Bertram F. Elsner

Bertram F. Elsner passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, with his family by his side. Born on October 23, 1936, in Hanover the son of Frank Elsner and Johanna Laessker Elsner. He was 88 years of age. Mr. Elsner was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Joyce C. Elsner, on November 9, 2021. He is survived by three children, four grandchildren, and a great-grandson – daughter Cynthia L. Winter and husband Michael and granddaughters Abby Joy and husband Joseph Ingaglio, and Julie Erin and husband Shane Morgan, great-grandson Leo Ingaglio, daughter Leslie Elsner Bell and grandson Robert Bertram, and son Bertram F. Elsner II and wife Lisa S. and grandson Benjamin Michael, and a sister, Norma Garbani. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Robert E. Bell, Jr., and a brother Frank Elsner, Jr.

Mr. Elsner graduated from Lehigh University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and worked his entire professional career as a Mechanical Engineer with his father’s company – Elsner Engineering Works, Inc., Hanover, PA. He is named as inventor or co-inventor on 13 U.S. patents and was recognized by SBA, Philadelphia District, in 1991 as Small Business Exporter of the Year for his involvement in exporting in his family’s business.

He served on the board of Bank of Hanover for 22 years and Sterling Financial Corporation, Lancaster, PA for 6 years. Bertram also served on the boards of Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Management Club, and The Rotary Club of Hanover serving as president 1980-1981 and was a member for over 40 years.

Mr. Elsner was actively involved in the United Way of York County and was chairman of the Hanover Campaign in 1976. He and his wife co-chaired a major fundraising campaign for Adams-Hanover Counseling Services, Inc. for a building renovation. Similarly, the couple initiated a campaign at Gettysburg College to honor Music Department founder with the Parker B. Wagnild Endowment Fund. He was a member of the Hanover Country Club for over 50 years, the Arcadian Social Club, Hanover Area Historical Society and the East Berlin Historical Preservation Society.

Bertram served two terms on church council of St. Matthew Lutheran Church leading the Stewardship effort one year and on the building committee during a renovation project. He and Joyce sang on the church choirs and in the Hanover Community Chorus for many years. He belonged to the following Masonic bodies – Patmos Lodge #348, Royal Arch Chapter #310, Bethel Commandry #98, Penn Council #67, Harrisburg Consistory, and the Zembo Shrine Temple.

Bertram enjoyed traveling with his wife having made over 55 trips to Europe and Columbia, Venezuela and Australia. Locally he enjoyed people and entertained frequently at his cottage along the Conewago Creek where he maintained a swimming pool, garden and large lawn. Many fun family events took place at “The Creek”.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful and dedicated team of Visiting Angels including Diane, Rena, Rebecca, Ryan, Brenda, Sam and their staff who ensured he had outstanding home care.  They wish to convey their gratitude also to his private duty nurse, Pat, whose dedication and commitment so perfectly complimented the weekly needs to which she and Diane so faithfully attended.

A funeral service will be held 11AM, Friday, June 6, 2025, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 30 West Chestnut Street, Hanover, PA, with the Rev. Faye Snyder officiating. Viewings will be held from 6-8PM, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA, and from 10-11AM, Friday, June 6, 2025, at the St. Matthew Lutheran Church parlor. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hanover, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to TrueNorth Wellness Services, 625 W. Elm Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331, Parker B. Wagnild Endowment Fund-Gettysburg College, 300 North Washington Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325, or a charity of your choice.

The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

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