Chester F. Rote, 98

October 30, 2018

Chester F. Rote, 98, of Millersville, PA, died peacefully at the Mennonite Home on October 30, 2018. He was born in Lancaster, PA, and was the son of the late Samuel and Elizabeth (Burkenheiser) Rote. He was married to the late Anna Marie (Minder) Rote, who passed away August 6, 2004.
Trained as a Tool and Die Maker, Chester worked in numerous industries and companies during his long career before retiring at age 80. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He also served his country as a civilian toolmaker at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Hawaii during the war.
Chester was a member of the Lancaster Garden Club and was an avid gardener. He also enjoyed international travel and reading, and he was a former member of the Millersville Lions Club. Chester was confirmed and served as an usher at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Lancaster. A skilled metalworker Chester designed and crafted custom hunting knives and bronze candlesticks for family and friends. He was known for having the best corn roast every year at his home, where family, neighbors, and friends enjoyed his hospitality. He loved spending time with his family and was very proud of his grandchildren.
Chester was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. Surviving are his sister, Jane Spinello, Lewisburg, PA; his children, Deborah A. Frey, wife of Blaine, Leola; and Jeffrey M. Rote, husband of Patricia, Hamilton, VA; two grandchildren: Stephanie Habecker, wife of Todd, Lancaster, PA; and Benjamin Frey, husband of Maggie, Pittsburgh, PA; and four great grandchildren: Nathan, Liam, Collin, and Claire.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 N. George St., Millersville, PA, at 1:00PM, with Rev. Timothy Mentzer officiating. A visitation will be held from 12 noon – 1:00PM, at the funeral home prior to the service. Interment will take place at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery; Red Rose Honor Guard will present military honors at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Dr., P.O. Box 4125 · Lancaster, PA 17604-4125, or the Mennonite Home Communities, 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601