in loving memory of
Don Hunsberger
April 12, 1931 – January 10, 2024

Memorial Service
Saturday, January 20, 11:00 a.m. (10:45 slideshow)
Memorial Service at Park View Mennonite Church.
Reception and sharing time follows the service in the Fellowship Hall.

If unable to attend in person, join the live-stream, or view it later,
by clicking on the image below.
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Obituary
Donald (Don) Paul Hunsberger (92) died peacefully in his sleep early on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Burkholder House, VMRC following a general decline in health. Donald was born on April 12, 1931 in Sellersville, PA. He was the son of Edna (Ruth) and Paul Sheldon Hunsberger and he was the fifth of nine children: Winfield, Ruth, Richard, Rosa (Alderfer), Donald and twin Ronald, Arlin, Kathryn (Seitz) and Merrill Hunsberger. 

Donald is survived by his wife Sarah (92), daughters; Linda (Silas) Booker, Anita (Herb) Weaver, Donna Kim (Mike Cirigliano) Hunsberger, Katrina Jill (Ernie) Didot, who are all residents of the Harrisonburg area. He was loved and admired by his 10 grandchildren: Samuel (Amanda) Booker, Sarah (Adam) Kushner, Katrina (Guy) Kapichok, Mikita (Steven Princenthal) Weaver, Luke (Bethany) Booker, Anda (Andrew Summers) Weaver, Raven Weaver, Ona (Gary) Spicer, Luther Didot, and Eva Didot. 

He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren: Amelia Booker; Larson, Winslow, and Louis Booker; Theon and Remi Spicer; Avery Weaver Summers; Abigail Kushner; and Hailey, Hannah, and Harmony Kapichok. Surviving siblings are Ronald Hunsberger, his twin brother, of Souderton, PA, Arlin Hunsberger of Goshen, IN, and Merrill Hunsberger of Waterloo, ON.

As Donald’s children, we would hear stories of the happenings of growing up on the farm at the many family gatherings and reunions. The one room school house where Dad attended did not go through 12th grade, so he was sent to Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg, VA for his last two years of high school. We liked hearing him tell about some of the antics that happened during those dorm years. His time at EMS was cut short because his older brother got polio and he returned home to help with farm work.

Donald was married to Sarah Kathryn Godshall on February 17, 1950 at Worcester Mennonite Church (now called Methacton Mennonite). They hosted people from all over the world and from many walks of life: neighbor men who were going through hard times; missionaries; several exchange students from the Netherlands, Sweden, and Holland; medical students and later in life helped care for elderly people who came to live with them in the farm house. They loved having people stop in for coffee and visiting anytime. 

Don worked for the AmeriGas company for 35 years, mostly as a District Manager. He worked first in Kulpsville, PA (near Philadelphia) and later in Waverly, NY (when they purchased their farm in East Smithfield, PA), a short stint in Gainesville, FL, and two years in Strongsville, OH. 

Don developed a love for all things propane. He took joy in transitioning tractors, mowers, and even cars to run on propane. He sold propane from his large tank near the barn in Northern PA and even this endeared him to his community as he developed friendships with his customers. He was an intelligent problem solver and was quick to help his neighbors fix their broken heaters, faulty ovens, etc. When the local veterinarian needed help, Don created his “Pyrolysis Business,” to serve the needs of cremation for pets. 

Don loved their farm in East Smithfield where they lived for 38 years. He enjoyed summer fishing in the pond that he dug and meticulously cared for, and hunting from his exquisitely designed deer stands. He helped make good memories for the grandchildren by providing tractor wagon rides and concocted ways of pulling toboggans and sleds up the hill in the winter. 

Don had many beloved dogs throughout the years which he taught singing, smiling, and other endearing human talents. He had the privilege of traveling to Haiti, Europe, Guatemala, Sudan, and Canada, as well as visiting most of the United States. Another special time was when they were weekend houseparents at Philhaven Behavioral Health Center.

Approximately sixteen years ago, the farm seemed to be too much to handle and he gave the job of finding a home in Harrisonburg, Virginia to his wife, Sarah. They lived in the Parklawn Neighborhood for 10 years and enjoyed his backyard wildlife—deer, squirrels, and birds. He used his inventive mind in battle with the squirrels—trying to keep them from stealing food intended for the deer and birds. He enjoyed reading, singing, the Rooster Club, the men’s Bible Study, tinkering in his shop, and showing off his antique John Deere tractor (which ran on propane). 

A memory of him several years ago during a presidential election is: Crowded into their small TV den with neighbors of two different nationalities, world views, and political leanings, they watched the election results together. In spite of his tendency to be opinionated, he knew how to be a good neighbor. 

In October 2018, Don and Sarah moved into a VMRC Park Place apartment and lived there for four years. He lost his son, D. Dean Hunsberger and his brother Richard in August of 2022 and he had a hard time knowing how to show that sadness. 

What a full life! We will miss you, but are glad that you are in a better place. 

Donald’s family appreciates all the help that Park View Mennonite Church has given to us with preparing for Dad’s memorial and we thank you.