Kenneth L. Egolf

Kenneth L. Egolf, 84, of Carlisle, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 30, 2022, at home, with his loving family by his side.

He was born January 12, 1938, in Carlisle, to the late Raymond and Olive (Mayhugh) Egolf.

Ken was a 1955 graduate of Carlisle High School. He continued his studies, earning a B.S. in chemistry from Dickinson College, an M.S. from Purdue University and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. Ken also served in the United States Army and Reserves as a 2nd Lieutenant.

Ken’s engagement with the Carlisle community was one of his greatest joys in life. After a two-year stint in the chemical industry, Ken switched career paths and enthusiastically served as a Carlisle High School chemistry teacher for the next 38 years. During that time, he judged numerous local and regional science fairs, mentored the Carlisle High School National Honor Society, coached the golf team, coached the Quiz Bowl team, was a Thundering Herd basketball scorekeeper … and even rode a donkey in the Carlisle High donkey basketball games that they held “way back when.”

Ken’s successes in the classroom led to several exciting academic opportunities outside of the classroom, including invitations to special programs for educators at NASA’s Space Camp in Huntsville, AL and at the Kitt Peak Observatory in Tucson, AZ.

After retiring from Carlisle High School, Ken moved on to Dickinson College, where he supervised the chemical stockroom, prepared laboratory equipment and solutions, and taught college chemistry courses. He took great pride in supporting the chemistry department until 2018, when he retired from academia.

Ken was a devout member of Carlisle’s First Evangelical Lutheran Church, sharing his faith in innumerable ways, whether he was contributing as a Sunday School teacher, serving as an usher, decorating the sanctuary for Christmas, or being an active member of the Church Council, serving as president several times throughout the years.

One of Ken’s favorite activities was cheering for the Philadelphia Phillies, win or lose! He was also an avid golfer. Almost every evening, he could be found at the Carlisle Barracks Golf Course, briskly walking at least nine holes, toting his clubs on his back.

Ken was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Family game times were especially cherished. He was a kind, but fierce, competitor! Jarts, Skipbo, Sequence, Farkle and hilarious games of Telestrations were among his favorites. Ken and his wife June were also the most dedicated of fans, traveling in fair weather as well as flash floods, to support their granddaughters’ activities. Sporting events, band, choral and theatrical performances, and science fair competitions kept them entertained for many fun-filled seasons.

Ken was also recognized by the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank in 2014 for his commitment to donating blood, having donated in excess of 10 gallons for the greater Carlisle community.

Ken asked for so little during his lifetime and gave so much. His spirit and love of life will live on through his family and the many treasured friends that he touched throughout the years.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, June (Enck) Egolf of Carlisle, children Debra Egolf (Esther) of Marietta, OH, Leanne Egolf McBride (Timothy) of Brownstown, PA, and David Egolf of Rockville, MD; granddaughters Christina and Jacquelyn McBride; brother Ralph (Linda) Egolf of Florida and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Raymond Egolf and a sister Margaret Brown.

A private service will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church at the convenience of the family.

The family would like to thank Synergy Homecare and Homeland Hospice for their care and support over the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ken’s memory to First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 21 South Bedford Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 or to The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Rd., Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002 or http://webpa.alsa.org/site/PageNavigator/PA_Chapter/PA_12_General_Donation.html

To sign the guestbook, please visit www.HoffmanFH.com.