Obituaries

Rev. Donald C. Sweimler, 81

July 06, 2022

Rev. Donald C. Sweimler, “Ducky” 81, passed away at his New Holland, PA home with his loving wife Karen by his side on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Born and raised in Reading, PA, Don was the son of the late Elmer Sweimler and Bertha Hettinger Sweimler.

Ducky graduated from Wilson High School where he was inducted in the Athletic Hall of Fame for multiple sports. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The Kings College in New York where he was also inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, completed his master’s degree in Education from Montclair State University in New Jersey, and was ordained as a minister at Graniteville Baptist Church in Rhode Island.

A man of many professional talents, Don worked for ServiceMaster in the Management Services Division for many years and later with his wife Karen at Lighthouse Vocational Services in New Holland, PA. Don loved the time he spent with his beloved Lighthouse crew. He also pastored nine churches including several in the Baptist, Methodist and Congregational denominations in New England and Pennsylvania. Don was currently pastoring Green Hill United Methodist Church in Conestoga, PA. He loved and served the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart his whole life.

Don taught and coached at Nyack Missionary College, Philadelphia College of the Bible, Messiah College, and Barrington College. He enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, soccer, football, and golf. He loved to watch and cheer on the Phillies, Eagles, and Nittany Lions.

A faithful family man, Don loved to spend time with his dear grandchildren. He enjoyed bird watching, gardening, barbecuing, and spending time with his chocolate lab Daisy and cat Gracie.

In addition to his loving wife Karen (Hawkins) Sweimler, Don is survived by his daughter, Suzan Lesmerises, wife of Peter of Groton, CT, his son, Daniel Sweimler, husband of Christiane of Surry, ME, his daughter, Alyson Kreidler, wife of Rob of Marietta, PA, his daughter, Katie Schaeffer, wife of Matt of Sinking Spring, PA; nine grandchildren, Hunter, Aiden, Ayla and Emma Kreidler, Fox Sweimler, Kaleigh and Briana Willwerth, and Gabriel and Chase Schaeffer; three nieces, and many cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, nephew Steve Sweimler, infant granddaughter Kyla Kreidler, and his brother Robert Sweimler, husband of Janice of Scott Township, PA.

A celebration of Don’s life will take place on Sunday July 17, 2022, at 6 pm at Pine Grove Mennonite Church located at 1194 Reading Road Bowmansville, PA 17507. The family encourages attendees to wear Phillies gear or colors in honor of Don.

Interment at Green Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery will be private.

Kindly consider a memorial contribution to Green Hill U.M. Church, 5801 River Road, Conestoga, PA 17516 or to Lighthouse Vocational Services, 144 Orlan Road, New Holland, PA 17557 https://app.theauxilia.com/payments/client/lighthouse_vocational_services

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Condolences to the Family

July 21, 2022

Sweimler family,
My deepest condolences go out to you during this difficult time. Don was a wonderful man. I got to know him through working at the EPA UMC over the years. Such a kind man. Praying you feel God’s warm embrace.
Kristin Kuhns (Reifsnyder)

July 15, 2022

Rev. Don was such a special leader full of the Holy Spirit that shined the Light of Christ in whatever he did!
At Lighthouse Vocational Services, he was a caring and loving person, Coach, Pastor and Driver for Lighthouse. He started our Church Relations Department and was amazing in growing our mission in helping all our participants be all Christ wanted them to be!!
I treasured his smile, wit and mentoring spirit!! He counseled many of our employees.I can hear the Lord saying, “well done my good and faithful servant!!”
Praise God for this man of God!!!
You will be missed!!
Kirt Barden

July 12, 2022

Karen and family – I was a new pastor in 2016 and Don always had an encouraging word when we met at Annual Conference and other meetings. I will always remember his kindness and his smile.
Carlene Wolf

July 10, 2022

Rev. Don and our family go back many years. He performed the wedding for one of my sons and also the Celebration of Life for my husband, Ed. They had great times kidding each other about baseball teams. He was the most generous, kind, caring man I have ever met, as well as being my pastor and friend for decades. There is so much more, I could write, but I just want Karen and the family to know you are loved and in my prayers. Suzi, I have enjoyed meeting you via our Zoom Bible studies. God bless you all and please accept my condolences.

July 10, 2022

What a great guy !! Don was one of those people, that it only took 5 minutes of conversation when you first met him, to know that you liked him. Lighthouse Vocational Services, will definitely miss his humor and love.

July 09, 2022

Suzan,
Your dad was the best and I considered him my second dad. He was a great pastor and friend and I was able to meet you, my best friend through him. I know this is hard for you. The best thing to remember is he is with his Lord now and my parents as well as lots of other friends that have gone on before him. It will still be hard, just not as hard as it would have been if you didn’t know that some day you will see him again.

July 09, 2022

Donald had a deep love for his family and his Lord which showed in all aspects of his life.

Services: Sunday, July 17, 2022; 6:00 PM; Pine Grove Mennonite Church; 1194 Reading Road; Bowmansville, PA 17507
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