Obituaries

Donald A. Kirchner, 91

March 26, 1931

Donald A. Kirchner, 91, of Lancaster, was called into the arms of the Lord, January 26, 2023. Born in Lancaster on March 26, 1931, he was the son of the late Bernard and Regina Kirchner. Days before his passing, he celebrated 68 storybook years of marriage with his devoted wife, Joan (Stoner) Kirchner.

In 1948 Don graduated from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia, then returned to Lancaster and began his career with RCA, where he was a sales rep for over 43 years. He took a brief hiatus in 1952, where he joined the United States Army. He would honorably serve his country for 2 years before returning home and shortly thereafter, he and Joan were wed. Devout Catholics, they raised their family in the Catholic church. Longtime members of the Dominican Monastery, they would later transition to the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lancaster.

All who knew Don, knew he was a sports fan at heart. He was a die-hard Notre Dame football fan; he and his wife made many trips to South Bend and to Dublin, Ireland to cheer on the fighting Irish. He enjoyed a game of golf with his buddies and being a spectator at LCHS’s football and basketball games. Many Saturdays the family drove up and down the East coast to watch their nephew and cousin play football for Boston College. Life was good!

He will be sorely missed by his wife Joan; children, Deborah Kirchner, wife of Tim Good, of Lancaster, Diane Stevens of Gaithersburg, MD, and Timothy Kirchner, husband of Susan, of Fort Worth, TX; grandchildren, Scott, Mehgan, Amanda, Griffin, and Drew; and great grandchildren, Sedona, Desmond, Jackson, and Emi. He was preceded in passing by a son in law, Paul Stevens. The family wishes to thank Hospice for all their help and compassion with Don.

The family is welcoming guests to a Memorial Service at 3 PM on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. The family will receive guests from 2 PM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148

Watch the tribute video

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

February 19, 2023

Dear Mrs. Kirchner, Debbie, Diane and Tim,
My condolences to you on the passing of Mr. Kirchner. He and I had a special connection, both having worked for RCA and in the same office for several years. Whenever I would see Mr. Kirchner after I moved away from Lancaster, we’d catch up on RCA news. He was always pleasant and had a fun comment to share. May he be an angel in heaven, watching over you and your family.
Blessings,
Anne (Butz) Tymon

February 17, 2023

Although I didn’t know my favorite “cream puff” long, he sure did make an imprint on my life. Donald was always a hard worker in therapy, and would always tell me to stop saying “good” so many times during our sessions. But he was a such a “good” man, and my husband and I loved watching him and Joan together. What an inspiration for taking on life’s challenges for better or for worse. Condolences and love to the family, and Joan, we always have a hug waiting for you down the hall 🙂

February 17, 2023

I would like to express my deepest condolences to you and your family for his passing. Fond memories. Go Notre Dame.
James Zangari

February 15, 2023

Dear Joan and Family, So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I have many fond memories of you and Don as neighbors of my brother Joe and Midge on Union Street. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this very difficult time.
Mary Ann Caterbone Mahler

February 15, 2023

Dear Joan, Debbie, Diane and Tim, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I would see Don and Joan at Mass at the Monastery often, such wonderful people. Please find some peace that Don is in absolute glory.
Jean Anderson Becker

February 13, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Mr. Kirchner was a wonderful man. Prayers for you, Joan and your children, Deb, Diane and Tim. So many memories of growing up around you all. God Bless.
Joan Anderson Schwebel

February 12, 2023

Dear Diane, Debbie, Tim and Mrs. Kirchner,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Kirchner. In my warmest memories of him he always had a smile and a quick funny comment. The world is a little more serious without his presence. Take care of yourselves!
Warmest regards,
Linda Butz Brenckle

February 12, 2023

Dear Joam. So sorry to read of your husband’s passing. My heart is aching for you. I was thinking of you the other day and then read today’s sad news. Hope your health is good mine is except for eyes. We go back a long way. Prayers and sympathy and loving hugs.

February 12, 2023

So sorry to read of Don’s passing. He was a great person who I knew from Saint Joseph Church and Club. I was fortunate enough to go with Don and his brother Regis and his nephew Chris to Syracuse to watch the Syracuse/Boston College football game in 1969 to see his nephew Steve play for BC. Prayers to his wife and family. RIP Donnie

February 12, 2023

Mr. Kirchner was the sweetest soul always had a smile on his face! Loved talking to him after morning mass about my dad George. Mrs Kirchner my love goes out to you I’m sure you will miss your beautiful husband who loved you dearly! I admired you from afar every morning at mass with what love you cared for Don! I’ll be thinking about you and offering masses for you and Mr Kirchner! Hope to see you again soon in the front pew at St Joseph’s morning mass! Sending hugs! 🤗

February 11, 2023

You are missed Dad. I know you’re having a great time in Heaven with Paul. You two behave. Loved you lots.
Your favorite daughter, you know who I am.

Visitation: Saturday, February 18, 2023; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Saturday, February 18, 2023; 3:00 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >