Obituaries
Harry B. Oberholtzer, Jr., 88
December 10, 2024
Harry B. Oberholtzer, Jr., 88, of East Petersburg, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. He shared 66 years of marriage with his wife Dorothy “Dot” M. (Gray) Oberholtzer.
Born in East Hempfield Township, Harry was the son of the late Harry B. Sr. and Martha Peters (Sangrey) Oberholtzer. He graduated from Manheim Central High School, served for two years as a private in the United States Army, and worked for 44 years as parts manager for the Ford Dealership in Manheim.
Harry was a former member of Grace E.C. Church in East Petersburg. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Harry could often be found in the basement putting together enormous jigsaw puzzles or completing the daily Lancaster Newspaper word search. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and quiet good nature. All will remember Harry sitting in the corner of the family room in his ‘chair’ watching television and recollecting stories from his life as a boy on the family farm, as a private in the U.S. Army in Germany, or as a young husband and father. He loved nothing more than to have his family around him.
In addition to his wife Dot, Harry is survived by their sons Brian Oberholtzer, husband of Gwyn of Phoenixville, and Brent Oberholtzer, husband of Danielle of Bradenton, FL, daughter Beth Bitts, wife of Michael of Lancaster, 8 grandchildren, Allison Greenplate, PhD, wife of Jason, Corrine Frank, wife of Tom, Madelyn Thomforde, wife of Levi, Nicholas Oberholtzer, husband of Amanda, Erick Oberholtzer, Grant Oberholtzer, Nathan Bitts, and Nolan Bitts, 7 great-grandchildren, Dorothy Frank, Jacqueline Frank, Eloise Frank, Beau Greenplate, Charlotte Gray Thomforde, Josephine Oberholtzer, and Grayson Oberholtzer, and his siblings, Jay Oberholtzer, Jean Ginder, wife of Marlin, Mary Anne Gochenauer, wife of Robert, and Charles Oberholtzer. Harry’s parents and his siblings Verna Merrick, Rhoda Burkholder, and Clair Oberholtzer preceded him in death.
Private interment will take place in Hempfield Church of The Brethren Cemetery, East Petersburg, PA. Please omit flowers and kindly consider a contribution in Harry’s memory to Hempfield Church of the Brethren, 1186 Stevens St., Manheim, PA 17545, or to Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, Inc., 1013 Mumma Road, Suite 203, Wormleysburg, PA 17043.
Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, Inc.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
January 13, 2025
To my brother Harry Oberholtzer Jr,. We will be looking ahead to meet you in “Glory”, brother. Jay R. Oberholtzer.
December 17, 2024
So sorry to hear of Harry’s passing, Dot. May God be very near to you and your family at this time.
I’ll keep all of you in my prayers. Dot, I hope I can see you soon.
Millie Benedict
December 16, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Harry was always a pleasure to work with .
Pat and Bob Yeager
December 16, 2024
I was so sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. I worked with him at Phillips Ford. He was a great fellow employee and I’ll always remember his friendship. My prayers are for your family during this time
Rosene Steffy
December 16, 2024
Mrs O, Brian, Beth, and Brent,
Our thoughts are with your extended family. I have great memories of spending time in your home and will always remember Harry’s smile and kindness. We ask for God’s blessing and comfort on your family.
Steve and Suzy Skiles
December 16, 2024
Dot and family, My condolences to all. So sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. May God give comfort and peace. Cling to the memories which will shine in your hearts and minds. Dot, quite a few came to my mind when I saw that Harry had passed.
Mary Ann (Landis) Ogburn
December 15, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Theda Dagen
December 14, 2024
RIP Brother. Prayers to Dot & family
charles oberholtzer
December 14, 2024
Dear Beth,
Sincere condolences on hearing of your Dad’s passing.
May God rest his soul and bring you comfort in your good memories.
Mary and Tom Toczek
December 14, 2024
Sincere condolences to the family. His gentle good nature and goodwill will be missed. Love, MaryAlice
December 14, 2024
Dot I’m sending Prayers and Hugs to you and your family. Harry was a sweet and gentle man and will be miss by many. My God’s Blessings be with you and your family.
Linda Rogers
December 13, 2024
Dot , My condolences to you and your entire family. It has been a great privilege to work with Harry since my first day in Manheim.He was such a integral part of our success at Ford. Every day was pleasure with Harry.
He was a special man.
Pete Hondru
December 13, 2024
Dear Brent & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs & prayers for all of you. ❤️🙏🏻
Tom & Maria Weber
December 13, 2024
Beth may your dad rest in peace. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Roshana Nadeem
December 13, 2024
So sorry for your loss! May God give you peace that passes understanding.
Julie Campbell
December 13, 2024
Very sorry for the loss of your dad.
DONNA SPEECE
December 13, 2024
I’m sorry to hear about Harry’s passing
i Worked with him at Ford for many years
i learned much about the auto business and life from him
he had a strong faith in god and an amazing work ethic
I’ll miss his coy little smiles and quirky mannerism
god speed Harry
ill see you on the other side
Mike Michalec
December 13, 2024
Beth my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Ted Lehmier
December 13, 2024
Beth …
May your Dad rest in peace. Praying for you and your family.
Millie Rodriguez
December 13, 2024
My condolences Beth. I have you and your family in my prayers.
John (Jay) Presbery
December 13, 2024
Sincere Condolences to Dot, and family…Used to sit on school bus with Harry. prayers for you all!
Beverly J. J Rightnour
