JOHN P. HANCHURUCK
Services were held for John P. Hanchuruck, 75, widower of Marcia (Kelly)
Hanchuruck, of Reindeer Court, Gilbertsville, formerly of Tracy, Conn.,
who died Dec. 26 at the Frederick Mennonite Community, Fred-erick. Born
in Branford, Conn., he was employed as a maintenance technician for Westvaco,
Meriden, Conn., for 33 years until his retirement in 1995. He was a veteran
of World War IIand the Korean War. Hanchuruck is survived by two sons,
Michael Hanchuruck with whom he resided in Gilbertsville, and Bryan Hanchuruck
of Meriden, Conn.; one daughter, Sharon Robinson of Shillington, Vt. Also
two brothers, one sister and five grandchildren. The arrangements were
handled by the C. L. Losh Funeral Home, Boyertown.
MABEL S. FREY
Services were held for Mabel S. (Stauffer) Frey, 91, of Bechtelsville,
widow of Ernest F. Frey, who died Dec. 25 at Pottstown Memorial Medical
Center. Born in Douglass Township, Montgomery County, she was the owner
and operator of the Grill Shop, Boyertown, with her late husband for 25
years, retiring in 1971. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Bechtelsville,
the Eastern Star Faith Chapter No. 444, Order of the Eastern Star, Boyertown,
and the Bechtelsville Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary. Surviving is a sister,
Helen M., widow of Floyd Fronheiser, Bechtelsville, with whom she resided.
She is also survived by nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be made
in her name to Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 132 S. Main St.,
Bechtelsville, PA 19505. The arrangements were handled by the L. W. Ott
Funeral Home, Boyertown.
EILEEN T. RIDER
A funeral Mass was celebrated for Eileen T. (Cuff) Rider, 80, wife
of the late Leon G. Rider, of Hildebrandt Road, Perkiomen-ville, who died
Dec. 27 at her home. Born in Centralia, Columbia County, she was a homemaker
and a volunteer for the St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary, Reading, and for
the Upper Perkiomen Senior Citizen Center, East Greenville. Rider was a
member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Pennsburg, St. Joseph Hospital
Auxiliary, Reading, and the Upper Perkiomen Senior Citizen Center, East
Greenville, and its R.S.V.P. Club of the Center. She is survived by two
daughters, Sharon A., wife of Daniel R. Hildebrandt, of Perkiomenville,
and Eileen N., wife of Robert C. Ludwig Sr., of Wyomissing; four grandchildren
and four great-grandchildren. Rider was predeceased by a daughter, Regina
Rider. ·The arrangements were handled by the Mann-Slonaker Funeral
Home Inc., East Greenville.
JACOB K. BAHLINGER
A Memorial service was held for Jacob Karl Bahlinger, 73, who died
in his residence on Hartz Road, Ruscombmanor Township. He was the husband
of Elizabeth F. (Jordan) Bahlinger. He was born in Philadelphia and was
an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. Bahlinger was employed for
28 years by the Joseph W. Riley Co., Narberth, Montgomery County, until
his retirement. He was a member of Frieden’s Lutheran Church, Oley and
president of its child-care center. Bahlinger also volunteered the last
five years for Meals on Wheels and the Food Pantry of Calvary Lutheran
Church, Laureldale. He is also survived by a daughter, Karen L., Oley;
and three sons: Jason Jr., Richmond Township; Glenn M., Cumru Township;
and Jeffrey L., Atlanta. There are also eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
A daughter, Deborah Bahlinger, died in 1986. The Daniel R. Christ Funeral
Home, Oley, handled the arrangements.
JEAN DENGLER
Private services were held for Jean Dengler, 69, of S. 13th St., Reading,
who died in Manor Care Health Services Inc., Muhlenberg Township, where
she had been a patient for several days.
