Dennis Craig Bookhultz

On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, Dennis C. Bookhultz, 74, of New Freedom, passed away peacefully with family at his side. He was the devoted husband of Lori A. (Messner) Bookhultz for 37 years. Dennis was born on April 19, 1949, in Washington, DC, an only child, to the late M. Owen and Betty F. (Fisher) Bookhultz. He was a 1967 Graduate of Crossland High School in Camp Springs, MD. He worked for the US Department of the Navy in their IT Communication Security Division until he retired. Dennis and Lori worked together at the Washington Navy Yard. His retirement party was supposed to be held on September 11, 2001, but due to the terrorist attacks, it was canceled. In hind-sight, had he not retired, he may have been in the Pentagon that fateful day, but there were other plans for him. The family feels blessed to have had him for 22 more years after those attacks. After retirement and moving to PA, he took a job in the paint department at Home Depot where he enjoyed helping people. Together, Dennis, Lori, and Shane worked at Wehrly’s and Stoner’s Auctions. He always felt as though he was making a difference for the better. Although he came from tough beginnings and had unfortunate things happen to him in life, he always made the best of his situations. He always tried to make sure his kids had it better than he ever did.

Dennis was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and Trail Church of the Nazarene in New Freedom where he was a faithful servant, serving on both church boards. Dennis often showcased his green thumb as he took pride in having a vibrant garden and pristine yard. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling, trainspotting, and going to yard sales. He listened (often to an extreme volume level) to an eclectic variety of music from 50's classics to the Three Tenors, to Weird Al Yankovic. He loved driving pick-up trucks, admiring classic cars, and spending time with his pets. Ultimately, time spent with his family meant the most. He is survived by his wife, Lori; two sons, Eric Bookhultz and wife Aimee, and Shane Bookhultz and fiancé Leslie Price; one grandson, Bradley Eric Bookhultz; and great-grandchildren. The family gives the upmost and heartfelt thanks to his caregiver Rachel and hospice nurses Kelly and Jen for their compassionate care and comfort they provided.

Public viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 15 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, and again on Thursday, November 16 from 10:00am until a funeral service begins at 11:00am at Geiple-Predicce Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 53 Main St., Glen Rock. Interment will follow in Bowsers Cemetery, New Freedom. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are recommended to Animal Rescue, Inc., 2 Heritage Farm Dr., New Freedom, PA 17349. Online condolences may be made at www.geiple.com.