Dr. Jefferson S. Hartzler, 66, of 1156 Long Lane, Mount Joy went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at his home after a year-long battle with cancer. Jeff was married to Gwendolyn K. Witmer Hartzler for 44 years.
An Associate Professor of Mathematics for the Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg Campus, Jeff began his distinguished career in 1965 when he served as a graduate assistant at University Park while working toward his M.A. in mathematics. With degree in hand in 1966, he took his qualifying exams for the Ph.D. In 1969 and 1970, he returned to University Park for doctoral studies while he served as an instructor in mathematics and in the fall of 1970 became an assistant professor of mathematics at Penn State Harrisburg Campus. He was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in 1977, served as chair of the Mathematical Sciences program from 1986 through 1992, retiring in December of 2006. Jeff presented more than 15 workshops and lectures on mathematical modeling at national and regional meetings of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Mathematical Association of America. He was appointed by the MAA to serve as a judge for the ?Mathematical Contest in Modeling? for a period of three years. He co-authored with colleague, Dr. Frank Swetz, Mathematical Modeling in the Secondary School Curriculum, and has a manuscript coauthored with Dr. Swetz under review by NTCM. He also taught part-time for F&M College, Lancaster, Millersville State University, and Messiah College, Mechanicsburg. Jeff loved farming, owning "Killdeer Farm" in East Donegal Township where he operated a hog farm for twelve years and along with his wife, Gwen, boarded horses for the past 25 years. An active member of Neffsville Mennonite Church, Lancaster, he enjoyed teaching adult Sunday School elective classes, especially on Proverbs and James. Previously Jeff was an active member of Mount Joy Mennonite Church where he served in various capacities. A strong believer in the values of education, he served on the Donegal School Board for several years. Jeff enjoyed nature and being outdoors, hunting earlier in his life. An avid sports fan, he played basketball and tennis. Jeff encouraged his family and students to visit places, traveling himself to South America, Africa, Europe, and throughout the United States. He and Gwen especially enjoyed the last few years spending winters in Florida. Known as a man of hard work, also for his integrity and great sense of humor, Jeff loved his family dearly.
Born in Belleville, he was the son of the late Jefferson P. and Julia Yoder Hartzler.
In addition to his wife, Gwen, he will be deeply missed by his children, J. Alex Hartz-ler, Harrisburg, Kimberly H. married to Jerry Murray, and Matthew B. married to Andrea Wentling Hartzler, both of Manheim, and Claudia S. married to Ross Patrick, Mount Joy; six grandchildren, Hannah, Ella, Jared, Maya, Serena, and James; and two sisters, Margaret married to Lynn Neer, Belleville and Arlene married to John Yoder, Reedsville.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jeff?s funeral at the Neffsville Mennonite Church, 2371 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Harry Jarrett and Reverend Hunter Hess officiating. Interment to follow in Kraybill Mennonite Cemetery, East Donegal Township. There will be no public viewing; however, Jeff?s family will receive friends at the Sheetz Funeral Home, 16 E. Main St., Mount Joy on Friday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. and again on Saturday morning at Neffsville Mennonite Church from 9 until 10:30 a.m. If desired, memorial contributions in Jeff?s name may be made to the J. Alex Hartzler Program Fund in Honor of Dr. Jefferson Hartzler. Checks should be made payable to "Penn State University" and mailed to Penn State Harrisburg, Development Office, 777 W. Harrisburg Pike, W110, Middletown, PA 17057 or to the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), 1821 Oregon Pike, Suite 201, Lancaster, PA 17601. Online condolences may be directed to:
