Peter F. Astheimer, 78

August 06, 2024

Peter F. Astheimer, 78, a resident of Moravian Manor, Lititz PA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 6, 2024. Peter was born in West Germany on August 19, 1945. He emigrated with his parents and sister to the United States in 1952, after which they became US Citizens residing in downtown Lancaster PA.

He was a proud graduate of McCaskey High School (Class of 1964), where he lettered in soccer and swimming. Peter graduated from Drexel University with a Mechanical Engineering degree as part of their co-op work experience program. He was in the US Army ROTC and the National Society of Scabbard and Blade. He met his wife Susan in their senior year at Drexel and upon their graduation they married (1969) and spent the next 55 years together.

Peter became a 2nd Lt., completed the Basic Airborne Course and was stationed at HQ TASCOM in Worms, West Germany, where he served on the Generals staff for 2 1/2 years. His last 6 months of duty, Peter served as a construction engineer in Karlsruhe, Germany. Upon discharge, he returned to Lancaster where he worked at Armstrong for several years as an engineer. In 1976, he started working at Sperry New Holland as a design engineer on combines and square balers. While continuing to work, Peter earned his MBA from Penn State University. He ended his career as a plant engineer in mid-2000.

Peter was a hardworking and dedicated father who was very involved in his sons’ sporting and scouting activities. He was an avid sports fan who rooted passionately for Nebraska Cornhusker football, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Braves and Indianapolis Colts. He and Susan loved to travel to Hawaii, Caribbean Island resorts, Hong Kong and many major cities in Europe visiting museums and other attractions. Additionally, Peter enjoyed working out every morning at Universal Gym as well as dancing with Susan every weekend at the Jukebox until his health prohibited it.

Peter is survived by his wife, sons Andrew (Jenn), Erik (Thi), Kurt (Karen), 6 grandchildren; Rachel, Brendan, Graham, Dominick, Libby and Molly; sister, Anita Cook (David); nephew, Daniel (Heather); niece Jennifer; brother-in-law, Jerome Pietrosewicz, and sister-in-law, JoAnn Milliken. He was preceded in death by his parents (Fritz and Olga) and his brother, Robert Astheimer.

A memorial service will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz PA, on August 24, 2024, visiting with family from 10-11AM, service with military honors at 11AM, a private family interment following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Moravian Manor Benevolent Fund, 300 W Lemon St. Lititz, PA.17543.