Morgan E. Ilgenfritz

Morgan E. Ilgenfritz

YORK – Morgan (affectionately known to many as “Fritz”) went to be with His Lord and Savior Thursday, July 4, 2024 as a result of complications from the flu. 

He was the only child of Edward and Helen (Claybaugh) Ilgenfritz. The husband of Joyce Elaine Miller Ilgenfritz, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on August 3rd.

Morgan always longed for siblings. When he married Joyce, he inherited 4 brothers and 4 sisters (Jack, Jim, Charlie, Dave, Connie, Shirley, Ruthie, Brenda).

He is survived by his beloved four children, Shonna A. Ilgenfritz(Susan R. Newcomer), Mark(Miriam) Ilgenfritz, Amy(Steve) Nehlsen and Beth(Jonas) Wharton; 13 grandsons; nine granddaughters; 23 great grandsons; 19 great granddaughters; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Morgan and Joyce have parented many, almost too many to count but 413 people lived in their home alongside their family.

Foster son, Dwayne(Kim) Woodring, Shirley(Ryan) Kessler and Nathan(Roxanna) Burke in Romania have been like children to them.

Morgan graduated from William Penn High School in the class of 1951. He was a drummer in the York High Marching Band, as well as in the TAC (Teen Age Club) Orchestra.

Growing up, Morgan was active in the Boy Scouts of America where he earned the highest Eagle Scout Award as well as the Quartermaster Sea Scout Award.

He was a Cub Scout Leader of Pack 45 and a Boy Scout Leader of Troup 45. Camp Tuckahoe was the beloved camp where they spent a lot of time. One group from York even made an exploration trip to the Boy Scout Jamboree of Cimarron, New Mexico in 1974.

Morgan served in the US Navy during the Korean War as a torpedo man on the USS Lowry, a destroyer ship. Following four years in the Navy, going around the world two times, visiting 26 countries from 1951 to 1955, Morgan returned to York where he became a 50 year member of Shiloh American Legion Post 791, married Joyce and started their family.

He began his career with Metropolitan Edison Company. He started as a groundman and retired as a Class-A Line Chief after 40 years. He was awarded the Med Ed Outstanding Community Service Award and the Thomas Jefferson Award for impact in the community.

He was a member of the York Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, where he served as an elder. He was an active member of the Gideons International for over 30 years. He was a lifetime member of the York Fair.

He was a founding member of Big Pine Hunting Camp in Huntington, PA. He was also a member of Glen Yore Hunting Camp in Glen Rock, PA.

Morgan could fix anything. He was extremely handy. He built his own speed boat. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and raising dahlias and won many ribbons at the York Fair for his dinner plate dahlias.

He will always be remembered for his extraordinary Children’s Christmas display of decorations on Country Club Road including the beloved Frosty, the snowman.

Above all, Morgan loved His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A turning point in his faith journey was in 1973 when He completely gave his life 100% to the Lord. Morgan often said that God had challenged him, “I know that you love me but do you trust me?”

He enjoyed going on two African mission trips to build two village churches in Douna and Sindou and visiting his children and grandchildren living there. He also helped with a building project doing electrical work in El Salvador.

Morgan loved his family well, his church and his friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He cared much for his church friends and small group as well as neighbors and friends young and old.

He was a father to many who needed a father figure in their lives. Morgan and Joyce opened their hearts and home to hundreds of young people who were searching for a home away from home. They named their home, “God’s Lighthouse”.

Morgan had limited mobility in his later years but he spent hours praying for his family and church family and neighborhood. We will never forget his laugh and his life of love. We are all changed by being loved by him. Dad never stopped saying "I still believe that God has a plan for my life".

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the viewings from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Emig Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 47 N. Queen St., Dover, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at York Alliance Church, 501 Rathton Rd., York, with the funeral to follow.  Burial will take place in Mount Rose Cemetery where veteran honors will be presented by the York County Honor Guard.  Officiating will be the Rev. Timothy Shuey and his sons-in-law, Rev. Stephen J. Nehlsen, and Rev. Jonas P. Wharton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International (P.O.Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800 or www.gideons.org); or Dorcas House in Burkina Faso, West Africa (www.fiaintl.org)

To share memories of Morgan and condolences with his family, please visit www.emigfuneralhome.com.

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