Rev. J. Robert Achtermann

Rev. J. Robert Achtermann died Sunday, November 27, 2016 at age 81, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara Schlegel; his sons Mark Edward and Karl Frederick; Karl’s wife Karen Nicklaus; Willow Elizabeth Nelsen, daughter of Mark; Thomas Robert and Joshua Karl, sons of Karl and Karen, all of Lancaster. He is preceded in death by his brother, Ariel James. Bob was born in Bucyrus OH, May 11, 1935, son of Ariel H. and Martha Olm Achtermann; he followed his father's military postings, living in Nuremberg Germany 1946-1950. Bob graduated Anchorage (AK) High School. Beyond family and faith one constant was Boy Scouts. Bob attended the 1953 National Jamboree, rose to Eagle Scout, and entered the Order of the Arrow. Committed to education, Bob earned degrees from Franklin & Marshall College and Hartford Theological Seminary, continued studies at the University of Oxford, UK and Temple University, and taught at Tougaloo College (MS), and Temple. His teaching extended into ministry. Bob was ordained a United Church of Christ minister in 1963 and pastored churches from 1965 to 2000. He served on the Board of Directors of the Penn Central Conference focusing on outdoor ministries. As a UCC denominational executive, he directed the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries 1977 to 1989. Bob shared his love of nature on backpacking, canoeing, and sailing and car-camping trips with his family, showcasing his passions for diversity of cultures, archaeology, history, and the arts. These passions were shown also in Bob's varied magazine subscriptions and large library. He read widely, especially crime and espionage novels. His music collection ranged from Sibelius to the Beatles. Bob wrote short fiction, painted abstracts, made furniture, and designed houses, including two of the family’s homes. The Family thanks the thoughtful doctors, Hospice and Community Care, and Homestead Village for their guidance and support during this stage of Bob’s life. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Apostles, 1850 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster. Family will greet guests following the service. In honor of Bob’s life, please direct all donations in his memory to Rader Park Outdoor Ministries, c/o Church of the Apostles.