Wesley Sensenig Stauffer, 68, of Ephrata, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Lancaster General Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Wes was born in Ephrata to the late Daniel B. Stauffer and Dora (Sensenig) Stauffer. He attended the one-room schoolhouse on Pleasant Valley Road. At the age of 16, Wes met his beloved wife of 47 years, Marla (Bollinger) Stauffer. They were married on April 2,1977, at Middle Creek Church in Lititz.
An avid outdoorsman, Wes loved deer hunting and spending time in nature. In his younger years, Wes traveled throughout the region with his uncle Amos and cousins participating in tractor pulls with their tractors; “Fido,” “Snoopy” and “Sneaky Pete.” He continued his passion by organizing the garden tractor pull at the Ephrata Fair for many years. He enjoyed restoring antique engines and chainsaws.
Wes was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather who loved creating memories with his loved ones. Wes cherished family gatherings, camping trips, and telling stories to his grandchildren which brought him great joy.
A founding member of Cornerstone Mennonite Fellowship in Ephrata, Wes served the church in many roles including Treasurer, Sunday school teacher, leader of prayer meetings and mission board member. He had a deep love for Jesus and was always eager to share his faith, dedicate his time to speak about the gospel and offer wisdom to others. Wes especially enjoyed ministering to fairgoers at the Ephrata Fair by sharing the gospel message using beads that illustrate the plan of salvation.
Wes was the owner of Wes Stauffer Equipment, where he worked diligently since the age of 19, to build and maintain his business. He sold and repaired Stihl chainsaws, BCS tillers, sawmills, mowers, and Amsoil. Wes loved talking with his customers about their equipment but more importantly about their families and his own, building lasting relationships with thousands throughout the region.
His passing was unexpected. While working in his shop, Wes suffered an internal injury requiring emergency open-heart surgery. Despite showing tremendous strength in his recovery, Wes experienced a catastrophic stroke. His family feels blessed by the precious gift of 2 days spent with him witnessing his recovery prior to the stroke and being by his side when his heart stopped beating.
In addition to his wife, Wes is survived by four children: Karen Weaver, Kevin (Sheree Miller) Stauffer, Keith Stauffer, Kayla (Josiah) Shenk and eight grandchildren: Grant and Kiana Weaver, Charlotte and Tessa Stauffer, Roman Stauffer, Elisabeth, Selah and Eve Shenk. He is also survived by his sisters: Ella Sensenig, Mabel Auker, Pearl Zimmerman, Romaine Zimmerman, and Annetta Steiner and his brothers: Milton Stauffer and Clement Stauffer.
Wes is preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Cameron Weaver, and brothers, Claire and Karl Stauffer.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, at Dove Westgate Church, 1755 W. Main St., Ephrata. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10 AM, Middle Creek Church, 351 Middle Creek Rd, Lititz. Interment will follow at Middle Creek Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to From Pain to Purpose, PO Box 275, Penrose NC 28766 or fromp2p.com/make-a-donation.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.
