Henry J. Kirchner, 87, of Elizabethtown, PA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday morning, October 1, 2026 at Paramount Living in Maytown. Henry was born and raised in the Cabbage Hill neighborhood of Lancaster and was the son of the late Henry M. and Luetta H. (Whitcroft) Kirchner. He and his wife Susan (Achey) Kirchner would have been married for 38 years on October 29.

Prior to graduating from McCaskey High School in 1960, Henry was a talented athlete, lettering in multiple sports each of his senior high years. Earlier, he was named the Player of the Year in Lancaster’s midget football program. He wrestled for the Lancaster YMCA, he was a member of the championship 4x4 relay team in track and field, but he will be most remembered for blocking the kick during the Central Penn Championship game on Thanksgiving Day 1957 between McCaskey and the state powerhouse, Williamsport. McCaskey won that game 20-19!

After graduation, he was employed by JC Penny before starting his own residential construction business installing roofing, siding, and other home improvements. He later worked as a salesman for George Grove and retired in 2006 from Donnelley where he was a printer. In addition to attending Elizabethtown Grace Church, Henry loved to travel to the mountainous areas of West Virginia, and he also loved to take trips with his wife, through Bob Neff tours. He was a faithful supporter of all of the grandchildren’s activities. He was loved and appreciated and will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Donna, wife of Steve Jones, of Coatesville; three stepchildren, Kimberly, wife of Rick Jackson, of York, Monica, wife of Abe Weidman, of Elizabethtown, and Craig, husband of Heather Givens, of Mountville; 10 grandchildren, Stephanie Jamison, Brittany Jackson, Amanda Mast, Zachary Jackson, Mitchell Weidman, Nicholas Weidman, Benjamin Jackson, Julia Givens, Abby Weidman, and Ryan Givens; 12 great grandchildren; and two siblings, Anna, wife of John Byrne, of Lancaster, and Patrick Kirchner of Gettysburg. He was also preceded in death by three siblings, Charles Kirchner, Joanne Weaver, and Gloria Lease.

Henry’s family is deeply appreciative for the wonderful care given to Henry by Grane Hospice during his journey with dementia and by Paramount Senior Living in the last months of his life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning, November 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Elizabethtown Grace Church, 305 Anchor Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. There will be no public viewing. The family invites all attending the service to join them for a luncheon at the church immediately following the service where they will greet guests. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made to Grane Hospice Care, 1010 Plymouth Road, Suite D, York, PA 17402 or to Elizabethtown Grace Church for the Awana children’s program. To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.