Born in Boyertown, she had been employed by the Sheraton Hotel, Wyomissing;
the Reading YMCA, and Thomas’ Restaurant. She was last employed for about
30 years as cook in the restaurant by Woolworth, in the Berkshire Mall,
Wyomissing, retiring in 1993. She was a member of New Hanover Lutheran
Church, Gilbertsville. Surviving are four daughters: Kathleen A. (Fronheiser)
Bowers, Audrey (Fronheiser) Rivera, and Lisa Fronheiser, all of Reading;
and Janet (Fronheiser) Noll, Harrisburg. Other survivors include two brothers,
Alton, Bechtelsville, and William, Red Hill, Montgomery County; and three
sisters: Erma (Dengler) Reidnauer, and Eleanore (Dengler) Johnson, both
of Boyertown; and Helen (Dengler) Faust, Barto. There are also seven grandchildren
and three great-grandchildren. The arrangements were handled by the Auman
Funeral Homes, Reading.
NORA FRY
Funeral services were held for Nora (Haring) Fry, 77, wife of the late
Royden L. Fry, of South Reading Avenue, Boyertown, who died Dec. 28 at
Pottstown Memorial Medical Center where she had been a patient.
Born in Earlville, she was a 1941 graduate of Boyertown Area High School.
Fry was employed as a punch press operator at the Judson Smith Co., Boyertown,
for 22 years until she retired in 1986. She was a member of St. John’s
Evangelical Lutheran Church, Boyertown, and also attended Christ Evangelical
Lutheran Church, Spangsville. Fry was a member of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars Post No. 3487 Ladies Auxiliary, Boyertown. She is survived by two
daughters, Audrey E. Reitnour, of Gilbertsville, and Ellen Jane, wife of
Gregory Bechtel, of Boyertown; one son, Roger C. Fry, of Oley. One brother;
five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may
be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 45 N.
Reading Ave., Boyertown, PA 19512, or to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
Memorial Fund, 325 Covered Bridge Road, Oley, PA 19547. The arrangements
were handled by the L. W. Ott Funeral Home, Boyertown.
WANDA M. KISH
Services will be held Thursday for Wanda M. (Biginski) Kish, 97, wife
of the late Joseph J. Kish Sr., formerly of County Line Road, Gilbertsville,
who died Dec. 30 at the Manatawny Manor, East Coventry. She was born in
Philadelphia Surviving are one son, Joseph J. Kish Jr., of Boyertown; two
daughters, Florence E. Dolansky, of Gilbertsville and Dorothy J., wife
of John A. Adolfson, of Boyertown. Also 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren
and three great-great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held on Thursday
from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. at
St. Columbkill Roman Catholic Church, 200 Indian Springs Road, Boyertown.
The Rev. Robert C. Quinn will be officiating. The arrangements were handled
by the Catagnus Funeral Home, Gilbertsville.
WILLIAM J. DELP
A Memorial service was held for William J. Delp, who died Dec. 28 in
Reading Hospital, where he had been a patient. Delp, 75, of Pricetown Road,
Alsace Township, was the husband of Margaret J. (Long) Delp. Born in Alsace
Township, Delp owned and operated Delp’s Grocery Store, Alsace Manor, for
17 years. Delp also worked on the family farm. He was a member of Salem
Shalter’s Lutheran Church, Alsace Township. Delp was a life member and
past president of the Rusco Hunting Club, Ruscombmanor Township. He is
also survived by a son, Michael W., and a daughter, Janice E. (Delp) Grill,
both of Alsace Township. Other survivors include three sisters: Hilda (Delp)
Noll and Mildred (Delp) Dierolf, both of Alsace Township; and May (Delp)
Daniels, Temple. There are also five grandchildren. The arrangements were
handled by the Daniel R. Christ Funeral Home, Oley.
JASEN R. RUSINSKI
Services will be held for Jasen R. Rusinski, 23, of Del Ray Beach,
Florida, formerly of Boyertown, who died in Candler General Hospital, Savannah,
Ga. He died as a result of an auto accident while traveling home to Florida.
