Obituary of E. Laverne Eyer

E. Laverne Eyer, 93, of Lititz, PA, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2024 at his home.  Born in Elizabethtown, he was the son of the late Earl and Sue (Brandt) Eyer. He was the husband of Bretta Illig for the past 12 years and husband of Katharine L. (Koser) Eyer for 58 years prior to her passing.

He was a graduate of Elizabethtown High School class of 1948 and later went on to receive a Master’s Equivalency in Teaching Carpentry from Penn State University. He was a highly skilled carpenter and master cabinet maker. His career began at Elizabethtown Planing Mill, but he quickly moved on to work for several local contractors where he learned the trade of carpentry.  Later he worked at Mt. Joy Millwork refining his cabinet making skills and built and installed fine kitchens in the Philadelphia area.  Eventually, he decided to make a career change to teaching; first in various Vocational Technical schools and then at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology where he retired in 1992.

Laverne was known for his infectious smile and friendly disposition.  He generously gave his time to help neighbors, friends and family alike. He volunteered with Brethren Disaster Ministries and helped to build transitional housing for abused women in Harrisburg.  He was a builder of fine furniture, carved primitive figurines, and collected antique tools of the trade. Having a love for gardening, since he was a child, he passed on this passion to his children. Later, he became an amateur vintner making wine for nearly 40 years. One of his greatest achievements was restoring an old log Inn on Spooky Nook Road Manheim, with his wife, Katharine, where he lived for 42 years. He was a long-time member of Lancaster Church of the Brethren. He loved to sing in church and was a member of the choir until he was in his 90s. He also loved skiing, camping, swimming, bicycling and traveling around the country and in Europe.

Laverne is survived by his wife, Bretta; three children Jeffrey, husband of Blandine Fuchs, of Berlin, Germany, Deborah, wife of David Hall, of Lititz, and Richard, husband of Karen Keller Eyer, of Lititz; five grandchildren, Leonard of Berlin, Germany, Isabella Schiller of N.Y., New York, Benjamin, husband of Stephanie, of Beaverton, Oregon, Gregory, husband of Kayla, of Sandusky, Ohio, and Christopher, husband of Kathleen, of Canajoharie, New York; and four great grandchildren, Lukas, Finnley, Jackson, and Kennedy. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John; sister, Jane Eyer; his first wife, Katharine Eyer; a granddaughter, Janelle Elizabeth Eyer; and a grandson, Lorenzo Eyer.

Family and guests are invited to attend his memorial service on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Lancaster Church of the Brethren, 1601 Sunset Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601. Interment in the memorial garden of the church will be private. There will be no viewing. The family will receive guests at the church on the day of the service from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The family requests that flowers please be omitted. Contributions can be made to Compassus Hospice, 2101Oregon Pike, Suite 301, Lancaster, PA 17601 or Lancaster Church of the Brethren.  To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.