have only been part of the team Darrenkamp for three years, but All of the family made me feel welcome and like part of the family. That is quite a legacy to leave everyone you touch in this wordly life. The compassion, caring and fun shown by Jerry and his family is unbeatable.
You will be surely missed, but your spirit lives on in Jane and your family.
My heartfelt prayers and wishes go out to all of you during this trying time.
What a true blessing it is to have all of you as part of my life.
Thank You

Dear Jane, Larry, Dave, Lynn and Joe,
I was so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing away.  He was an outstanding neighbor and I felt so fortunate to have lived next to Jerry and his family.  We have wonderful memories of the good times we spent together.  Whoever wrote his obituary described him to a T.  His humor, kindness and generosity will always be remembered and appreciated.  He will be missed.

Rosalind Geisenberger

It was an honor and a privilege to share just a small part of his life.  Your family is in my prayers.  Heaven has received one amazing gentleman. 

Julie

I was saddened to read about the death of Mr. Darrenkamp in the morning paper; I had no idea that he was ailing or I would have sent a card.  If I can get off from work soon enough on Thursday, I will make an appearance at the funeral home to meet the family members, with which I have strong and good memories of from my school years.
  My prayers go to the family in their time of loss.  Never forget the promise of eternal salvation for those who believe in Jesus.
  Aside from playing baseball, I still remember waving to Mr. Darrenkamp from my front yard as he drove home in that big 1972 Chevy woody station wagon that he had back then.
  From,
"Henny" William Henderson, Clearview Lanes, Mount Joy

Please except our sincere sympathy to you and your family. We have known Mr Darrenkamp and the boys for a long long time and we would like to express how sorry we are for your loss.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to each and everyone of you

Sincerely
Ed & Marie Kowalski

Our sincere condolences,
Jean Whitman, and Robert Kling

I met Mr Darrenkamp quite a few years ago when I used to go with my father on service routes for A.W.I.

He always had a kind word and knew how to make you smile.  He was one of those individuals that made this earth a better place to live.  He will be missed.  My wife Sheryl and I send our condolences.

Respectfully
Don Laughman

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Gerry was a great man. I was privileged to have worked with him in many activities at St Leo’s over the years. He never failed to make me laugh.

Dave & Pat Gundling

Dear Jane & family,

We send our deepest sympathy to your entire family. It goes without saying that Jerry will be missed by so many!  Tom & I are so grateful for the times we could share with you and Jerry and Tom & Gerry.  They were always fun filled with Jerry’s never ending list of jokes.  He was so much fun to be around and he always kept us laughing!  Jerry was a very special guy who gave so much to so many.  May the many memories of his amazing life give you some peace and comfort.  We will keep you all in our prayers.

Love, 
Tom & Dottie Schaller

We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Your father was such a great influence to so many. I always was envious of how humble he was. He was great mentor to me as I started out in the produce industry.

Kenny Myers
Kegel’s Produce

My deepest sympathy to the entire Darrenkamp family on your great lose. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I only had the pleasure of speaking to Jerry a few times during my employment at the Mount Joy store. But it only took a few times of speaking with him to realize what an exceptional man he was. I have no doubt he will be dearly missed by all the employees who he made laugh with his wacky antics and attire on the special holidays that he wondered the stores. I know I will think of Jerry with a smile on my face. God bless to all.

Sincerely, 
Joanne Wauchek

Dear Jane and family,

We send our deepest heartfelt sympathy for your loss.  Jerry was a positive influence on so many people, and we were blessed to know him.  We especially enjoyed the time we spent with him watching Peter play baseball over the years.  We will keep you in our prayers.

Steve and Lisa Shank

Dear Joe, Karen, Peter and Katy, and the rest of the family and friends of Jerry… especially wife, Jane.

I met Jerry but twice, both times with Jane. Both times, I believe, he was either picking up or dropping off my son, Conor, who will sometime soon become a member of the Darrenkamp clan. This hardly qualifies me as a good friend of this Lancaster legend…a term I’m positive Jerry would have shrugged off as hyperbole.

