Gerald Stern Hossler

Gerald Stern Hossler, 96, of 630 Bellaire Road, Elizabethtown, passed away peacefully November 10th at his home surrounded by his family.  Born in East Donegal Township on October 28, 1921, he was the son of Jacob Witmer Hossler and Margaret (Shenk Stern) Hossler.

A 1938 graduate of Elizabethtown High School, he lived on Bellaire Road in Mt. Joy Township from 1950 with his wife of 68 years, Martha J. (Yeagley) Hossler.

He was drafted into the Army Air Forces during World War II, serving in North Africa and Foggia, Italy, where he used his aircraft instrument repairman skills as a gun turret and gunsight mechanic on B-17 aircraft. He took courses to qualify as an Industrial Engineering Technician working at Middletown Air Depot, and later, New Cumberland Army Depot prior to his retirement.  He also was a licensed pilot and real estate agent.

Jerry was a member of the Milton Grove Hunting Lodge, Milton Grove Sportsmen’s Club, numerous Lancaster County historical societies, and the Abraham C. Treichler Masonic Lodge No 682 for sixty years. His civic activities included serving as an officer of the Fairview Elementary School P.T.A. and the Milton Grove Cemetery Association.  He also campaigned to raise funds for the construction of the Lancaster Farm and Home Center as well as the establishment of Norlanco Medical Center. From 1989 – 2008, he served on various Mt. Joy Township committees, Planning Commission, and as an elected Township Supervisor.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Martha; four children, Donna Kaye (Stan) Lavender, Lois Faye (Charles) Brewer, Barry Jay (Jan) Hossler, Dennis Ray/Joan Hossler; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Retiring at the age of 55, he and his wife, Martha, devoted time to genealogy and historical research as well as dining, dancing and traveling to faraway places. Jerry was always a gentleman whose smiles and thanks were easily given.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown at 11:00 AM. Viewing will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will take place in Milton Grove Cemetery, Elizabethtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s honor to the Milton Grove Cemetery Association, c/o Ronald E. Thome, 22 Heather Circle, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com.

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