Gerald Kershner

Gerald L. "Gerry" Kershner, 76, Lititz, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010.

Born in Berks County, he was a son of the late John L. and Stella (Boltz) Kershner.

Gerry was a graduate of West Chester University and Trinity University and earned a Master of Arts with high honors from Lancaster Bible College.

He taught in the public schools in Chambersburg, Shippensburg and Manheim Township school districts and at Christian schools in Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

Gerry served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

He was the loving husband of Florence "Flossie" (Derstler) Kershner. They were married on Aug. 10, 1986.

Gerry and Flossie served together as missionaries, working in Christian education in Turkey, Peru, Guatemala, Japan, Canada and Bosnia.

After spending time as a missionary, he founded and directed Golden Years Missions to motivate seniors to serve in Christian work.

Gerry was a speaker and freelance writer of devotionals, greeting cards and poetry that was published nationally by Day Spring Cards, Gallant Greetings, The Secret Place, The Quiet Hour and others.

He was a member of Lancaster Evangelical Free Church of Lititz and was ordained in the ministry as a pastor by the church in July 1997, along with Amigos International.

He was known locally for his historical writings and photography of local stories, folklore and Pennsylvania German Heritage.

A quote that signifies Gerald's life: "... and remember, Jesus was born and died for all of us so that we can live for Him."

Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Kenneth L., husband of Catherine Kershner, Fairbanks, Alaska; and Kurt L., husband of Mary Kershner, Macungie; three stepsons: Robert R., husband of Diane Shaub, Columbia; Timothy J., husband of Sandy Shaub, Millersville; and Michael G., husband of Darlene Shaub, Marietta; two grandchildren, Landon and Lauren Kershner; and two sisters, Marilyn, wife of Ralph Kerschner, Mohrsville; and Susan, wife of John Brummer, Gettysburg.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Road, Lititz, on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Old Zion Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. There will be a public viewing at Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim, on Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with additional viewing at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of the service.

For further information or to send the family a message of condolence, you may visit our website at www.buchfuneral.com.