Donald G. Fishel

The Reverend Doctor Donald G. Fishel, 81, of Dillsburg, passed away Monday, March 18, 2019, at the Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill.

He was born April 10, 1937, in Dillsburg to the late Lloyd W. and Dorothy G. (Pieffer) Fishel.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary E. (Rickabaugh) Fishel who was the love of his life; one son, Joseph E. Fishel and his wife Malinda of Sacramento, CA; one daughter, Wendy Sue Knepp and her husband Bradley of Wildomar, CA; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; one sister, Dolores Kirkland of Carlisle; one brother, Daniel G. Fishel of Roscommon, MI. Don was preceded in death by his brother Douglas.

Don graduated from Northern Joint High School, class of 1955. He served his country in the U.S. Army for three years. Serving in Germany, Don graduated from the 7th Army NCO Academy in Munich. Returning from the academy, Don continued his duties as Sergeant in charge of the Combat Command Dispensary. After completing his three year tour of duty, Don and his wife Mary returned to Dillsburg. Don felt a call from God to enter the full time ministry.

After receiving his call to ministry, it became necessary for Don to go to college. He graduated from Messiah College with a BA degree, a Masters degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH and received his Doctorate from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. Don served the following congregation; Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Dillsburg, Dover-Maytown Charge, Cabin John United Methodist Church in Maryland, McConnellstown United Methodist Church, St. Andres United Methodist Church in Valley View, Peace Church in Waynesboro, Lohr's United Methodist Church in Hanover, East Prospect United Methodist Church from which he retired in ministry after 35 years with the United Methodist Church.

Following retirement, Don served as National Chaplain for the Holiday Rambler's National Travel Club for seven years. Don was a member of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church and also became a 50 year member of the Eureka West Shore Lodge #302 F. & A.M. and the Scottish Rite of Harrisburg.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 3:00 pm in the Cocklin Funeral Home, Inc., 30 N. Chestnut St., Dillsburg. Burial will follow in the Dillsburg Cemetery-Mountain Road.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 641, Dillsburg, PA 17019 or the Alzheimer's Assoc., 2595 Interstate Dr., Ste. 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

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