John Earl Kober, 84

November 28, 1941 - December 25, 2025

John Earl Kober, 84, of East Petersburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 25, 2025. Born on November 28, 1941, in Ashland, PA, he was the son of the late Grover and Julia (Kaminski) Kober. He graduated from Ashland Area High School in 1959. John married the love of his life, Gail (Blank) Kober, in 1962 and together they celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage in June of this year.

John began his career in the meat and cheese industry working many years as a salesman. He also worked for Armstrong World Industries. In retirement he delivered pharmaceuticals for Williams Apothecary.

An avid sports enthusiast, John was instrumental in forming the first girls softball program in East Petersburg and then went on to assist in forming the Lancaster County Girls Softball League. His dedication, passion and lessons taught beyond the game made him a beloved coach of both slow and fast pitch teams. No matter the sport, he attended almost every game of his children and grandchildren – the biggest fan in the stands. A jokester by nature, he adored the company of his family and friends. Anywhere John went he was well-liked and left a profound impact on those around him. You could often hear him whistling before getting to see his infectious smile. John was a longtime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lancaster.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, John is survived by his beloved wife, Gail; five children: Lori Baldwin (Robert), Timothy Kober, Kristen Kober, Leanne Miller (Mel), and Matthew Kober; six grandchildren: Sean and Heather Baldwin, Jonah and Rue Kober, Austin Zercher and Rylin Miller; and five great-grandchildren: Kieran Mazzola, Alessandra, Parker and Marina Baldwin, and Giuliana Rojas. He was preceded in death by three siblings: Jackie Fago, Jule Ann Juscavage and Jim Kober.

A memorial service to honor and remember John will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 PM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in John’s name to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 800 Fifth Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.