Obituaries
Joseph H. Esbenshade, Sr.
Joseph H. Esbenshade, Sr, 84, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Tuesday, June 9th in Elkton, MD after a lengthy illness.
Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Jacob H. and Maude Zeamer Esbenshade. He was married to Geraldine H. Mummert Esbenshade for 57 years. For the past 50 years, they have spent their summers in Charlestown Manor, MD.
Joe had worked for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board as a store manager.
A World War II US Army veteran, he served in the Eighth Armored Division in the European Theater. He was a member of the Veterans of the Battle of The Bulge, a life member of the American Legion Post 34, and a life member of VFW Post 7294 in Millersville.
He was a member of Grace United Church of Christ in Lancaster.
A Master Mason with Lamberton Lodge 476 F&A Masons, Joe was a life member of the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, a 32nd degree Mason in the Reading Consistory, a member of the Lancaster County Shrine Club, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the Rajah Shriners of Reading.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Joseph H. Jr married to Brenda Esbenshade of Tuscon, AZ; his daughter Diane M. Kurtz of Lancaster; 3 grandchildren: Joseph H. III, and Brandon and Logan Kurtz, and a stepgrandson Kevin Ruhl. He is also survived by a brother, J. Fred Esbenshade of Ephrata. Joe was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Jacob, James and Robert and a sister, Esther Warfel.
Friends may call on Friday, June 12th from 1-2PM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. There will be a Masonic funeral service at 2PM, with the memorial service to follow immediately with the Rev Rachel Hackenberg officiating. Interment in the Landis Valley Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Joe’s memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Dr., Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. To send an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com
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We are so sorry for your loss. We all loved Joe and enjoyed listening to his life stories and will miss him terribly, especially during the summers on Kline Ave.
We feel like we are part of one big family and our hearts will ache with sorrow but we will fondly remember how he touched our lives too. If there is anything we can do for you please let us know. We love all of you.
Love Sonny, Anita, Jason, Nisa and Tony too….
Dear Geraldine and Family,
I just wanted to extend my sympathy to you and your family during this sad time. You most likely do not remember me, but I remember you and all the other Esbenshades and the picnics at my grandparent’s home at the Buck and of course visiting Aunt Maude in Lancaster. My mother was Ruth Musser.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Bob Shenk
Though we have only had the honor of knowing Joe this last year, we were able to quickly grow to respect him from the conversations we had and from the wonderful stories shared by friends and family around the warmth of many bonfires. The sorrow we feel is from knowing we won’t be able to have more conversation with Joe, but we know through the strength of his family and friends we will forever keep learning of how wonderful a man Joe was. We also believe Joe’s work is not done, as we are sure he will be watching over loved ones and guiding us in spirit.
For all who know Joe, please don’t hesitate to call on us if you need anything,
Our condolences,
Matthew, Loni and Gaige
Gerri, Diane and Joey
we were saddened to hear of Joe’s death. we felt like a member of our own extended family had died and wanted you to know how much we have missed evenings sitting down at your cottage, talking and drinking beer and just watching the river. it won’t be the same when we come to visit without his company and stories. we may have moved to florida but our hearts will always be a part of kline ave and the culture, easygoing life and love that extends even to us here. we are sorry we were unable to extend our sorrow to you more personally but know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers daily.
love Sue, Don and Heather
