Willard J. Vanpelt

Willard J. VanPelt, 89, passed away on February 12, 2025, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Born on May 27, 1935, in Columbiana, Ohio, he lived a life marked by craftsmanship, service, and devotion to family and faith.

Will graduated from North Lima High School in Ohio before embarking on a career as a self-employed building contractor. Skilled in both carpentry and masonry, he built numerous homes and fireplaces throughout his career. One of his most ambitious projects was the construction of a stone castle in Ohio—a testament to his creativity and dedication to his craft. Beyond his professional work, Will generously shared his expertise with his children, assisting them with renovations and projects on their properties.

Service was an integral part of Will’s life. He spent two years in Germany rebuilding homes after World War II through the Mennonite Central Committee PAX program. His commitment to helping others extended to Guatemala City following an earthquake and numerous Mennonite Disaster Service projects across the United States. For many years, he also volunteered with a congregation in Youngstown, Ohio, assisting with building and maintenance projects.

A man of quiet wit and deep thoughtfulness, Will found joy in simple pleasures. He had a lifelong love of basketball that began during his high school years and continued as he avidly followed college and professional games. Fishing vacations with family in Ontario were cherished moments of relaxation and connection. Alongside Charlene, his wife, he traveled extensively throughout the continental United States, Alaska, and Europe.

Faith played a central role in Will’s life. He was a longtime member of Midway Mennonite Church in Columbiana, Ohio. After moving to Pennsylvania in 2016, he regularly attended James Street Mennonite Church in Lancaster.

Will is survived by his wife of 63 years, Charlene (King) VanPelt; daughter Deborah VanPelt; sons Todd VanPelt and Rick VanPelt (Marie); granddaughters Teniqua (Matt), Tanee (Rob), Aisha (Michael), Hannah, Rachel, and Sarah; great-grandchildren Phoenix, Brooklyn, Boston, Vivian, and Victoria; his sisters Alice Helmuth and Mary Good, in laws MaryAnn VanPelt, Marilyn VanPelt, Lana VanPelt, Judy and Wendell Selzer and Dan and Lynette King as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Ida VanPelt and siblings Arthur, Perry, Elsie, Jake, and Albert.

A memorial service will be held on April 5, 2025, at James Street Mennonite Church, 323 W James St, Lancaster, PA 17603 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the service and a light lunch will follow. A second memorial gathering will be held on April 6, 2025, at Midway Mennonite Church, 13376 Columbiana-Canfield Rd, Columbiana, OH 44408 at 3:00 PM. Visitation and sharing will follow, along with a light supper.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the memory of Will to Mennonite Central Committee, 21 S 12th St, Akron, PA 17501 or Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Rd, Lititz, PA 17543. Online remembrances and condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.

Willard J. VanPelt’s legacy of craftsmanship, generosity, and quiet strength will be remembered by all who knew him.