Former Grace Brethren Pastor, Howard Gelsinger, Dies

Former Grace Brethren pastor, Howard H. Gelsinger, 64, of Robesonia, Pa., died on Sunday, September 30, 2007, at the Reading (Pa.) Hospital.

He was born in the Reading Hospital on December 29, 1942, son of the late Clarence D. and Esther L. (Forry) Gelsinger. He was a graduate of Conrad Weiser High School. He was involved in dairy farming before the Lord called him into full time ministry. After graduating from Lancaster Bible College, he served an internship at Myerstown Grace Brethren Church and a pastorate at the Echo Valley Grace Brethren Church, Tremont, Pa., and the Grace Brethren Church in Charlotte, N.C. The last several years he was a member of Calvary Bible Fellowship Church in Sinking Spring, where he was involved in teaching Sunday school, Bible Studies and the Sr. Saints Ministry. He was recently employed by Triple M. Farms in Lebanon. He was also a member of the Heidelberg Township Zoning & Variance Board.

Surviving are his wife, Linda M. (Schaeffer) Gelsinger, and daughter, Jackie D., wife of Randy Moomaw; and three grandchildren, Erin, Kyle, and Tyler of Wooster, Ohio. Other survivors include a brother, Melvin C. Gelsinger, Robesonia; three sisters, Lorraine E., wife of Kenneth Kratz, Sinking Spring, Linda M., wife of Paul Cruz, Philadelphia, and Louise M., wife of Allen Houtz, Robesonia.

Funeral services were held held at Calvary Bible Fellowship Church. Interment at Bain's Church Cemetery, Lower Heidelberg Township.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Missionary Fund of the Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 4891 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, PA 19608.