J. Chester Bucher

J. Chester Bucher, 95, of Manheim died at home Thursday evening, August 18, 2011. He was predeceased by his wife, Myrtle N. in 2005. Born August 15, 1916, he was the son of the late Jonas H. and Ada M. (Peifer) Bucher. He was a member of the East Petersburg Mennonite Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendant, Elder, participant in the Paul/Timothy mentoring program and taught Sunday school for 45 years. He was active with Mennonite Disaster Service and made several trips including to St. Croix, Ontario, Canada and Atlanta, GA. to assist with disaster relief. He farmed in the East Petersburg area and then worked 14 years with his late brother Elam Bucher building many houses in the Owl Hill Development. He was self employed beginning in 1974, as a painter and remodeler. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking projects, reading, baking cookies and making applesauce. Surviving are a son, James C., husband of Lois Myer Bucher of Manheim; two daughters, Trilda J. Bucher of Lancaster and Ruth A., wife of Charles J. Torielli of Ridgewood, NJ; six grandchildren, Calvin, Brenda, Ken, Josie, Kathryn and Joel; 15 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; two sisters, Mae, wife of Warren Weaver of Lancaster and Esther, wife of Russel Hollinger of Mount Joy and one brother, Melvin, husband of Alta Bucher of Lititz. He was predeceased by one brother, Elam Bucher. In accordance with Chester's wishes the funeral and burial will be private. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial service at the East Petersburg Mennonite Church, 6279 Main Street, East Petersburg on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 11:00 am. A reception and family visitation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make contributions in Chester's memory to Spruce Lake Retreat Center, Attn: Development Office, RR1 Box 605, Canadensis, PA 18325 or Mennonite Disaster Service, 1018 Main Street, Akron, PA 17501.