Harry E. Lerner, Jr.

Harry E. Lerner Jr., 87, of Ormond Beach, Florida died peacefully at home, holding the hand of his wife of 69 years, Janette, early Wednesday afternoon, March 13, 2013. He was born September 20, 1925 in Elkhart to Harry and Olive (Borough) Lerner. He married Janette M. Swartz September 1, 1943 in Fort Wayne. She survives along with two daughters, Barbara Reynolds of Wildwood, Florida and Kelly Lerner of Spokane, Washington; two sons, Jack Lerner of Port Townsend, Washington and Chris Lerner of Orlando, Florida; a foster son, Norman Chavise of Costa Rica; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and a sister, Harriet Ferguson of Jackson, Oregon. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Florence Carrick and Jean Geleske, and a brother, Loren Lerner. Mr. Lerner studied at Elkhart High School and graduated from Howe Military School in 1943. An Elkhart County resident until 1985, when he moved to Costa Rica and then to Florida, Mr. Lerner worked at Taylor Products for 17 years, owned a Ben Franklin store in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for three years, worked at C.J. Conn for three years and then worked with his father-in-law and brother-in-law at Goshen Sales and Engineering for 15 years. In retirement, he served with Latin American Missions in San Jose, Costa Rica. A quietly religious man and a true peacemaker, Mr. Lerner has been a member of Augustana Lutheran Church, Elkhart, First Lutheran Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Trinity Lutheran Church, Goshen, College Mennonite Church, Goshen and Trinity Lutheran Church, Orlando Florida. Mr. Lerner loved to travel and was always game for an adventure. He was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, working on a building or repair project, helping someone. He was quick to laugh and his humor made those around him laugh, too. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2013, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home where a 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2013, funeral service will be conducted. A nephew, Pastor Edward Geleske of the Wakarusa United Methodist Church will officiate. Music will be provided by his niece, Kay Hoffmeister. Burial will follow in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart. Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Disaster Service.