Passed away peacefully at home with family by his side.
Born April 2, 1948 in Montgomery, PA to the late Harry Kenneth and Eleanor (Weaver) Hall. His family move to Liberty, PA in 1960 and Dennis graduated from Liberty High School in 1966 and Susquehanna University in 1970. He continued his education at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary and was ordained in 1974. His first call was to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Maytown, PA. In 1977 he accepted the call for the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State. He received a post graduate degree in Counselor and Rehabilitation Education from Penn State in 1985.
From 1988, his career was working with students in counselor education, student support and disability services. He then made stops to Zelienople as Director of Lutheran Youth and Family Services, and to University of Central Florida where he was the Director of Disability Services. He missed the change of seasons and returned to Pennsylvania as Director of Mid-Atlantic Career Services. With the closing of the center his career took another turn when he became involved in Community and Economic Development, working with Penn State Cooperative Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Dennis and Sandra (Parker) were married August 16, 1969 and shared 55+ wonderful years together. They have a beautiful family and have a wonderful life in the community they live. Dennis was actively involved in coaching his son’s youth soccer teams. He is a member of the Nittany Lion Club, supporter of Penn State Athletics, and attended multiple athletic events.
He recently received the Melvin Jones Fellow award from Lions Club international at the Patton Township Lions Club.
In retirement Dennis has actively been a docent and volunteer at the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens in the Penn State Arboretum. He truly loved volunteering in the Children’s Garden and enjoyed sharing stories about the gardens and encouraged families to try the variety of activities offered.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Sandra, sons – Brian (Deb) Enola, PA; David (Carly) Orlando, FL; Grandchildren – Madeleine, Ava, Phillip and Nathaniel.
In addition, his sister and brother in laws include JoAnn and James Black of Liberty, Sheila and Joe Guillaume of Liberty, Barry Hultz of Millerton, and Fern McNett of Canton. Jerry McNett and Jane Hultz predeceased Dennis. In addition, he has many nieces and nephews of which 50 gathered together on Christmas Day.
In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a donation can be made to the Children’s Garden Educational Fund at Penn State; Camp Sequanota or a charity of your choice.
The Arboretum at Penn State
126J Palmer Museum
University Park, PA 16802
Sequanota
P.O. Box 245
Jennerstown, PA 15547
Viewing will be Tuesday, January 14th at Koch Funeral Home from 3-5 p.m.
A Memorial Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Friday, January 17th at 11:00 a.m.
Burial Service will be a private family event.