John H. Ressler

John H. Ressler, 96, of Lancaster, formerly of New Holland, died Monday, January 26, 2015 at Lancaster General Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Ephrata, he was the son of the late Harry E. and Lydia A. (Kilhefner) Ressler. His wife, Frances E. (Peyton) Ressler died Sept. 25, 1983.

John graduated from Penn State in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. He worked as a type setter for the New Holland Clarion (1936-1937), the Centre Daily Times in State College (1937-1939 and 1940-1942), the Ephrata Ensign (1939-1940), and later at the New Holland Machine Company as a Marketing Programs Coordinator for 35 years. He retired in 1981.

He was a member of St. Stephen Reformed Church in New Holland where he was active in the 9:15 class. He was also a member of the New Holland American Legion Post 662, the New Holland VFW Post 7362, the Sigma Delta Chi Honorary Journalist Society, the Pi Kappa Phi in State College, and a 50 year member of the Conestoga Country Club. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing, and watching sports.

During WWII he served in the Army Air Force in India and China.

Surviving is a daughter, Dee A., married to John Zimmerman of Lancaster; a son D. Michael, married to Susan (Hoober) Ressler of New Holland; four grandchildren; three step grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; and two great-great granddaughters.

Preceding him in death is a sister, Dorothy Meyer.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 2 PM at St. Stephen Reformed Church, 249 E. Main St., New Holland, PA 17557 with Dr. Timothy Witmer and Reverend Calvin Wenger officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held at the Church on Saturday from 1-2 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the St. Stephen Reformed Church Building Fund, address above. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.