Thomas William Ishler

Thomas William Ishler, 84, of Lancaster, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Moravian Manor, Lititz, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Marjorie (Turner) Ishler, with whom he shared over 63 years of marriage.

Born on June 22, 1932, he was a son of the late Samuel Elmer and Mary Viola (Bickle) Ishler, Sr.

A graduate of Penn State University in 1964, he was employed by the PS University Corn Research Division, the PA Foundation Seeds Inc., the Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry Farm, Pioneer Hi-bred Int. Inc., and Cargill Inc. Renowned as an expert in his field as corn breeder, Tom persevered and found success on many of his lines of corn. He found enjoyment consulting with other stations and experts in his field. In retirement Tom and Marjorie enjoyed living in Florida and PA, avidly assembling Daylilly and Amaryllis gardens where he crossed and propagated many hybrids with beautiful results.

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his children, born and raised: Thomas Ishler, Jr. (Adele), Dianne Cass (Lewis), Carol McCormick (Lee), Susan Newton (Stephen), and niece Barbara Nyhof (John); 2 siblings: James Ishler (Eileen) and David Ishler (Diane); 8 grandchildren: Elyssia Mitton, Jessica Cass, Aimee McCormick, Kyle McCormick, Ashley Ishler, Daniel Newton, Lauren Llamera, and Erika Plaugher; 2 great-grandchildren, Ariadne and Remy Smith; and cousin Norman Bickle.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his son Allan Ishler, his brother Samuel Ishler, Jr., and his cousin Karen Aikey.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 11:30 AM at St. John’s UCC, 218 N. Church St., Boalsburg, PA 16827. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:30-11:30 AM at the church prior to services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom’s memory to Echo Community (a 3rd world agricultural resource), 17391 Durrance Rd., North Fort Myers, FL 33917. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.