Joel D. Deardorff

Joel Deardorff Obituary
Joel D. Deardorff
DOVER – Joel Daniel Deardorff known affectionately as "The Farmer", went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 3:26 a.m., after a three and a half month courageous battle with Severe Acute Necrotic Pancreatitis. He was a life long resident of Dover, PA and passed away while residing at Hospice & Community Care in Mount Joy.
Joel was born in Hanover on October 31, 1954, the son of Raymond and Mary Ida (Gerber) Deardorff. He was the devoted husband of Susan C. (Landes) Deardorff with whom he celebrated 42 years of marriage on March 13, 2024.
Joel graduated from Dover Area High School in 1972 and was hired by Allis Chalmers, later to become Voith Hydro. He retired after 48 years of faithful service as a machine operator. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1400, The Voith Quarter Century Club, NRA, AMAC, AARP, PA Farm Bureau of York County and a member of St. David's Evangelical Congregational Church.
He enjoyed spending time with "Fava Bean" he and Susan's "Fur Baby", deer hunting, car shopping, quiet time on the front porch swing, making home-made ice cream, reading the weekly "Lancaster Farming" newspaper, driving his Red-Tractors, having both children (Kory & Kara) work at the farm, eating corn on the cob, pounding crabs, traveling with Susan (even though reluctant to leave the farm) he ALWAYS had a good time, watching the grandkids have fun, buying and selling farm equipment and absolutely all things farming!
Always the hard worker, Joel farmed 300 plus acres, assisted by his dad, son and son-in-law. This was in addition to and during his time at Allis Chalmers and Voith Hydro!
His love of farming developed early as he watched both his grandfathers work the land. He spent many hours riding his go-cart in and out Pap Deardorff's lane, and at his Pap Gerber's he had fun gathering chicken eggs. His Uncle George Gerber was often his buddy and guide as he taught him the importance of supplying products to sustain the world's food supply. He grew up being inspired by those who had admirable work ethics, therefore he too passed them on to his children. He had a strong love for God and County.
In addition to his loving wife, Susan, Joel leaves the following to cherish his memory: his son, Kory J. Deardorff, his wife, Jodi (Weary) Deardorff and their two children, Evelyn (Evie) and Levi. A daughter Kara S. (Deardorff) Koontz, her husband, Kevin Koontz and their two children, Kolby and Kalista. His devoted parents, Raymond and Mary Ida (Gerber) Deardorff, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service, under the direction of Emig Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., in celebration of Joel's life will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 11 a.m., at St. David's E.C. Church, 2411 Oakland Road, Dover with Pastor N. Patrick Teaford officiating. There will be a time of visitation from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private at the convenience of the immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. David's E.C. Church, 2411 Oakland Road, Dover, PA 17315 or Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601, in honor of Joel's memory.
The family would like to send their special thanks to the amazing staff at Hospice & Community Care, who were gracious, kind, gentle and loving as they skillfully cared for Joel in his time of need.
To share memories of Joel and condolences with his family, please visit www.emigfuneralhome.com.
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