Clem Rosenberger

Rev. Dr. W. Clemens “Clem” Rosenberger, 88, of Lititz, PA, died on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Brethren Village where he resided, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 18, 1932 in Bala Cynwyd, PA, he was the son of the late Lester M. and Pauline (Howe) Rosenberger. His wife, Margaret (Salzman) Rosenberger, preceded him in death last year on February 2, 2020. Clem graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1950, where he excelled in gymnastics. In 1954 he graduated from Juniata College as a pre-med major. He studied for one year at Hahnemann Medical School but was unable to shake the “call” for pastoral ministry. After prayerful thought, he enrolled at Bethany Theological Seminary in the fall of 1955. Clem loved his Bethany years, theological studies and pastoral training. Post-graduate studies, including his studies at Harvard Divinity School, broadened his theological and ecumenical perspectives while deepening his faith. Clem met Margaret Salzman at Bethany Seminary in 1956 and they were married on August 27, 1957. Over a 50-year ministry, Clem pastored congregations in Johnstown, PA, Lititz, PA, and La Verne, CA. Following heart by-pass surgery in 1989, he later served as the interim minister to the South Bay Community Church before he and Margaret and their families returned to Lancaster County. Clem soon accepted calls from the New Enterprise Church, PA to be its one-year interim pastor, the Children’s Aid Society (Middle PA District) to be its three-year Interim Executive Director, and Brethren Village to be a Development Associate primarily in relation to area Atlantic NE congregations. Clem gave his greatest support to his alma mater, Juniata College, as a 24-year member of the Board of Trustees (1979-2003), Chair of the J. Omar Good Fund establishing a first-class Department of Religion at Juniata in 2002, and Co-Chair of the Capital Gifts Campaign for the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts. At the 1982 Commencement, Juniata presented Clem with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. Clem was a proud father and grandfather and expressed a deep love for his family. He would attend his grandchildren’s events as often as he could to show his love and support. In his later years, he found more time for fine dining, classical music concerts and physical fitness. Spending time with friends, working out at the gym and rooting for his favorite sports teams were his passions. Most of all, he was a loyal Penn State, Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. Clem exemplified love in every aspect of his life. He was a caring and compassionate man who selflessly gave to others, always working to lift up those around him through his actions and kind words. Clem will be greatly missed by all those who knew him personally and through his ministry. Surviving are his children, Cynthia Anne Markham, married to Jeffery, Jeffrey Clemens Rosenberger, married to Lisa, Leslie Elizabeth Rosenberger and Janice Havemann Walls married to Sam; his grandchildren, Caitlin Markham Morse, Blake Rosenberger, Spencer Havemann, Carley Rosenberger, Kristin Markham, Trevor Havemann, Chad Rosenberger and Evan Havemann, and his sister Nancy Faus-Mullen. A Private Memorial Service will be at the convenience of the family. Time and date will be announced for friends to watch the Livestream of the memorial service at a later date. Contributions in his name can be made to either Brethren Village Good Samaritan Fund, Lancaster Church of the Brethren Memorial Fund, or Juniata College. SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR BROADCAST W. Clemens Rosenberger, 88, of Lititz, PA died January 27, 2021. A private Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Clem will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 beginning 11:00 a.m. Organ prelude to begin 10:45 a.m. The public is invited to join a broadcast Live Streamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/49726845