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‘One-of-a-kind’ Imler remembered for service to others

‘Mr. Shriner’ helped ‘those who needed the most help’

Imler

Fred Imler Sr. is being remembered as a kind and generous man.

A partner in the family business, Imler’s Poultry, Imler was well known throughout the business community.

He passed away Tuesday at the age of 87.

Please see obituary on Page A4.

In 2012, Imler received the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award for Business Excellence.

“Fred was an incredible businessman whose demeanor generated sincerity and trust. He appreciated recognition but never dwelled on it and usually deflected it to others,” Chamber President/CEO Joe Hurd said. “Is there anything greater than having a legacy based so heavily on philanthropy? Fred Imler helped those who needed the most help.”

Imler also received the Philanthropy Award from the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation in 2015.

“That tells you what we thought about him,” Executive Director Jodi Cessna said. “Fred did everything to help the community he could. He was an incredible person. He was someone who loved the community.

“Fred was one of a kind. I don’t know how we can replace him. He was just one of those people,” Cessna said.

Imler had served on the foundation board for 20 years and was serving as treasurer when he died.

Imler was very active in many other organizations, but the Shriners held a special place in his heart.

He had been on the board of Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia for many years and was active in the international shriners.

“Fred was known as ‘Mr. Shriner’ throughout central Pennsylvania and the country. He was the most caring person in the world,” said Jordan Settle, past potentate of the Jaffa Shriners. “He was an incredible person. He took so many children to the hospital. The Amish and Mennonites knew Fred especially well, not only for supporting agriculture, but also for helping to treat a lot of their children in the hospital.”

“He was a fantastic Shriner. He was dedicated to the Shriners; his main passion was the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. Fred was there for everybody,” said Dan Kindel, Jaffa Shine recorder.

Longtime friend Dale Woomer, a more than 50-year Shrine member like Imler, called him a “Shriner’s Shriner” and a great businessman.

“Everybody knows about Imler’s Poultry,” Woomer said. “He was very dedicated to his business and family. He was very generous, both financially and with his time. He and his wife were terrific people. We just lost a great member and a great friend.”

Allan Hancock, CEO of The Hancock Group and longtime member of the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, said Imler was the most kind, generous man he has ever known.

“He loved the community and he loved giving,” Hancock said. “His pet project was the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, where he served on the board for many years. I’ve been to events he sponsored where famous doctors attended. He was respected by local people and by many professional people. He was just a great man and an astute businessman. I will miss him immensely.”

Imler was a regular at Morrisons Cove Produce Auction near Martinsburg on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“We’ve been in business for 25 years, and Fred has been a vital part of all of these years. He was always there and he would let us know if he was not coming,” said manager Aaron Martin.

Imler was well respected by company employees.

“He provided me endless life lessons, not just business,” said Keith McQuillen, marketing and purchasing director. “He was able to influence and direct without saying much.”

“Fred was a very charitable man. He gave more back to the community than he ever received. He showed all of us the importance of giving and being a supporter of the community,” said controller Melissa T. Lovrich. “Fred considered all of the Imler’s Poultry employees as extended family members, and he treated all of us like family.”

A viewing will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Jaffa Shrine Center, where a Masonic service will be held at 8 p.m., and also from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.

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