Nancy Lou (Hess) Kohlstruk

Nancy Lou (Hess) Kohlstruk, born January 26, 1940, in Middletown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, surrounded by family and friends at Messiah Village. Nancy lived a full and meaningful life centered on learning, faith, and family. She touched many lives through her generosity, intellect, and deep love of books.

Nancy was an educator who taught reading at Foose Elementary School and John Harris High School. An avid reader herself, she delighted in sharing her passion for books with friends and family and was an enthusiastic member of multiple book clubs. She also found joy in gardening, journaling, and working crossword puzzles. Nancy was an active and dedicated member of Unity Church, which was an important part of her life and community.

Nancy was preceded in death by her first husband, Davis Mortimer Lapham (married 1964–1974), and by her beloved second husband, Ernst Kohlstruk (married 1977–2022), with whom she shared 44 years of marriage. Together, Nancy and Ernst built a life rooted in shared values, curiosity, and devotion to one another.

She is survived by her children, Peter Kohlstruk, Christopher Kohlstruk, Heather Lapham, and Kristen Kohlstruk, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Sawyer Kohlstruk, Casey Kohlstruk, Caylin Kohlstruk, Anneliese Gilboard, and Nola Gilboard.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, at Buhrig Funeral Home in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The service will also be streamed live, please see link below.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the library at Messiah Village with a check made payable to Messiah Lifeways (Attention: Campus Library Services), 100 Mt. Allen Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

In keeping with her generous spirit and lifelong commitment to learning, Nancy donated her body to Penn State College of Medicine at Hershey through the Humanity Gifts Registry, helping to educate future medical professionals.