Born in Pottstown, he was a son of David A. Rusinski and Kathleen D. (Landis)
Minotto. He was employed as a waiter by Luna Rosa Cafe, Del Ray Beach,
Fla. for four years. Rusinski attended Boyertown Area Senior High School
where he was active in the baseball program and Boyertown Junior Legion
Baseball. He was a member of Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ,
Bechtelsville. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a stepfather,
Dennis R. Minotto of Boyertown; a stepmother, Sherry L. (Szymkicwicz) Rusinski
of Phoenixville; one brother, Kyle D. Rusinski of Boyertown; one sister,
Katie B. Rusinski of Boyertown; one half-sister, Emily E. Rusinski of Phoenixville;
four stepsisters, Christina M. Minotto of Bethel, Pa., Denise L. (Minotto),
wife of Ted Detwiler, Tina Greer of Phoenixville, and Tammy Greer of Pottstown;
paternal grandparents, Walter and Darl Rusinski of Pottstown; maternal
grandparents, Carl and Eileen Landis of Hereford; and a step-grandfather,
Ralph Minotto of Stowe. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday
at Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ, 527 Hoffmansville Road,
Bechtelsville. The Rev. Vernon Stoop Jr., senior pastor, will officiate.
Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the church. Memorial donations
may be made to Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ, 527 Hoffmansville
Road, Bechtels-ville, PA 19505. Interment will be at Shepherd of The Hills
United Church of Christ Cemetery, Bechtelsville. The arrangements were
handled by the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home Inc., Boyertown.
NORMAN R. MOYER
Services were held for Norman R. "Chippy" Moyer, 89, of West Sixth
Street, Boyertown, who died Dec. 19 as a result of injuries he received
in an accident. Born in New Berlinville, Moyer was a veteran of World War
II, having served in the U.S. Army. He was employed by the former Boyertown
Thriftway grocery store as a stock person, and previously by the former
Boyertown auto Body Works as a laborer. In recent years, he worked in the
mailroom/circulation department at Berks-Mont Newspapers, Boyertown. Moyer
was a member of the Keystone Fire Co., in Boyertown; a life member of the
Friendship Hook and Ladder Fire Co., in Boyertown; and attended the Church
of the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, Boyertown. He is survived
by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased
by four brothers, and three sisters. The arrangements were handled by the
Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home Inc., Boyertown. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery,
Boyertown.
ESTHER M. HINAMAN
A memorial service was held for Esther M. (Ream) Hinaman, 77, wife
of Theodore W. Hinaman, of Garber Road, Boyertown, who died Dec. 19 at
her residence.
Born in Lewisburg, she had worked at the former Sylvania Corp. in Montoursville,
Pa., during World War II. She was a member of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church,
Douglassville. Surviving in addition to her husband is a daughter, Linda
L. Eckert of Broomall; two sons, Theodore W. Hinaman II of Boyertown and
Stephen R. Hinaman of East Coventry Township; and three grandchildren.
Burial was private. The arrangements were handled by the Catagnus Funeral
Home, Pottstown.
ANN GRADY
Private service were held at the convenience of the family for Ann
(Ganovsky) Grady, 79, wife of Emery L. Grady of North Coventry, who died
Dec. 21 at her home. Born in Obelisk, she was employed by the former Jacobs
Aircraft Co. and later by Honeywell Corp. of Fort Washington as an assembler
until she retired in 1978. She was a 1940 graduate of Pottstown High School
and a member of Berean Bible Church, Lower Pottsgrove. Surviving with her
husband is a son, Emery L. Grady Jr., Arizona; two brothers, Peter Ganovsky,
Gilbertsville, and Daniel Ganovsky, Spring City; two grandchildren and
five great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the National
Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016. The Schumacher
& Benner Funeral Home, Pottstown, was in charge of the arrangements.
