K. Walter Brodhecker, 94, entered the presence of his Lord on June 1, 2016. Born July 29, 1921 in Lancaster, PA, to Roland and Ruby Duing Brodhecker, he married Erna Hamm at Calvary Church on August 4, 1945, and even after 70 years of marriage their love and commitment were evident to all who knew them. Walter's flower and vegetable gardening skills flourished at their long-time home on Zarker Rd. in Eden. Walter's love for gardening also led him to work part-time in a nursery once located on Eden Road. Walter enjoyed cooking (his chicken corn soup and potato salad were family favorites), baking, reading, music and traveling. He was a faithful member of Calvary Church and always took a week’s vacation to help out in Calvary's kitchen during their annual missionary conference. Walter retired from the graphic arts and printing department of Armstrong World Industries after 43 years.
When Walter was six his father died and Walter was placed in the Millersville Mennonite Children's Home. His childhood experience in the orphanage and foster homes was difficult. Walter was big for his age and on a number of occasions was taken to live in foster homes to help with farm work, only to be returned to the orphanage when his work was no longer needed. The adversity of his childhood was overcome by his positive attitude, his wonderful sense of humor, and his steadfast faith. Walter was blessed to spend his teenage years with Raymond and Ruth Hershey at their farm in Strasburg, and they became like family to him.
Walter is survived by his beloved wife Erna; his daughters Julia O’Brien, wife of Rev. Jack O’Brien of Southampton, PA, and Mary Lou Brubaker of Willow Street, wife of the late Dean R. Brubaker; and 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Walter was preceded in death by his daughter Linda Pittman, wife of Robert Pittman of Clermont, FL., by his siblings John Stanley Brodhecker and Edna Baker, and by his half-brothers Earl R. Brodhecker and Donald S. Broadhecker.
Walter will be missed, however all who knew him were greatly blessed to enjoy him for so many years. He will be remembered for his cheerful perspective, his outgoing personality, and his unfailing interest in others. Walter left us a wonderful example of dependence upon the Lord, love for his wife and family, and grace-filled relationships.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel at the Mennonite Home, 1520 Harrisburg Pk., Lancaster, PA, 17601 (Limited parking) on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 10:30 AM. A private interment will be held at East Petersburg Mennonite Church. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Walter’s memory may be sent to the Mission Fund at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601-4887. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit: workmanfuneralhomes.com