Joel W. Raifsnider
OBITUARY
Joel W. Raifsnider, 82, of Fleetwood, PA, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in West Reading, PA. Born on November 21, 1943 in West Reading, Joel was the son of the late Joseph and Ethel (Wert) Raifsnider. He was a 1961 graduate of Fleetwood Area High School and later attended Penn State University, where he earned an associate degree in drafting and design and later become a mechanical design engineer.
He was employed by Carpenter Technology for 37 years and was instrumental in designing and implementing Carpenter’s 5 Mill.
Joel was married to his wife, Betty M. (Lindenmuth) Raifsnider, for 61 years. He led an active lifestyle, enjoying activities such as bowling and bicycling, but his true passion was golf. After retirement, he honed his skills as a woodworker, designing and building custom furniture.
He was actively engaged in his community, serving as Chairman of the Fleetwood Zoning Board and as a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fleetwood.
In addition to his parents, Joel was preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor (Raifsnider) Mayopoulos.
He is survived by his loving wife, Betty M. (Lindenmuth) Raifsnider of Fleetwood; his sons, Christopher J. Raifsnider and his wife, Jennifer, and Scott Raifsnider and his wife, Jodi; his sister, Geraldine (Raifsnider) Wagonseller; and his grandchildren, Daniel, Nathan, step-grandson Liam, Taylor and Payton.
A viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Mae A. Stump Funeral Home, Inc., 117 West Main Street, Fleetwood, PA 19522. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Becker’s St. Peter’s Cemetery, Fleetwood. Online condolences may be shared at MaeStumpFuneralHome.com