Harlan R. Wengert

Harlan R. Wengert LEBANON Harlan R. Wengert, 89, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2015, at the Lancaster General Hospital. Harlan was born April 29, 1925, son of Ada Horst Wengert and Samuel K. Wengert. Harlan was raised in Lebanon, graduating from Lebanon High School. He received his Bachelor and MBA degrees from Cornell University and an Honorary Doctorate from Lebanon Valley College. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Second Lieutenant during WWII. Harlan is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy Nicholas Wengert; siblings, Kenneth Wengert, Louise White, Clifford Wengert, Jane Sprecher, and Joan Hettinger; children, David, Ann, Carol, Marty, and Sally; and grandchildren, Sarah, Michael, Katie, Rachael, and Ben. He loved his family, music, travel, nature, and sports. He is remembered for his storytelling, magic tricks, and active engagement in the careers of many people who worked with him. Harlan's father began bottling milk in 1931, establishing Wengert's Dairy (now Swiss Premium Dairy) in 1941 in Lebanon. Harlan, as President and Chairman of the Board, expanded its reach over the years becoming a major county employer. He innovated with new product lines like Swiss Tea Cooler, manufacturing techniques, and retail models, opening the first of 10 Swiss Farm stores in 1968. Harlan led Wengert's Dairy to a preeminent position nationally, winning more prizes for quality than any other Pennsylvania dairy, including the highest U.S. Public Health service rating ever in both raw and pasteurized milk in Pennsylvania. Wengert's Dairy was acquired by Dean Foods in 1998. Harlan served actively on several civic boards as a Trustee of Lebanon Valley College, as a Director of Lebanon Valley National Bank, Good Samaritan Hospital, and the National Milk Dealers Association, as the Chair of the North Cornwall Township Zoning Board, and as the President of the Lebanon Rotary Club. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 600 S. 12th St., Lebanon. Interment will be held following the church service in Hill Church Cemetery, Cleona. There will be no viewing or visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lebanon Valley College http://www.lvc.edu/ or United Way of Lebanon Co. http://www.unitedwaylebco.org/ www.kreamerfuneralhome.com