Roger VanNatta

Roger E. VanNatta, age 80, of Stitzer, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2014, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. He was born on August 27, 1933, in Lancaster, the son of Earl and Irene (Jeidy) VanNatta. Roger graduated from Lancaster High School in 1951. He served his country in Korea as a medic from December 11, 1956, until his honorable discharge on October 31, 1958. Roger was a self-employed dairy farmer in rural Lancaster until he retired in 1997 to rural Stitzer. On April 23, 1988, Roger was united in marriage to Lillian Freese. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. Roger was an avid fisherman and hunter, loved his beagles, woodworking, planting sweet corn, singing, bird watching, playing Euchre and visiting with his family and friends.

Survivors include his loving wife, Lillian; two sisters: Karen (Steven) Keune; Ruth Wepking; one brother, Bruce VanNatta; five step-children: Daniel Freese; Debra (Todd Werner) Jakel; Doris (Gary) Kruse; Donna (David) Miller; David (fianc Lisa) Freese; twelve grandchildren; seven nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Stan Wepking.

Memorial services with military honors were held on Saturday, May 24, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Family and friends called on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster is assisting the family.