Ward Lewis Ver Hage

Ward Lewis Ver Hage

A Quiet & Intellectual Man -

Ward Lewis Ver Hage, age 87, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 29, 2021.  Ward was born on Friday, April 7, 1933, in Zeeland, MI to the late Earl Ver Hage and Thelma (Dykman) Ver Hage.  Ward was the widower of Mary Doris (Holt) Ver Hage, whom he married on December 27, 1957, and who died on January 16, 2004.  In addition to his parents and wife, Ward is preceded in death by his sister, Norma Godwin.

Ward’s survivors include his two children: Rear Admiral Eric Ver Hage and wife, Liz, of Alexandria, VA, Kendra Koser and husband, Drew, of Dillsburg; and his six grandchildren: Kyle Koser, Evan Koser, Jake Koser, Carter Ver Hage, Nathan Ver Hage, and Gabby Ver Hage.

Ward graduated from Zeeland High School as part of the class of 1951.  Following graduation, Ward enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country.  He then went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in economical, political, and social thought from Yale University in 1958.  Ward continued his education by earning a Master’s degree in economics in 1960 from Michigan State University.  He retired from People’s National Bank in Lebanon, after several years of service working in banking.  Ward was a former long-time member of Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, where served on various committees and as a leader of the church by serving on Session and as a trustee.  He was a current member of Camp Hill Presbyterian Church and the Men’s Bible Study.  Ward volunteered with the Harrisburg Food Pantry and at the Whitaker Center when the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra performed.  He loved playing bridge with various clubs and his friends.  Ward was a quiet and intellectual man who enjoyed living a simple life.  He liked to read, garden, and listen to both classical and opera music.  Ward’s family will miss his sense of humor and all of the discussions they had with their dad and grandfather, or the walking encyclopedia.

All are welcome to join Ward’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Thursday, April 8, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a service beginning at 10:45 a.m., all at Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 N. 23rd Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011; with Rev. Nancy A. Conklin and Rev. Donald Potter officiating.  Those who wish to attend the service via web streaming may do so by going to www.camphillpres.org.  Burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with military honors will be private and at the convenience of the family.  Honored to be pallbearers are: Kyle Koser, Evan Koser, Jake Koser, Carter Ver Hage, and Nathan Ver Hage.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to Susie, who was Ward’s compassionate and dedicated caregiver for more than the last year.

While flowers are welcome, Ward’s family kindly asks that contributions be made in his memory to the Ecumenical Food Pantry, 901 N. 6th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102, www.efoodpantry.org/donate/ or Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 N. 23rd Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011, www.camphillpres.org/giving.

Ward’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ward’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.

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Virtual Service via Web Streaming

Family and friends are welcome to join Ward's family via live streaming on Thursday, April 8, 2021, beginning at approximately 10:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://www.camphillpres.org/

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