Fact is, in life we meet a lot of people just in passing and, unfortunately, forget them often mere moments thereafter. I’m as guilty of that as anyone. But it wasn’t that way with Jerry… nor the lovely Jane, for that matter. From the driver’s seat of his car, he immediately reached out to me with a genuine positive energy and fervor you all too often don’t feel in day-to-day meetings with new people anymore.  And Jane was right there with him. We laughed and joked for quite a while like we knew each other and, all the while, I felt that these two warm folks were expressing a completely natural (to them) interest and desire to connect with the father of their future step grandson. It was a little surreal and, quite frankly, made me tingle with goose bumps. I love when that happens. That was, at the very least, three years ago.

My very first encounter with the Darrenkamp family was, surely like so many before me, at the old Cabbage Hill store. I was astonished by the quality of the meats and other groceries, the filled yet organized store… but more so by the warmth of the customer service. It felt more like “family service” to me. You just felt at home. End of story. My former wife, Karen, and I were there together.

It’s a curiously serendipitous that, in some small way, I will be connected to the Darrenkamp family one day. I’s a good thing. I remember the day I met Joe a few years back. I thought to myself, “yea, this is good people.” Thanks in no small part to Jerry and Mary’s positive influence. Of this I’m sure.

The world has lost a real gem, in my estimation. A shining example of the epitome of the “Greatest Generation." Our loss is heaven’s gain. Godspeed Mr. Jerry Darrenkamp. And many blessings on your family.   

Sincerely,
Jeff Snow

SENDING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO YOUR FAMILY. WE DID OUR WEEKLY GROCERY SHOPPING AT THE UNION STREET LOCATION UNTIL IT CLOSED. WE REMEMBER THE GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE THERE WAS ON EACH VISIT! OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.

SINCERELY,
THE GOEKE,HOY AND MCCLENAGHAN FAMILIES

Uncle Jerry will be deeply missed, but the wonderful memories will always be close to our hearts.  He was such a wonderful uncle who would always make us laugh.  Our deepest sympathy to Aunt Jane and the entire family.  Wow, what an amazing family!  Our prayers continue during this time of loss.  May the Lord bless you and comfort you all the days of your life.

Love and prayers,
Paul, Kathy and Andrew Speitel

Jane, Larry, Dave, Lynn, Joe and the rest of the Darrenkamp family:

Deidre and I extend our thoughts and prayers to all of you as you deal with the loss of a truly iconic Lancastrian, loving husband, dedicated father/grandfather/great grandfather and friend. We were all better for knowing Jerry and will miss him undoutedly more than we know. While you mourn his passing, he moves on to a better, more peaceful place, where the fishing is always great.

Hadley and Deidre Brown

I was and still proud to say he was my Uncle.
            
Cork

I will always remember his friendly smile, kind words, and superior customer service. He has left a wonderful legacy.

We are sending our deepest condolences to the entire Darrenkamp family at the loss of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Fondly,
Richard and Shirley Falk

My deepest sympathy to the entire Darrenkamp family. I have always enjoyed Mr. Darrenkamps outfits and his warm smiles! We especially enjoyed his Holiday outfits and his show of enjoying the holidays! He made me and my grandkids smile and appreciate humor and lifes many pleasures.

Darlene Wettig

Dear Joe and family,

Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the family.
It certainly was a great pleasure to get to know you so well, Joe, through coaching 3 years ago with Peter. I so very fondly remember the times of celebration after winning games and tournaments that grandpa (Jerry) would always be there with cash on hand making sure everything was covered! Truly a giving, loving and "family man". We will certainly miss seeing him around.

May God bless your family in ways unthinkable.
Dan (Coach Herr) and Carolyn

Our hearts and prayers are with you.  Ryan is such a wonderful young man and artist; we know he was so inspired and motivated by Jerry.  We’ve heard many stories of what a great man he was – in so many ways.  We are so sorry for your loss.  We wish we had been lucky enough to know him.

With love and condolences,

Lori Hamilton and the team at
Prosperity Productions and
Earl & Grace Films

Heaven gained a special man when Gerry returned home to be with his Lord.  He always made his employees feel like they were part of his family, and I have been blessed to have known him.  My prayers for God’s grace and comfort are with the entire family.  Thank you for sharing this special man with us!

Sincerely,
Chris Allwein

Dear Mary Jane and Family,
The memories we all have of Jerry were wonderful ones filled with many hugs, kisses and lots of fun.  He always had time for everyone and had a way of making you feel special!

At Eshleman reunions, Jerry always walked in with a large ham, watermelon to slice, and a big cigar sticking out of his smiling mouth.

