J. Howard "Jack" Rutter, Jr.

J. Howard “Jack” Rutter, Jr., 87, of New Holland, died Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Fairmount Homes. He is survived by his wife, Elaine (Sonnen) Rutter. They would have celebrated 40 years of marriage on November 22nd.

Born in New Holland, Jack was the son of the late Helen (Groff) and J. Howard Rutter.

After graduating from high school, Jack served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict.

Jack was known for his knowledge of guns, retiring from The Sportsman’s Shop after many years.

He was active in the Garden Spot Fire Rescue, formerly Liberty Fire Company, for many years, serving as chief for some years and receiving an award for over 60 years of service to the community. He was also a member of the Charles E. Ludwig Post #7362, Veterans of Foreign Wars, New Holland and the American Legion Conestoga Post #662, New Holland.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters: Linda married to George Buchanan, Jr., New Holland, Sheri A. married to Moses Noecker, Ephrata, three step-children: Beth A. married to Dean Overly, Austin, PA, Vicki A. married to Rod Hartman, New Holland, and Anthony G. Eitnier, New Holland, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Garden Spot Fire Rescue Auditorium, 339 E. Main St., New Holland with Chief Chaplain Jimmy Fannin, Jr. officiating. Interment will be in St. Stephen Reformed Cemetery. Friends will be received from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Fire Company Auditorium. Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorial contributions may be mad e to Hospice & Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or Garden Spot Fire Rescue, 339 E. Main St., New Holland, PA 17557. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, is in charge of arrangements. Online remembrances and condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.