Obituaries

Jeffrey Wise, 56

Jeffrey Wise, 56, the ultimate caregiver, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, January 28, 2011. Along with his wife of 35 years Susan M. Wise Jeff lived life to its fullest. He was born in Bainbridge, OH to the late Atlee, II and Mary Jo Wise.

A graduated of Copley High School in Akron, OH, he earned his B.S. from Edinboro College.  Jeff worked for Genesis Healthcare for 20 years before breaking out on his own to co-found, along with his wife Sue and son Doug, Home Instead Senior Care of Lancaster County. As a Certified Senior Advisor, Jeff loved serving others and improving the lives of seniors and those, “needing a little help from a friend.” Jeff and Sue and their Army of Super Elves were the local “Be a Santa to a Senior” program at Christmas.

Jeff loved life and everything he did created a memory. He worked hard and played just as hard. He loved scuba diving, fishing, political causes, music and cooking. He fancied himself as the best gravy maker in the whole world. A crazy and fun father, he coached and participated in all of his kids sporting events and activities. He was a mentor to many. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Strasburg, where he taught Sunday school for 12 years and was a youth group leader. Above all, Jeff was a faithful man, honoring and giving praise to God throughout life’s entire journey.

Jeff was an inspiration to his family, friends, caregivers and fellow patients during his hard fought battle with cancer. Known for carrying his Conquer Cancer Battle Axe, his positive, forge ahead attitude will live on in everyone who knew Jeff.

In addition to his wife Sue, Jeff will live on through his son Douglas E., husband of Tara E. Wise, daughter Stephanie Jo Wise, his brothers Cary, Atlee, III and Gregg Wise and his father and mother-in-law Clyde and Edna Walker.

A Celebration of Jeff’s Life will take place 11 AM, Saturday, February 5, 2011, at Wesley U.M. Church, 40 W. Main St., Strasburg, with The Rev. Timothy J. Patterson officiating. Friends may greet the family immediately following the service. Interment will be private. Please omit flowers. Contributions can be made in Jeff’s memory to The Healing Journey, Lancaster Cancer Center, P.O. Box 10396, Lancaster, PA 17605-0396. To send the family online condolences, 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.

Sue, Steph and Doug,
Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. What an inspiration Jeff always was to us – before his illness and during his battle with it. He was ALWAYS so upbeat and positive no matter how bad his day was. We have so many fond memories of all of those New Year’s Eves spent together playing the newlywed game and laughing until we cried! We will always remember his sense of humor, his kindness and his genuine concern for people. He was always so interested in what was happening in our lives. There was never anything fake about him. May God give you peace and strength in the days and weeks ahead as you adjust to life without him. I’m certain that he is pain free and introducing himself to everyone in heaven!

Love,
Scott and Donna Wendler

To Sue, Doug and Steph,
I am so sorry to hear about Jeffs passing..He was an extraordinary man with a wonderful and compassionate gift that he gave others..Jeff was an angel in disguise to us all and now he will walk beside us to help us continue the love he had for the elder..His beautiful smile and laughter will be remembered and the memories of him will live on..May you always find peace, strength and comfort through all the memories you had with Jeff..He will be greatly missed..
Dee Eaby

Dear Sue and family,

I want to extend my condolences to you and your family.  Jeff was a wonderful man and had a heart and gift for service.  I feel very blessed to have known and worked with him during my time at Woodcrest Villa.  He was always willing to help and serve in whatever way our residents needed.  He will be greatly missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

Sincerely,
Heidi Bennett
Woodcrest Villa

I was so sad to hear of Jeff’s passing, but I trully know where he is and I am sure he is very happy.He fought the good fight,he ran the good race. I have not seen Jeff in years but this I know, if you knew Jeff Wise your life was better. What a fine ‘man of God’. God Bless you Jeff.

Kim Snodgrass Copley classmate.

Doug, Steph, and Sue,

I have many fond memories of you and your family from our years in Strasburg.  You have my condolences.

–Adam Danz

Dear Sue and family:

Michael and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.  I will always remember the first day of training in Nebraska, when I met you both and the fun we had. Jeff certainly was an inspiration to me and many others. He fought a courageous battle and I know you’re very proud of him, as he was of you.

Sincerely,
Patty and Mike Neupauer

Sue, Doug & Stephanie
Please accept my sympathy and you are in my prayers at this difficult time.

Lois Anne Risser
retired organist at Community Church

Sue, Doug and Stephanie,

I miss Jeff, and seeing all of you in the building.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I hope to see Doug back here in future (?) Take good care of yourselves.

Rita Hallock
Burkwood Associates

Dear Sue, Stephanie and Doug,

I wanted to send my deepest sympathy on the passing of Jeff.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  He will be greatly missed by so many people.
Jeff touched so many lives and had a way of making everyone feel special.  He was truly a genuine, vibrant, funny and wonderful person.  I feel blessed to have known him during my time at Home Instead. 

Diana Mattos

Sue and Family…its been a while since we saw one another but we read about the passing of Jeff and we are filled with grief…we were neighbors in Strasburg (we live in Manheim Twp now), and Jeff and I worked together at Genesis many, many years ago…he was a wonderful person..caring, fun, thoughtful,hardworking..and he loved his family so much..may your memories of him help you through this time and stay with you forever.