ELEANOR B. FERGUSON
A memorial service was held for Eleanor (Clark) Burkhardt Ferguson,
88, wife of John Ferguson, and the late Murrell Burkhardt, of Conrad Road,
Barto, who died Dec. 20 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Allentown. Born in Philadelphia,
she was a former member of the Horsham Bible Church. She was a member of
the Order of Eastern Star, Horsham. In addition to her husband, she is
survived by one daughter, Janet, wife of James R. Ginetti, of Gilbertsville;
two sons, William C. Burkhardt, of Overland Park, Kan., and Bruce R. Burkhardt,
of Barto. Also two sisters; two brothers, eight grandchildren; and four
great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart
Association, 625 W. Ridge Pike, Building A, Suite 100, Conshohocken, PA
19428. The arrangements were handled by the Catagnus Funeral Home Inc.,
Gilbertsville.
FLORENCE A. MUTTER
Services were held for Florence A. (Dahms) Mutter, 86, of ManorCare,
Pottstown, formerly of South Reading Avenue, Boyertown, who died Dec. 21
Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, where she had been admitted earlier
in the day.
She was the widow of Paul L. Mutter Sr. Born in New York, she was a
housewife. Mutter was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Boyertown,
Earl Township Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary and Liberty Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary.
Surviving are two daughters, Fern J., wife of Elvin Gressley and Frances
P., widow of Russell Sheeler, both of Earl Township; five grandchildren
and eight great-grandchildren. Also one sister, Anna, widow of Wilmer Sweinhart,
of Pottstown. She was preceded in death by a son, Paul L. Mutter Jr. Memorial
contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 45 N. Reading
Avenue, Boyertown, PA 19512. The arrangements were handled by the Christ
Funeral Home, Oley.··
ALICE E. DRUMHELLER
Graveside services were held for Alice E. (Yost) Drumheller, 78, wife
of Paul R. Drumheller, of Boyertown, who died Dec. 22 at ManorCare Health
Services, Pottstown, where she had been a patient since October. Born in
Birdsboro, she was a member of Allegheny United Church of Christ, Mohnton.
In addition to her husband of 55 years, she is survived by a son, Paul
R. Drumheller, of Boyertown; two brothers, and a sister; five granddaughters;
and seven great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the American
Heart Association, Berks County Division, 40 Berkshire Court, Wyomissing,
PA 19610. The arrangements were handled by the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home
Inc., Boyertown.
EARL P. HAINLY
Services were held for Earl P. Hainly, 86, of Walnut Ave., Alsace Township,
who died Dec. 21 in ManorCare Health Services Inc., Laureldale, where he
had been a patient. He was the husband of June M. (Horst) Hainly. Born
in Shillington, Hainly was employed for 21 years as a furnace operator
by General Battery Corp., retiring in 1979. He was a member of Alsace Christian
Fellowship, Temple. Also surviving are two sons, Earl P. Jr., Reading,
and John F., Baton Route, La. There is also one granddaughter. The arrangements
were handled by the Bean Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Inc., Reading.
ANNA H. CORRELL
Services will be held for Anna H. Correll, 88, formerly of Oley RD
1, who died Dec. 22 in Beverly Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center,
Exeter Township, where she had resided since 1984. Her husband, Gordon
H. Correll, died in 1978. Born in Mohnton, Correll was a member of Friedens
Lutheran Church, Oley. Surviving are a son, Gene R. Sr., Temple, and two
daughters, Fern M. (Correll) Brown, Amity Township, and Carol A. (Correll)
Erb, Bethel Township. Other survivors include a sister; 10 grandchildren;
15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Services will
be Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the Daniel R. Christ Funeral Home, Oley. Burial
will be in Friedens Cemetery, Oley.
KATHRYN LONGACRE
Services were held for Kathryn R. (Treichler) Longacre, 83, wife of
Daniel E. Longacre, of Poplar Street, Bally, who died Dec. 22 at her residence.
Born in Chapel, she and her husband owned and operated the Longacre’s Modern
Dairy in Barto, founded in 1920, for many years before retiring in 1996.
Mr. and Mrs. Longacre had celebrated 64 years of marriage in November.
