John B. Esh

John B. Esh, 69, of New Holland, Pennsylvania, went to be with the Lord on September 3, 2026. Born in Strasburg, he was the son of the late Daniel and Elizabeth Stoltzfus Esh. He was the husband of Janet Gingerich Esh, with whom he would have celebrated 35 years of marriage on September 14.

He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, including his four children: Christopher (Stacie) of Lancaster, Hannah (Nathan) Johnson of Lancaster, Evan (Nancy) of Rio Rancho, NM, and Elliot of Lancaster. He was also a beloved PopPop to five grandchildren: Malachi, Vera, Elsie, Odessa, and Reid.

He is survived by 12 siblings: Michael (Mattie), Emma Lapp, Naomi (Alvin) King, Jonathan (Linda), Sadie (Eli) Stoltzfoos, Daniel (Naomi), Anna (Ben) King, Reuben (Anna Mary), Rebecca (Daniel) Stoltzfus, Elmer (Martha), Elizabeth (Samuel) Glick, and Emanuel (Mary Ann). He was preceded in death by four siblings: Salome Stoltzfus, Jonas Esh, Mary Stoltzfus, and Amos Esh.

John gave his life to Christ in his late 20s, and from then on was marked by a deep love for the Lord. He was devoted to his family and will be remembered for his gentle leadership, kindness, and humor. He involved his family in everything he did, including operating the furniture store he owned at Booths Corner Farmers Market.

John lived with Parkinson’s disease for the last twelve years of his life. The disease slowly took away his ability to work and pursue many of his passions and hobbies, including fishing, hiking, biking, and playing guitar. Even so, John rarely complained and found joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren — getting down on the floor to play with the grandkids, cooking meals for the family, watching the Philadelphia Eagles with his sons, and helping out around the house in any way he could. He will be most remembered for his love of the Lord and his family.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Petra Church, 565 Airport Rd., New Holland. Burial will be private in Petra Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s memory may be made to Petra Mission, 565 Airport Rd., New Holland, PA 17557. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.