Dale E. Elfner

RED LION - Dale E. Elfner, 90, passed away Monday, December 18, 2017 at Dallastown Nursing Center. He was the husband of Doris R. (Leiphart) Elfner to whom he was married for 39 years. A celebration of life tribute service will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, December 22, 2017 at Bethany United Methodist Church, 121 W. Broadway, Red Lion with his pastor, The Rev. Ronald L. Doverspike officiating. Viewings will be held from 6-8:00 PM Thursday at Life Tributes By Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion and from 9-10:00 AM Friday at the Church. Burial will be in Red Lion Cemetery with full military honors presented by York County Veterans Honor Guard. Born August 7, 1927 in Red Lion, a son of the late Paul and Alice (Craley) Elfner, he was a 1945 graduate of Red Lion Area High School and attended York Junior College. In his early working years, Mr. Elfner owned and operated Elfner’s Auto Sales & Body Shop on the square in Red Lion along with his brother Earl and then worked for his brother at Elfner’s Lumber Yard. In 1960, Mr. Elfner began his real estate career working with Merton Poff in Red Lion and in 1962 he founded Dale Realty Co. which his son and grandson continue to operate. Throughout his life, Mr. Elfner strove to be honest and truthful in both his personal and business dealings. Dale was a member of Red Lion American Legion, BPO Elks Lodge, the former Red Lion Country Club and a 50 year member of Bethany United Methodist Church. He was a 55 yr. member of Realtors Association of York & Adams Co., and in 2017 received the 50 yr. member award from the National Federation of Independent Business. Mr. Elfner had also received the Mayor’s Award from Red Lion Borough for 50 years of community service. Dale enjoyed golfing, watching sunsets with his wife, going to the beach in Ocean City, MD, and watching westerns. He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Elfner was a US Navy veteran of WWII where he served on the USS Wilke and also served during The Korean War. In addition to his wife, Mr. Elfner is survived by a son, Wade B. and wife Theresa Elfner of Red Lion; a stepson, William R. and wife Sue Ritz of Red Lion; two stepdaughters, Kimberly A. and husband Steven Kopp of Red Lion and Rhonda K. Ritz and her partner Maureen Hogan of Marlton, NJ; six grandchildren, Nathan D., Nicole E., and Paul B. Elfner, Angel N. Michael, Scott S. Kopp and Joshua P. Ritz; four great grandchildren, Breanna, Makenna, Austin and Mason; and six nieces and five nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Freeman and Earl Elfner; and three sisters, Helen Burke, Carrie Reichard and Gladys Craley. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, 121 W. Broadway, Red Lion, PA 17356.