Fred R. Strathmeyer

YORK Fred R. Strathmeyer, 84, peacefully entered into rest on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, at Barley Autumn House-West. He was the husband of Hendrika M. "Henny" (Stokking) Strathmeyer, to whom he was married 56 years on October 13, 2007. Born November 20, 1923, in York, he was the son of the late Charles W. and Dorothy (Rutland) Strathmeyer. Fred was a member of William Penn High School's Class of 1941. Upon graduating, Fred pursued higher education at The Pennsylvania State University. While attending Penn State, Fred became a brother of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and a devout fan of all things blue and white. His education was interrupted to serve our country as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After his service, Fred returned to Penn State to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce and Finance, graduating in 1947. Fred lived a very fulfilling life after receiving his degree. He was blessed with a wonderful family and a rewarding career. Strathmeyer Forests, Inc. is a successful business because of Fred's dedication and hard work. He was a very active member of his community and church, as well as a known leader within his industry. He was a Founding Member, Vice President, and President of the National Christmas Tree Growers Association, and Executive Secretary and President of the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association. Fred was a Life Member of The Pennsylvania State University Alumni Association and locally, he was involved in the York Rotary Club, SEDCO, and St. John's Lutheran Church on Mount Rose Ave. Fred was also an avid traveler, a love he shared with his Penn State family and industry friends, and later passed down to his own children. In addition to his wife, Fred is survived by four sons, Fred R. Strathmeyer, Jr. and his wife, Sherri, Gerrit J. Strathmeyer and his wife, Catherine, C. Timothy Strathmeyer and his wife, Leah, and Brian S. Strathmeyer and his wife, Cori, all of York; a daughter, Robin A. Gross of York; several grandchildren; a sister, Doris Harkins of Lansdale; and nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2008, at St. John Lutheran Church, 2580 Mount Rose Ave., York, with his pastor, the Rev. Patrick J. Cox, officiating. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery. Viewings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Etzweiler Funeral Home, 1111 E. Market St., York, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, South Central PA Chapter, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110; or to the American Heart Association, 140 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 208, York, PA 17401. www.etzweiler.com