Obituaries
E. Marvin Herr, 94
January 31, 2022
E. Marvin Herr, 94, of Willow Street, passed away peacefully on January 31st surrounded by his loving family at Willow Valley Communities.
He was married for 56 wonderful years to the late Yvonne Stehman Herr who died May 30, 2009.
Born on August 2, 1927 in Willow Street, PA he was the son of the late Elias G. and Esther M (Landis) Herr. Marvin left school at the age of 16 after his father’s unexpected death to take over the family farm which is where he resided until his 80’s. An entrepreneur most of his life, Marvin started his career in the poultry equipment business in the 1960’s by erecting poultry houses. His agricultural career grew when he added grain equipment storage and installation throughout a five-state area with his son Dennis; while son Douglas took over the farming business. In 1980 Marvin constructed E.M. Herr Farm and Home center store in Willow Street, PA along route 272 where it currently resides. There he began the retail business with ACE Hardware Inc. Working well into his 80’s Marvin then helped his son Dennis expand a second store in Columbia, PA in 2004. While never fully retiring, Marvin was often found sitting in his favorite cushioned glider spending his days greeting customers that entered the store.
One of Marvin’s most memorable sayings was “you’ve got to make it happen” and that he did. He left a legacy that is being fulfilled by the 3rd generation. Marvin was a man proud, but humble of his accomplishments, and even more proud of his family’s interest in keeping with the retail business and farming. He always reminded people he lived a good life. He was a man of faith and wisdom and he was eager to share stories of times well spent.
Marvin enjoyed traveling with his family especially when he visited his daughter Dana in Australia up into his 80’s. He took trips to Florida to visit family and friends. Marvin also enjoyed weekends at his home in Mount Gretna. Pappy, as he was called by his grandchildren, loved to spend time with his family at many of the gatherings they hosted.
Marvin was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church of Lancaster, PA where he married the love of his life in 1952 (Susie) and also was a member of the Elk’s Club of Lancaster, Future Farmers of America and the stock club.
He is survived by his children: Dennis Herr (Sue), Denise Schirmer (Mike), Douglas Herr (Lori) all of Willow Street and Dana Goennemann (Daniel) of Sydney, Australia; 8 grandchildren, Ashley (Jared), Nicole (Justin), Jessica, Kali, Finn, Glenn, Jessica (Pete), John (Jen) and 8 great-grandchildren (Haylee, Brooke, Weston, Ann, Ella, LJ, Camden and one due in April). He is also survived by sisters Norma Kreider and Helen Hershey. He was preceded in death by his brother E. Richard Herr.
The family would like to thank the staff at Willow Valley Communities for your gracious and loving care to Marvin in his final days of life. It was an honor to share his journey with this compassionate group of caregivers.
A Public Viewing will be held from 9-11AM on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 with the Funeral Service to follow at 11AM at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Interment will follow in New Danville Mennonite Cemetery. In honor of Marvin, all E.M. Herr Ace Store’s will be closed on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marvin’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
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Condolences to the Family
February 15, 2022
DeeDee,Dana, Denny, Doug: My condolences upon the death of your father. I am sorry I could not get to his service as I had an important doctor’s appointment that morning.
I was surprised to hear of his passing as it was not too long before that that I had talked to him in the Lakes and he seemed quite well. We had a short conversation–I have always enjoyed talking with him. After his pride in talking about you all, business and real estate was his next interest. I am sure you are as proud of him as he was of you.
Knowing Marv, I feel sure he has taken care of everything, but just in case, if there is anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask .
May he rest in the peace that he deserves.
Wendell Stockdale
February 14, 2022
From your ACE family in Monticello IN we send our sincere condolences. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
February 11, 2022
hello,
ive never met him but i am sorry for the loss. wish the family for better times soon.
legna
February 07, 2022
Denny and family we are thinking of you as your deal with your loss.
February 07, 2022
Our sympathies to the entire Herr family. My friend Butch and I rode our bicycles to the Herr Farm ( mid 1950 ) to make a few dollars as teenagers. Marv and Dick taught us how to work. I especially remember putting those wire chicken cages together! Rest in peace Marv. Barry Bigler
February 07, 2022
To the family,
Many happy memories and busy times. Claim the Lord’s promise. He is able.
From Verna Sherick and familyFred, Dean , Dennis, and Vicki
February 07, 2022
To Denny, DeeDee, Doug, Dana, and Your Families,
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing and want to send our sincere condolences to you all. May your memories of both your parents help you all through this difficult time. You and your families will be in our thoughts prayers.
Jeff and Wendy (Haverstick) Esbin
February 06, 2022
To The Here Family :
Family So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending love and many prayers to the family during this difficult time. May God bless you and wrap his comforting arms around you.
February 06, 2022
We are both so sorry for your loss. What a life well lived!
February 06, 2022
Sorry for your loss. Marvin helped me in 1972 purchase land and built my home in Peach Bottom I will never forget his kindness. May he rest in Peace
February 05, 2022
Denny, DeDe & Doug. Sending our Deepest Sympathy to you on the loss of your dear Dad. May memories of a life well lived bring you comfort as you navigate the days, months and firsts without him to come. Stan enjoyed working at EM Herr in Willow Street for Marvin. Marvins long visit with my Dad in Lancaster General Hospital in 2009 as he battled cancer meant much to my Dad. It isn’t easy losing a father, I know. Prayers are with you all. God’s speed Marvin. 🌹🙏
Your old neighbor on Sprecher Rd.
Dottie Evans & Dianne Evans Murray, Millsboro DE.
February 05, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Really enjoyed talking to Marvin at the store. We are also sorry we will not be able to attend the service as we are in Florida.
February 05, 2022
We are very sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed coming to the store and chatting with Marv. He always had a story or joke to share. He will certainly be missed by all.
February 05, 2022
RIP Marvin. I learned a lot working for you, Thank-You !
February 05, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Marv was a nice man that I talked to often when I visited the store. He will be missed .
February 05, 2022
So sorry for your Familes loss. Jay & Betty Ann Haverstick
February 05, 2022
To the Herr Family,
Denny and Susie,we are so sorry for your loss our deepest sympathy. What an amazing man. He lived a full and productive life and you must be so proud! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May he RIP
Dom and Josette Dannessa
February 04, 2022
Marv and I go back over 70 years. He was involved, directly or indirectly, in many of my significant, early experiences. I worked for him
putting chicken cages together and later driving truck. Income from these jobs helped with buying my first, real car, going on my first big adventure (a cross country motorcycle trip), college expenses, and later we even bought our first home from Marv (an A-frame in Millwood Village). We hunted together and I “kinda” helped my dad & Marv with their big chicken house venture. Of course, I never completely forgave him for stealing my sister (Susie) from our parent’s home when I was only 4 years old. Luckily, he really liked my wife, Bev, so that helped. He was definitely one of a kind. R.I.P. E.M. John Stehman