She was a member of Bally Mennonite Meetinghouse in Bally. In addition
to her husband, she is survived by three sons, Daniel T. Longacre, of Bally,
Newton T. Longacre, Barto, and Timothy T. Longacre, of Bally; two daughters,
Kathryn T. Longacre of Bally, and Diane T. Longacre, of Reading. Also two
sisters, Sadie T. Bittenbender of Bechtelsville, and Virginia H., wife
of Roger Swavely, of New Berlinville; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother and a granddaughter.
Memorial donations may be made to the Anne L. Longacre-Smith Special Care
Memorial Fund, c/o National Penn Bank, Philadelphia and Reading avenues,
Boyertown, PA 19512, or to the Bally Mennonite Meetinghouse Deacon’s Fund,
P.O. Box194, Bally, PA 19503. The arrangements were handled by the Mann-Slonaker
Funeral Home Inc., East Greenville.
GRACE M. MERKEL
A memorial service was held for Grace M. (Moyer) Merkel, 78, wife of
the late Paul N. Merkel, of North Walnut Street, Boyertown, who died Dec.
21. She had been a patient at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center where she
had been a patient. Born in Bechtelsville, she was a 1930 graduate of Boyertown
High School. She was employed as a casket liner by the former Boyertown
Burial Casket Co., in Boyertown, for many years before retiring in 1984.
She is survived by two daughters, Bonnie, wife of Walter E. Reigner, of
Boyertown, and Dona, wife of Gary Scipione, of Medford, N.J., two brothers,
Donald Moyer, of Boyertown, and Gerald Moyer, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; eight
grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a
brother. Memorial donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church Memorial
Fund, 222 Niantic Road, Barto, PA 19504. Burial was private. The arrangements
were handled by the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home Inc., Boyertown.
MARIE D. HOCH
Services will be held for Marie D. Hoch, 83, wife of Daniel Y. Hoch,
of Main St., Oley, who died Dec. 22 in ManorCare Health Services, West
Reading where she had been a patient. Born in Colebrookdale Township, she
was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ, Oley. She was a past
matron of Faith Chapter 444, Order of the Eastern Star, Boyertown. Hoch
is also survived by two sons, Kenneth R., Ruscombmanor Township, and Harold
E., Oley Township, and a daughter, Dorothy M. (Hoch) Hamm, Oley Township.
Other survivors include a brother, Warren D. Reifsnyder, Frederick, Montgomery
County; and a sister, Mildred D. (Reifsnyder) Moyer, Gilberts-ville, Montgomery
County.
There are also four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a stepgreat-grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Memorial Fund of Friedens
U.C.C., 2337 Main St., Oley, PA 19547. Friends may call Wednesday evening
from 7 to 8:30 p.m.at the Daniel R. Christ Funeral Home, Oley. Services
will be Thursday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home in Oley. Burial will be
in Oley Cemetery, Spangsville.
RUTH L. DRAPER
Services were held for Ruth L. Draper, 76, of Royersford, who died
Dec. 22 at the Frederick Mennonite Community, Fred-erick. She was born
in Tower City, Schuylkill County. Draper had resided in the Royersford
area for 15 years, and before that she lived in Yardley, Bucks County.
She graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a degree in elementary
education and received a master’s degree in administration from Rutgers
University. Draper taught elementary school and was an administrator with
the Pennsburg School District for 28 years, and retiring in 1984. She was
a member of Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, Royersford, and
was a lay delegate of the Evangelical Congregational Church representing
Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church for many years. She was also
a member of the Ladies Aid Society of the church, the church choir, the
Missionary Fellowship of the church, and she was a former class leader
of Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church for many years. She was also
a member of the Project Outreach at the church, and an active member of
The Women’s Club of Royersford.· She is survived by a sister, Jean
wife of W. Robert Buckwalter, of Perkiomenville; two brothers, Franklin
J. Draper of Pottstown, and Daniel E. Draper of Owensboro, Ky. Memorial
gifts may be made in her name to Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church
Building Fund, 427 Walnut St., Royersford, PA 19458. The arrangements were
handled by the Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Royersford.
