Jere F. Danz, loved the outdoors

Jere F. Danz of Lititz, Pa., passed away Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at home, surrounded by his family. He was a cottage resident at United Zion Retirement Community.  He was born on Cabbage Hill in Lancaster, Pa., son of the late Eugene J. and B. Violet Danz. Jere was married to Sally Lohr Danz for 62 years. 

 

In addition to his wife, Jere is survived by a daughter, Julie Gaskell (Terry) of Landenberg, Pa.; a son, Eric Danz (Thao) of Sarasota, Fla.; and two grandchildren, Caleb DeFrank and Emily Danz.  He is also survived by a sister, Jeanne Hoffman (Steve) of Easton, Md.; and several nieces and nephews. 

 

Jere was a graduate of Manheim Township High School Class of 1958 and Williamsport Institute of Technology (now Pennsylvania College of Technology). Jere was a multisport varsity athlete excelling in football, wrestling, and the rifle team.  He was a master pressman for NCR/AT&T.

 

After retiring, he and his wife moved to the Lewes area for 14 years, returning to Lancaster in 2017. Jere loved hunting, deep-sea fishing, and crabbing. For Jere, any time in the woods or on the water was a good day.  Although he only lived a few miles from the Delaware Bay, he exclusively crabbed in the Chesapeake Bay (a 2 ½ hour drive), because “the crabs are bigger and better.” He was an avid golfer and enjoyed a love/hate relationship with the game. In his earlier years, he and Sally enjoyed snow skiing in Vermont and wintering in Florida.  Jere endured many back surgeries, but he refused to let this define him. With the help of medical interventions, he was able to experience many of the activities that brought him joy.  Jere had a razor-sharp wit and deadpan sense of humor, and sometimes it was hard to know whether he was serious or joking. Jere attended Lititz Mennonite Church and appreciated the support of his church community.

 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, Pa. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment at Green Hill United Methodist Cemetery, Conestoga, Pa., will be private at the convenience of the family. 

 

In lieu of flowers, make donations in honor of Jere to Lititz Mennonite Church, 165 Front St., Lititz, PA 17543; or United Zion Retirement Community-Benevolent Fund, 722 Furnace Hills Pike, Lititz PA 17543. 

 

To send the family online condolences visit snyderfuneralhome.com.