Elmer William “Bill” Gonder, 95, of Taneytown died peacefully on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at Carroll Hospice Dove House in Westminster. Born May 6, 1922 in Rouzerville, PA, he was the son of the late Robert and Deanie (Flohr) Gonder. He was the husband of the late Ollyne Agatha (Eckard) Gonder, to whom he was married for 74 years.
Bill was a carpenter. He worked for several area businesses throughout his working years. He was a member of Bethel Assembly of God in Littlestown, PA, and the Mason-Dixon Antique Tractor Association. He enjoyed woodworking, and collecting antique tractors, especially Olivers. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Surviving are sons, Dana Gonder and wife Trisha of Phoenix, AZ, and Larry Gonder and wife Brenda of Thurmont, MD; brother, Martin Gonder and wife Mary of Taneytown; grandchildren, Brian Ebaugh of York, PA, Laura Rigsby and husband Eric of Frederick, MD, Rebecca Gonder of Thurmont, MD, and Abigail Holzer and husband Drew, and Tristen Gonder all of Phoenix, AZ; great-grandson, Austin Rigsby; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his beloved wife, Ollyne, he was predeceased by sisters, Lottie Slorp, Mary Stouffer, Luella Trostle, Maude Little, Fannie Myers and Lydia Dean; and brothers, John, Earl and Robert Gonder.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 6, 2017 at Bethel Assembly of God, 1125 Frederick Pike, Littlestown, PA, with Pastor Rick Ritenour officiating. Burial will follow at Grace United Church of Christ Cemetery in Taneytown. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, 136 E. Baltimore St., Taneytown, MD.
Memorial contributions may be made to Carroll Hospice, 292 Stoner Ave, Westminster, MD, 21157.