J. Frank Zeager

J. Frank Zeager, 90, formerly of Middletown, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Landis Homes, Lititz.  Born Monday, December 30, 1929, near Elizabethtown, he was the son of the late Paul L. Zeager and Anna E. (Landis) Zeager.  He was the husband of Rhoda M. (Lehman) Zeager for over 57 years until her death on May 16, 2010.

Frank was a bi-vocational minister.  His preaching ministry extended over 50 years at Stauffer Mennonite Church in Hershey, PA, and included 50 revival services in churches all over the region.  He had an exceptional capacity to memorize scripture and frequently quoted passages at length in his sermons.  He farmed for most of his adult life and was, for several years, an owner with three brothers of Zeager Brothers, Inc. sawmill.

Frank was a devoted father and grandfather who had a lifelong fascination with clever toys and several sports. His softball skills were unusual for a Mennonite preacher.  His gift for storytelling endeared him to his grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and others.  Frank was a mentor who saw potential in young persons and offered them encouragement.  He and his wife, Rhoda, developed a passion for local antiques and gathered a remarkable collection that many people considered a museum of local history.

Frank is survived by three children: Dorothy M. (Sam W. King) of Denver, Lester A. (Eunice R. Zeager) of Greenville, NC and Mervin E. of Lancaster; eight grandchildren: Lawrence (Joyce), Crystal (Eugene), Anthony (Kimberly), Nathan, Philip (Wendy), Robert (Carina), Dulce and Vanessa as well as 11 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by five siblings: Arlene E. (Christian Becker) of Elizabethtown, John A. (Rachel Zeager) of Elizabethtown, Charles B. (Jan Zeager) of Middetown, P. Thomas (Helen Zeager) of Hopeland, and Harvey D. of Golden, CO.  In addition to his wife, Rhoda, he was preceded in death by 11 siblings: Russell S., Paul L., James M., G. Herbert, William T., and David L. Zeager, Mary Ruth Espenshade, Almeda M. Heisey, Anna Jannette Komada, Ethel M. Pannell and Verna G. Nissley. 

Private services will be at the convenience of the family.  Private burial will take place in Stauffer Mennonite Cemetery, Hershey.  A public Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted with the Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA  17022, 717-367-1543.

Memorial contributions may be made to the “Coronavirus Emergency Fund” of Landis Homes, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA  17543, www.landishomes.org

Condolences and memories may be shared at: www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

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