Jene A. Willwerth

Jene A. Willwerth, 83, of Ephrata, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital.
He was born in Hinkletown to the late John and Jean (Glass) Willwerth.
Jene graduated from Pennsylvania State University, Berks Campus, University of Virigina, and later went on to the Quantico FBI Academy. After completing his education, Jene returned to Ephrata, where he worked as a police officer, before becoming Chief of Police. He served as Chief of Police for over 10 years and then became a Senior Judge for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - a role he held for nearly 20 years. A pillar in his community, Jene was a member of many organizations, including the Ephrata Lodge, No. 665., Rajah Shrine Center, Lancaster Lodge of Perfections, Pennsylvania Magistrates Association, and Lancaster County Corvette Club. He had formerly served as the Director of the Allentown Court of Royal Order of Jesters. In his free time, Jene was an avid golfer and enjoyed riding motorcycles and traveling.
Jene is survived by two sons, Dr. Gerald Willwerth, companion of Gail Gross of Chambersburg, Jeff, husband of Lori Willwerth of New Holland; five grandchildren, Dr. Kristen Willwerth, wife of Joshua Steele of Green Castle, PA, Laura, wife of Blake Dunbar of Chambersburg, Megan, wife of Joey Roberts of Green Castle, PA, Brittany Willwerth of Durham, NC, Kyle Willwerth of Manheim; five great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Hayden, Olivia Avery, Owen and companion, Kay Vrabel of Ephrata; two brothers, John Willwerth, husband of Donna Willwerth, New Holland, and Jim Willwerth, husband of Margaret Willwerth, Lititz.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 10 to 11 AM, at Stradling Funeral Home, 201 Church Avenue, Ephrata, followed by his memorial service at 11 AM, with Rev. Jeff Martin officiating. Inurnment will take place in Voganville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jene's name can be made to Shriners Children's Hospital, Attn: Shriners Children's Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.