John H. Hess, Sr., 98, of New Holland, died Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at Garden Spot Village, New Holland.
Born in Millersville on October 5, 1918, he was the son of the late Jacob and Katie (Charles) Hess. His wife, Elsie (Weaver) Hess, to whom he was married 58 years, died in 1999.
John graduated from Manor High School in Millersville. Later he owned and operated New Holland Supply from 1963 until he and Elsie retired and moved to Harrisonburg Virginia in 1998 to be closer to children and grandchildren.
John was a member and trustee of New Holland Mennonite Church and also served on the board of trustees for Eastern Mennonite University.
He was known as a gentle and generous man who loved life and was a bit of a jokester.
One of his enduring hobbies was mowing grass and he was a swimmer throughout his lifetime.
Surviving are two children, Tina, married to David Glanzer of Lancaster, and Bruce, married to Chris (Kauffman) Hess of Ronks; three grandchildren, Steven Glanzer married to Kristin Anderson, Katrina Glanzer married to Becky Stephens, and Jonathan Hess; two great grandchildren, Levi Stephens and Rowan Glanzer; and a sister, Rhoda, married to John Weaver of New Holland.
Preceding him in death is a son, John Hess; and four sisters and two brothers, Mary Weaver, Orpha Weaver, David Hess, Naomi Redcay, Anna Lois Earhart, and Edward Hess.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 2 PM at Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland with Chaplain Chester Yoder officiating. Food and fellowship will follow the service. A private interment will be held at New Holland Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Garden Spot Village Benevolent Fund, 433 S. Kinzser Ave., New Holland, PA 17557. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.