Jacob G Wise Jr, 91, of Ephrata, went home to be with his Lord, on Thursday, March 9 after a lengthy illness. He was under the care of Hospice & Community Care. Jacob was the husband of Arlene (Snyder) Wise for 66 years.
Born in West Earl Township, he was the son of the late Jacob & Luella Wise. In addition to Arlene, Jake is survived by his five daughters: Diane Fry, wife of Timothy, Ephrata; Nancy Fry, wife of Philip, Ephrata; Linda Martin, wife of Wayne, East Earl; Bonnie Wise, New Holland; Karen Rutter, wife of Roger, Narvon. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a sister, Dorothy Sauder of Ephrata. He was preceded in death by three sisters: Beatrice Buckwalter, Esther Martin and Betty Boyer.
He served in the US Navy during World War II aboard the USS Vicksburg. Jake was a self-employed plastering contractor for over fifty years. He was a former longtime member of the Bee Tree Hunting Camp in Lycoming County. He was a member of St. John’s Center UCC Church, East Earl. He previously served on the Earl Township Zoning/Hearing Board. Jake and Arlene cherished spending time with family and friends at their cabin in Lycoming County. They enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. Jake was an avid NASCAR fan. He also enjoyed motorcycle riding. The annual cycle ride that is held the second Friday in May, began with Jake and a few friends riding to the mountains.
The family is grateful to Hospice for the love, care and support that they provided. Memorial contributions may be sent to: Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 15 at 11:00 am at St John’s Center UCC, 432 Reading Road, East Earl with the Reverend Tim Heritage and the Reverend Brad Haws officiating. Interment will be in the Bergstrasse Lutheran Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 14, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Wednesday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Church. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.