Honoring Loved Ones with a Special Sponsorship

The art of quilting spans history and cultures. The Mariner’s Compass is one of the oldest designs. Thought to have originated in Europe in the 18^th century, it is symbolic of a nautical instrument, with a complex pattern usually including a star that radiates from the center of a circle.

The Landis Homes quilters recently made a beautiful 102×116 inch Mariner’s Compass quilt to be auctioned at Fellowship Days this fall. Barbara Witwer was excited to help cover the cost of this particular quilt because it brought special meaning to her.

“I sponsored the quilt in honor of my late husband, Kenneth W. Witwer, and his brother, J. Lester Witwer, who both served as Merchant Marines during World War II,” Barbara shared.

A former co-worker introduced Barbara and her husband, and the rest became history. They built a life together in Lancaster. In 1988, the Merchant Marines were granted veteran status for their service during the war, and Barbara sent for Ken’s military records.

“Ken’s oldest brother went into the army, but Ken and Lester weren’t comfortable carrying weapons so they enlisted as Merchant Marines. They didn’t serve on the same ship, but they did share a lot in common as radio operators. They traveled all over the Atlantic and Pacific helping with the delivery of troops, food, and 100 octane fuel,” according to Barbara.

History indicates that Merchant Marines died at a rate of 1 in 26, the highest casualty rate of any service during World War II. Fortunately, the Witwer brothers were able to live full lives afterward.

“I saw the Mariner’s Compass quilt hanging in Harvest View and I took photos of it. It did not have a sponsor and I thought – I can do that. Ken’s sister, E. June Armstrong, was a resident at Landis Homes but passed away last year, while my sister and I are the last of our generation in my family. It is important to me to leave a legacy for our children. I want them to know who they are,” Barbara said.

The Mariner’s Compass quilt will be sold at the live quilt auction during Fellowship Days at Landis Homes on September 14, 2024. Proceeds from all of quilts that are auctioned support the Landis Homes Caring Fund which assists residents whose cost of care exceeds their personal finances.

If handcrafting an item for donation and helping to raise money for the Caring Fund through the Fellowship Days Auction is something you would like to do, contact Janice Nikoloff, Advancement Events Coordinator, at (717) 381-3580.