Henry M. Fortna

Dr. Henry M. Fortna, 84, of Ephrata, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024. Born in 1939, Jonestown, PA, he was the son of the late Annie M. (Bohn) Fortna and Clayton H. Fortna. In late June, Henry would have celebrated 59 years of marriage with his wife, Kristin (Bond) Fortna.

Henry graduated from Northern Lebanon High School, class of 1957, and Penn State University, class of 1961. At Penn State he participated in a unique study, the Armsby Calorimeter, called “the Box” by students, it is now a museum on campus. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, class of 1964. He served in the US Army as a Veterinary Pathologist at which time he published several papers for the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain in November 1970.

In 1972, he with his wife Kristin established the Ephrata Animal Hospital on East Main Street. His solo practice included horses, dogs, and cats. Henry was beloved by his clients. He was kind, caring, and compassionate with his patients, spending long days and nights attending to their needs. After 48 years he retired in 2011.

His retirement ushered in an entirely new life where he traveled extensively with his wife. His favorite place to go was Lake Placid and the Adirondack High Peaks. For 10 years he was a trustee and grounds keeper for Bethany UCC. He enjoyed volunteering with friends for WQVC Stream Studies. His wife shared her love of art and photography with him and he began painting with acrylics and pastel.

In addition to his wife, Henry is survived by two daughters: Noelle Fortna, wife of Daniel Hibshman and Heidi Whitmoyer, wife of Todd; two granddaughters: Emily and Adeline Hibshman; siblings: Esther M. Wentling of Jonestown, PA; Anna Mary Nolan, wife of William of Jonestown, PA; Elwanda M. Doberstein of Lebanon, PA; and Robert C. Fortna, husband of Janice of Jonestown, PA. Henry was predeceased by siblings Richard D. Fortna, John E. Fortna, Vivian Buck Berriker, Lucille P. Hartman, and Ronald Fortna, who died as an infant.

Services will be held at Bethany United Church of Christ, 140 E Main St, Ephrata, on Saturday, June 29th. The viewing will be from 9:30 am to 11:00 am and the service will begin at 11:00 am. Interment with military honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, will be held Monday, July 1, at 10:30 am, please arrive by 10:15 am.

Memorial contributions can be made to Bethany UCC, 140 E Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522.

Arrangements by Gravenor Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc., www.siplerfuneralhome.com