November 19, 2024

Unfortunately I just learned of Dusty’s passing today.  To me he was always Dusty, not Jake.  I am very sorry I did not know and missed his service – am certain he knows I would have driven to Lititz from Virginia to say a final goodbye.
We became close friends in school, what a funny, generous guy.  Still remember some days he would pick me up at home in his father’s black Cadillac wearing a chauffeur cap, and I would sit in the back seat to be dropped at the front of McCaskey H.S. Too many fond memories to leave here but will add I “worked” one summer at their home – cutting grass, weeding, etc. while the family was off to Europe.  That was a big deal in the 1950s!  Dusty’s mother was a wonderful woman!
When my wife, Jan, met Dusty she also was enthralled with him, and was as upset today as I.  I was blessed to be a part of Dusty’s wedding.  He remained a close friend all these many years and I did speak to him on the phone late August.
God bless you Dusty, and blessings and condolences to his family and to all that loved him!
 
 

November 15, 2024

Jake and I met through Global Volunteers.  I was his Volunteer Coordinator when he decided to go on an English teaching service program in Siedlce, Poland. On the way back, he noticed another person wearing a Global Volunteers t-shirt, who was severely sick on the airplane.  She staff member who had just finished leading a team in another part of Poland but had gotten food poisoning on the last day.  He pretty much saved her life by getting her to medical care in Chicago, and then having an ambulance lined up for her in Minneapolis (he missed his flight to fly there with her.)  She spend 12 days in the hospital and it was months before she was completely well again.  He sent me flowers when we adopted our son, and then when my mother passed away. We stayed in touch.  My husband and I were able to meet him, in person, 5 years ago.  He was a blessing in my life and many others’.  He was very proud of his sons!

November 08, 2024

Jake was always ready with a helping hand and a funny story. Honored I was able to know him. Much love to his family. Valerie Shenk

October 31, 2024

My dearest Jake
We Miss you already. Thank you for
your friendship during all these years.
Until we meet again .
Fred and Maricarmen Zambito

October 27, 2024

Loved this man dearly. I feel so fortunate to have had him in my life.
My sincere sympathy to Dusty’s family and friends. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.    
Jana Nestlerode

October 22, 2024

Oh Jake!  You dear, sweet man.  You are so missed already.  Until we meet again…save a seat for me.