Gerald D. Heilner

Gerald D. Heilner, 91, of Elizabethtown, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the Masonic Village Health Care Center. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Meredith; son, Gerald and his wife Lisa; as well as his great grandson, John Daniel, affectionately known as JD. He was predeceased by his beloved granddaughter, Diana Meredith.

Born November 29,1933, he was the eleventh child of Mr. and Mrs. George Heilner of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and was a member of the United States Navy from 1953-1955. Employed by Bethlehem Steel Corporation as Supervisor of the Pipe Mill and Water Pipe Shop in Steelton, he represented the company in field work involving the installation of steel pipe across the country.

Jerry was a skilled sportsman, and received the Triple Trophy Award in1969 from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. He was at home in the woods and streams of northern Pennsylvania, where he remodeled an old existing structure into a vacation home for the family. He was skilled in woodworking, metal craft and enjoyed painting with the Masonic Village Art Club. He looked forward to the gardening season when he could share his produce with his neighbors.

A member of Christ Church United Church of Christ in Elizabethtown, PA, Gerald was an Elder, President of Consistory and a member of the choir for many years. Because of his love of singing, he found great enjoyment in being a member of the Lancaster Opera Company, singing and performing with them for more than four decades.

He was a 32nd degree member of the Abraham C. Treichler Lodge, F. and A.M., Scottish Rite (Valley of Harrisburg) and the Zembo Shrine since 1957.

A commemoration of Gerald's life will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 @ 1 p.m. at Christ Church, United Church of Christ, 247 S. Market St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 with Reverend Dr. Galen E. Russell III presiding. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home, 130 N. Market St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

Gerald's family would like to thank the staff at Masonic Village Health Care Center and Hospice of Masonic Village for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Church, United Church of Christ, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.