Our Founder

Herbert Wilhelm Wanner, 1924-2007

Herbert Wilhelm Wanner passed away on December 28, 2007 at the age of 83 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born in Konstanz, Germany, Mr. Wanner grew up in Germany. He was a pilot during World War II after which he graduated from the University of Freiburg with a degree in Economics and English Translation. Post graduation, he moved to Wolfsburg, Germany to take up a position with Volkswagen AG. In 1956, he came to the United States as part of a 25 member team to formally install the Volkswagen franchise dealer service network. In 1960, Mr. Wanner was appointed National Service Manager of the Volkswagen brand at corporate headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Four years later, he moved to Lancaster and founded Autohaus Lancaster, representing Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche brands.

Herbert was the beloved husband of Marianne with whom he celebrated 49 years of marriage. He is the much adored father of five children: Susanne, married to Douglas Shand; Thomas, married to Carol P.; Michael, married to Victoria L.; Barbara, married to Michael Flesh; and Andrea, married to John Miller III. Herbert will be lovingly missed by his 19 grandchildren who knew him as "Opi". He is also survived by a sister, Anneliese Feuereisen who still lives in Konstanz, Germany.

Herbert was a long time member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Chuch Catholic Church, the Lancaster Country Club, the Hamilton Club, and the Rotary Club.

Herbert was an accomplished sailor and his greatest joy was sailing with his family throughout the Chesapeake Bay, the Great Lakes, and various parts of the New England coast.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Herbert W. Wanner's name to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Dr., P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.