RAYMOND GEORGE
Services were held for Raymond George, 87, widower of Elizabeth (Grater)
George, formerly of East Coventry, who died Dec. 11 at the Frederick Mennonite
Community. Born in Reading, he resided most of his life in East Coventry
and was educated in Reading and Royersford schools. He was employed in
the maintenance department of the former Diamond Glass Co. in Royersford
for more than 33 years, retiring in 1973. Surviving are two daughters,
Ruth Mathias of Daytona Beach, Fla.; Shirley, wife of Francis X. Bernard
of Chester Springs; two sons, Donald E. George of Spring City; Robert C.
George of Royersford; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The
arrangements were handled by the Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Royersford.
LAWRENCE M. KEMP
Services were held for Lawrence M. Kemp, 87, husband of Dorothy C.
(Eline) Kemp, of Forgedale Road, Barto, who had been a resident at Pennsburg
Manor the past nine months. He had been a patient at the Mercy Suburban
Hospital, Norristown, where he had been a patient for two weeks. Born in
District Township, he was employed as a laborer by Longacre’s Dairy, Bally,
for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1983. He was a life member
of the Pike Township Sportsman’s Association, Liberty Fire Co., New Berlinville,
and Bally Fire Co. He was a member of Keystone Fire Co., Bechtelsville.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Kenneth L. Kemp of
Pa., Charles W. Adam of Barto, Leon F. Adam at home, and James D. Adam
of Robesonia; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased
by two brothers and two sisters. Memorial donations may be made to the
Alzheimer’s Association, 501 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601. The arrangements
were handled by the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home Inc., Boyertown.
HAROLD TRUMBAUER JR.
Services were held for Harold B. Trumbauer Jr., 78, husband of Dorothy
A. (Jenkins) Trumbauer, of Romig Road, Gilbertsville, who died Dec. 11
in Phoenixville Manor. Born in Kulpsville, he was employed as a truck driver
for Chemical Lehman Tank Lines Inc., Croydon, Bucks County. Mr. and Mrs.
Trumbauer had celebrated 52 years of marriage in May. Trumbauer was a member
of the Teamsters Local No. 384. He attended the New Hanover United Methodist
Church, in Gilbertsville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two
daughters, Marlene T., wife of Edward C. Walford, West Palm Beach, Fla.,
and Brenda L. Trumbauer, of Milwaukee, Wis. Also three sisters and five
grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son,
Douglas C. Trumbauer. Memorial donations may be made to the National Parkinson
Foundation Inc., 1501 N.W. 9th Ave., Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136. The
arrangements were handled by the Catagnus Funeral Home, Gilbertsville.
VIRGIE M. BELLES
Services were held for Virgie M. Belles, 91, formerly of Pricetown
Road, Ruscombmanor Township, who died Dec. 13 in Berks Heim, where she
had resided since 1998. Her husband, Clifford L. Belles, died in 1999.
Born in Valley View, Schuylkill County, she was a registered nurse, serving
more than 20 years in the Army Nurse Corps, retiring as a major in 1965.
She was a veteran of World War II. She was a member of Advent Lutheran
Church, West Lawn. Belles was a 1930 graduate of Harrisburg Polyclinic
Hospital School of Nursing. Surviving are a brother; two sisters; three
grandchildren and a great-grandson. The arrangements were handled by the
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., West Reading.
CHLOE ANNA OYLER
Private services were held for Chloe Anna Oyler, infant daughter of
Jeffrey and Jayne (Wills) Oyler, of Gilbertsville, who died Dec. 14 at
the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She was born in Phoenixville.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her maternal grandparents,
Theodore C. and Mary A. (Miller) Wills, of Frederick; her paternal grandparents,
Jeffrey L. Oyler of Norristown and Jacqueline Sexton of Blue Bell; and
her paternal great-grandparents, Clarence Smith, of Blue Bell. The arrangements
were handled by the R. L. Williams Jr. Funeral Home Inc., Skippack.
