Obituaries
Julia Gottschall, 92
December 15, 1927 - April 22, 2020
Julia (Melnick) Gottschall, 92, of Lancaster, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at the Hamilton Arms Center in Lancaster, PA. Born December 15, 1927, in Forestville, PA, and raised in Minersville, PA, Julia was the daughter of the late Roman and Fannie (Prytyskacz) Melnick. She was married to the late John J. Gottschall.
Anyone who ever spent any time with Julia speaks of her with fond, lasting memories. She lived to serve God by serving others, and volunteered her gifts daily at the Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church for 62 years. In addition to spending her voluntary time by polishing brass, cleaning pews, mending garments, and leading the Rosary over the years, she sat on several church committees in leadership roles, and would often speak to tour groups as the resident church historian. Julia did not spend all of her time at church – while at home, she was an avid Scrabble player, often playing several solitaire games (her left hand vs. her right hand) in a single day. She took pride in being the first member of her family to graduate from high school, and she was always reading a book or novel when she wasn’t studying scripture. She enjoyed caring for her home and yard, and she could sharpen a mower blade on her grinding wheel just as well as serve a delicious full meal to her loving family and numerous friends.
Julia is survived by her four devoted children: Julianne Reid, of Lancaster, PA; Janet Loyd and her husband Harry Woodrow of Lancaster, PA; Jane Couch and her husband Ray of Willis Point, TX; and Joe Gottschall and his husband Scott Woody of Rehoboth Beach, DE. Also surviving are her five adoring grandchildren: Max Campbell and his wife Tina of Lancaster, PA; Mindy Campbell and her husband Ryan Hoffmaster of Millersville, PA; Adria (Couch) Weger and her husband Jeremy of Friendswood, TX; Lindsay (Gottschall) Hrybyk and her husband Alex of Millersville, MD; and Arin (Couch) Sue of Willis Point, TX; her five cherished great-grandchildren: Annabeth Weger, Liam Hoffmaster, Ethan Hrybyk, Elliot Weger, and Hannah Hrybyk; and by one sister, Stella (Melnick) Enge of Black Jack, MO. Julia was preceded in death by her loving husband, the late John J. Gottschall, on January 8, 1991; as well as her seven brothers: Michael, John, Frank, Wassel, Andrew, Peter and Nicholas, and four sisters: Marie, Ann, Theresa, and Helen.
Graveside services will be held at 12:30 PM on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman, PA, with Father Brian Wayne officiating. A Mass of Christian Burial will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Julia’s memory may be made to Historic St. Mary’s Church, 119 South Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.
Live Stream link will appear at 11 AM or close to the start of the scheduled service here on this page.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
May 31, 2020
May Allah God comfort family and friends. Ms Julia lived a great life and touched so many people. Her faith was taller than a mountain and we know that Allah God is pleased. May she RIP. Ameen
Muhammad and Bronzel
May 02, 2020
I will always remember Julia for her kindness, sense of humor, love and dedication to St. Mary’s and to our Funeral choir. She was a wonderful woman and will be dearly missed. Julie, you are a wonderful daughter and have been at your mother’s side for so many years. This televised family gathering was inspiring to be able to view.
Peggy Schulz
April 30, 2020
Prayers to you Jane and all of your family. Our hearts break for you.
Will and Darla Hopson
April 29, 2020
Loved working with Julie as a Jr. Aide. She was exemplary, energetic and fun. My husband has heard this SO many times. She laughed hysterically when I announced how I hated the supper vegetable of peas and carrots. As she all but falls from her chair laughing she tells me I had just said, “I hate keys and parrots!”
She was great!
LuAnn (Fellenbaum) Goldfus
April 28, 2020
I was sadden to hear of your mom’s passing. My condolences to the Gottschall family.
April 28, 2020
I was so sad when I heard of Julia’s passing. She was an incredible woman. She had so much love for her family. I learned so much from her over the years. She was an inspiration to all and a great role model. I’m sure she is “Dancing in the Sky” sing with the angels choir… Deepest smypathy to all. Alice
April 27, 2020
She was a great woman and will be missed by many. My condolences go out to all of the family.
Jon Sellers
April 27, 2020
There are only a few people who come into your life that leave a lasting impression. Your Mom was one of those. So many years ago I worked with Julia at Village Vista and I have never forgotten what a wonderful kind person she was. My deepest sympathy to all of the family.
Lillian Podlesny
April 27, 2020
A beautiful spirit who now graces her presence in heaven…Julie took such incredible, attentive care of her mother in all aspects since 2003. Her mom was so fortunate to have Julie by her side & I know the feeling was mutual. They had many shopping & dining adventures together!..I hope Julia is enjoying dancing with Angels!
Kathy Farrell
April 27, 2020
Julia was an icon at St. Mary’s. We fondly remember her leading the rosary at church and meeting her and her brother, Wassel, at the World War II veteran’s reunion in Gettysburg. We are sorry for your loss and the loss of Julia’s presence.
Marti & Allan Pawlikowski
April 26, 2020
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing woman. I will always remember the love she had in her heart for her children and grandchildren; you all brought her tremendous joy. Sending hugs are prayers to Janet, Max, Mindy and the whole family.
With deepest condolences, Jennifer (Seelhorst) Long
April 26, 2020
I was deeply moved and sadden when I heard her named mentioned this morning during Mass. She was a lovely woman and went out of her way to make a stranger feel comfortable and welcome. May she rest in peace with the angels in heaven.
Cathy Tomasichio
April 26, 2020
Joe , Deepest heart felt sympathy to your whole family in this time of sorrow . From all the McMellen family . AFA Koleen ,Betty , Kim , Keli .
April 26, 2020
To all of the family, I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I have very fond childhood memories of growing up next to our neighbor”Mrs. Gottschall”. – Nadine L.
April 25, 2020
“A luminous light remains where a beautiful soul has passed.” Julia was an amazing woman! My heart is sad with you as you grieve. Peace, comfort and strength for the coming days.
Ginny Hartman
- Services
- Tuesday, April 28, 2020
- St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery
- Charles Road
- Lancaster, PA
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