Jerry’s (and the boys’) relationship with our Mom and Dad gave them many years of feeling needed and appreciated after leaving the Drumore farm.  Driving the Darrenkamp truck for deliveries, doing the Amish route, or what ever, filled many vacant hours for them and gave them many stories to share.

We always enjoyed his interesting outfits and special occasion socks that he was more than willing to show to all.  In "his" produce section, Jerry always had a special "bargain" for all.  If it was still eatible, it was a bargain in Jerry’s eyes.  "Just cut those spots off", he would say.  "It’s a bargain"!

Jerry brought alot of joy and pleasure to our family and many others.  He will always have a special place in all our hearts.

Love,
The Nina and Mart Eshleman Family

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Darrenkamp family during this difficult time.  We will always remember Mr. Darrenkamp’s support to the local community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The officers and members of New Danville Fire Company 

Dear Darrenkamp Family:
We would like to take this time to express our sincere sympathy.  May God lay his hands of comfort on you all and wrap you in his love.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May God continue to bless you,
Sarah Blevins and Cinda Seig and family

Dearest Sympathy to all of the Darrenkamp family. 

I am blessed to have known Jerry.  Working with him at the Willow Street store (what seems forever ago) was always fun and he always was able to make us all laugh. Thank you for the memories. May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time. Jerry will now be an angel looking down from Heaven on all of you. I wish you peace. I am so sorry for your loss.

With much love,

Amy Payne Meli
Lancaster, PA

Our desire is that your hearts will be comforted at this sad time through the loss of your loved one. Life goes so quickly and too soon the chair is vacated by the one we knew all our life. May the comfort of hope that comes through Jesus Christ settle upon your souls and dim the pain that your loss imparts upon you. Our condolences are with you in your time of deep sorrow.

The Weaverland Food Team
Andy Youndt
Kathy Sandt
Joel Hershey
Beradette Giarraffa 

Dear Jane & Family, 
Please accept my deepest sympathy.  Gerry was such a good man & I know he will truly be missed.  You must be so proud of the way Darrenkamp’s flourished because of his hard work.  You are in my prayers.

Fondly,
Mary Anne Aichele

Wishing your entire family peace in the coming days. I will miss seeing Mr. Darrenkamp at the Willow Street store where I shop faithfully. He was such a hard working man and always was so pleasant and quick to smile!

Bobbi Gilles
Willow Street

Deepest Sympathy to the Darrenkamp Family.                                     
From a loyal shopper.
Kathleen Thome
Mount Joy

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Jerry. I did not know him very well but had the pleasure of playing golf with him at an AWI golf outing years ago and thoroughly enjoyed his company and sense of humor. He certainly passed this quality on to his children. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family in this trying time.

Patrick and Debra Williams

From our family to the Darrenkamp family our deepest sympathy.May god be with your family in this time of sorrow.Absent from the body present with the lord.

The Staffieri family, Lou, Lori, Toby, Joe.

Jane and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing away on Saturday. As a former employee of Darrenkamp’s Willow Valley, I will always have fond memories of Jerry, very much like a dad to us employees. Those Christmas Costumes, and those wild socks were really something!!! As a former Cabbage Hill Resident I have always remembered the Union Street Store. Many great memories!!! Please accept my sincere condolences .  

Cindy Fokas Flaharty

Sorry for your loss, donna and I will remember our vacation with Jerry and jane forever.

Love
Andy & Donna Ohrel

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.   Please accept our sympathy and find peace knowing the Jerry is resting with our Lord in his eternal life. 

Blessings and Sincere Sympathy,

Kim, Mike, Michael and Chad Harrison
Willow Street

I was very saddened to see the passing of Jerry. My grandmother Mary "Flick" Rittenhouse was a relative and since I learned of this, I have always felt connected to the Darrenkamps. We were in someway, no matter how distant, family. I also grew up spending every Saturday afternoon in the Union Street store with my mom and dad (Ken and Doris Parmer). I always looked forward to the special treatment we got there, including the jokes from the boys behind the meat counter and the tootsie roll I would get when checking out. I miss those simple days but they are very bright and happy memories for sure. Thank you all for helping to create them. Jerry will be missed but what a great legacy he has left. My best and prayers to you all as you move forward.

Scott Parmer

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God grant you peace and comfort, and may you feel His love and strength in the coming days.

Larry and Lori Racey

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