With our deepest sympathy…
Sharon Alexander and Family (David, Anna and Sadie)

THOSE WE LOVE REMAIN WITH US,
FOR LOVE ITSELF LIVES ON
AND CHERISHED MEMORIES NEVER FADE
BECAUSE A LOVED ONE’S GONE….
THOSE WE LOVE CAN NEVER BE
MORE THAN A THOUGHT APART
FOR AS LONG AS THERE IS MEMORY
THEY’LL LIVE ON IN THE HEART!
     SLEEP WELL SPECIAL JEFF!!!

CONDOLENCES "SUZIE Q", DOUG AND STEPHANIE. I TRUST TIME WILL EASE YOUR GRIEF AND LEAVE YOU ONLY TREASURED MEMORIES!
                          
NANCY HUNZIKER

Dear Sue,Steph and Doug,
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff. He was an awesome person and a great boss. He always told me how great a caregiver I was and although I didn’t feel that I was great, he made me want to be great. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Lori Daly

As a friend of Steph at St. James Episcopal Church, I send my prayers and condolences to your family.  May God be with you on this journey of grief and thanksgiving, mourning your loss but thanking God for the life of Jeffrey.
Mary K. Bucher (member of the choir)

Sue, Doug & Stephanie,

Just wanted to extend my condolences on Jeff’s passing. He was a very special person.  We know that he is in a better place.  Will keep your family in our prayers.  

Sincerely,
Carolyn Wheeler

To my friend, my co-captain, and my warrior chief- I bid you farewell and look forward to the day we meet again! Because of you I have a new faith in life and know that my work will not be complete until we find a cure. Knowing Jeff was not only an honor; it was also one of the greatest joys of my life. He made the world a better place and challenged others to step up to the plate. For me personally, I still have my mother. He inspired her to continue the fight and never let her lose faith. Thank you Jeff for making life worth living! To the Wise Family- thank you for sharing your husband and father!

Dear Sue, Doug & Stephanie,
Our heartfelt condolences to you on Jeff’s passing. He was truly a warrior for the great cause of living life to its fullest in the glory of God. For the time we had the honor to work with him, we were always in awe of his quick intellect and wit, humor, dedication to serving others and unwaivering faith. His sharing of time and talent is a model for others to prescribe. We are grateful for having had the opportunity to meet and for the trust and confidence he and the entire family placed in us. We know he will be missed by everyone he touched. May his remembrance bring comfort to you. It was apparent to us he sowed love throughout his life — and that any tears of sadness would one day transform to joy. May God keep him and you in his loving care.
Sincerely,
Dave Wimer & John McCormack at MARATHON Group

Sadness and grief were my feelings when informed about Jeff. Such a very good person with so much talent. Talent and a kindness that he shared with all.
I remember Jeff running cross country at Copley High School. I believe he was the first Copley runner to qualify for state. He pushed himself in whatever he did.
If you were having a tough day at school and spoke with Jeff then your day would improve immediately.His humor and positive outlook were amazing. Jeff was that kind of person.
My sincere sympathy to the Wise family and friends.

Duane Cretin

Dear Sue, Doug and Stephanie,
Please accept our deepest sympathy at this time of great loss to you and all of us who knew Jeff.  I believe our mother, Ann, was one of your first clients when you opened Home Instead Senior Care!  She is still a client and we can’t believe that Jeff will no longer be a part of our lives.
For our family, Jeff will be missed greatly. We also appreciate all that you, as a family, in the business of care giving have provided us.  From helping us get coverage for Ann when it seemed impossible, to standing up for her when we had LTC insurance issues and more!  Jeff took the challenges and the needs of all clients personally and was a true advocate for all seniors.  He will be missed immensely.

Vicki Graybeal, Ann & David Knapp

Steph Jo,

We’re so sorry to hear of the passing of your father.  Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family.  Although we never knew him we’re certain that your loving and sunny personality is a reflection of his love and devotion to you and that’s something you will carry with you all your life.  Peace to you friend.

Fondly,
Tricia, Alan, Fiona and Seth Fackler

I was so sad to hear of Jeff. He was a great person and boss. I missed him dearly when i had leave Home Instead and I will even miss him more now. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.Take Care.

We, at the Northborough/Natick Massachusetts Offices of Home Instead Senior Care, send our most heart felt Condolences to the Wise Family.
Bruce and Laurie Bender

Thank you Jeff for your part in making Home Instead Senior Care the best caregiving service in the world.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of transition. 
Jason Baker
HISC Hemet, CA

Dear Sue and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Barb Reeser
HISC, Reading, PA

Doug, Sue & Stephanie:

I am deeply sorry to hear about your loss; your father and husband was a truly great man. I have very fond memories of Jeff from the times I stayed over during high school, got severely beaten by him playing basketball in the back yard, and helped out at the Wicker Nook. I admired his consistently positive outlook on life and wonderful sense of humor. Jeff will be dearly missed by many; I wish you strength and peace during your bereavement.

Sincerely,
Luke G.

Sue, Steph & Doug,
I am so glad I was able to catch up with you in the fall and to see Jeff doing so well…hard to believe how fast things changed. He truly was aour  joy to all who knew him. Such a wonderful addition to our crazy extended family so many years ago.

Needless to say, our thoughts and prayers and with you all he will be sorely missed.
Love, Carol & Joe Hager & families

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