Jacob Arlen Ruth Nyce, age 92, of Harleysville, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth Keller Alderfer, with whom he shared over 71 years of marriage.

Born September 17, 1931, in Morwood, PA, he was a son of the late Henry N. and Hattie
G. (Ruth) Nyce.

Growing up in Morwood, he attended the one room schoolhouse until the eighth grade. The schoolhouse was later lived in by his parents. Wanting to complete his education as an adult, he attended Ursinus College to earn his GED and also traveled by train to Philadelphia to attend Temple University to earn his Business Degree. He initially was self-employed with a huckster route but then soon joined Alderfer Bologna Co. as an owner with his four brothers-in-law. After 42 years, he retired in 1996.

After retirement, he drove tractor trailer for Indian Valley Enterprises, Brookledge Horse Transportation and delivered horse trailers for Cotner Trailers. He prepared taxes for friends and family and volunteered as a tax return preparer at the local community center.

Arlen always had a love of horses and pursued this passion by purchasing a 20-acre farm on Groff Mill Road in 1967. He named the farm "Schone Acker" (Nyce Acres). He bred appaloosa horses for many years and ultimately produced a Reserve Grand Champion Mare at the 1985 World Appaloosa Championship Horse Show in Oklahoma.

He was a long-time member of Zion Mennonite Church. He taught an adult Sunday School Class for many years. His faith was an important part of his everyday life. He was a Life Member of the Harleysville Fire Co., a member of the Souderton Fish & Game Club, and a member of the Camp Carson/Bonnell Run Hunting Camp.

In addition to his wife Elizabeth, Arlen is survived by his children Christine Eschbach and her husband Norman, Jay Nyce and his wife Tina, Jeffrey Nyce and his wife Karen, James Nyce and his wife Suki; grandchildren Jonathan Nyce and his wife Saralyn, Julie Lamb and her husband Josiah, Kelsey Nyce, Courtney Feigl and her husband Brady, Jennifer Nyce and Jagger Nyce; greatgrandchildren Lachlan and Holland Lamb, Bryson Nyce. Arlen is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his sister Lorraine Derstine.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Zion Mennonite Church, 149 E. Cherry Lane, Souderton, PA 18964. The family will greet guests prior to the service starting at 10:00 AM. An Open House will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 at their farm, 416 Groff Mill Road, Harleysville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Arlen's name may be made to Camp Men-O-Lan by clicking here .

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.williamsbergeykoffel.com.