JOHN J. RHOADS III
Services were held for John J. "Jack" Rhoads III, 49, of Edge Hill
Road, Boyertown, who died Dec. 14 at Beverly Manor, Exeter, where he was
a patient since October. Born in Pottstown, he was a son of Gladys Mae
(Weidner) and John J. Rhoads Jr., of Edge Hill Road, Boyertown. He worked
for Valley Protein Inc., of East Earl, as a truck dispatcher for 30 years.
Rhoads was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Obelisk, as well as
the Oley Fire Co. In addition to his parents, he is survived by five sisters,
Nancy L., wife of Joe Hamel, of East Douglass, Mass., Gladys M., wife of
David Collet, of Brooklyn, N.Y., Penny L. Delp, of Bechtelsville, Carol
A. Klee, of Fort McCoy, Fla. and Cindy J., wife of Dannie M. Thomas, of
Boyertown. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association,
2045 Westgate Drive, Suite 302, Bethlehem, PA 18107 or to the American
Cancer Society, Berks County Unit, 498 Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA 19605.
The arrangements were handled by the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home, Boyertown.
FERN E. RHOADS
Private services were held for Fern E. "Dusty" Rhoads, 78, of St. Lawrence
Garden Apartments, 2900 Oley Turnpike Road, Oley Township, who died in
the Reading Hospital on Dec. 15. Born in Waukegan, Ill, she was employed
for many years as a bank teller at Reading Trust Co., Fifth and Cherry
streets, Reading and was a bus driver for the Exeter School District for
four years. Surviving are a son, Robert A. Windmiller, Pottstown, and a
daughter, Lynn D. (Windmiller) Bialek, Birdsboro. She is also survived
by two brothers; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The Auman
Funeral Home, Reiffton, will be in charge of the arrangements.
HOWARD ACKERMAN
Services were held for Howard H. Ackerman, 85, widower of Grace M.
(Headman) Ackerman, of Ashford Lane, Hereford, formerly of Barto, who died
Dec. 14 at his home. Born in Lower Milford, Lehigh County, Ackerman was
a self-employed crop and dairy farmer for most of his life. He owned and
operated the former Schultz Farm on Route 100 in Hereford from 1955 to
1967. He also owned the former Headman Farm in Upper Hanover (from 1950
to 1955) and the Hock Farm in Upper Hanover (from 1940 to 1950). After
farming, he worked at C&D Batteries in Bechtelsville for eight years
before retiring in 1985. He is survived by a daughter, Elaine M., wife
of Vernon Hamm, of Hereford; two grandsons and eight great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. The Mann-Slonaker
Funeral Home, East Greenville, handled the arrangements.
MAURICE ROTH
Masonic services were held by the Stitcher Lodge 254, Pottstown for
Maurice "Mush" Roth, 89, who died Dec. 14 in St. Joseph Medical Center,
Reading. He was the husband of Lucille (Metzler) Roth, of Oak Tree Court,
Frederick, he formerly resided on Sunset Drive, in Pottstown. Known to
the community as "Mush," Roth served as the Goodwill Fire Co. fire chief
for 30 years, and continued to serve as president following his retirement
in 1990. Roth, served as Pottstown’s Assistant Fire Chief for many years,
was also a member of the Empire Hook and Ladder Fire Co., the Philadelphia
Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 1, Pottstown, the North End and Sanatoga Fire
companies. He was recognized by former Pennsylvania Gov. Richard Thornburgh
and former President Ronald Reagan for his 50-plus years of dedicated service
to the firefighting community. Roth owned and operated Roth Dry Cleaners,
in Pottstown, for 47 years before retiring in 1982. He was a member of
Stitcher Lodge 254, F&AM, Pottstown; the Reading Consistory; the Rajah
Temple, Reading; and the Pottstown Lions Club, where he was a past president.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Ronal Roth, of Harmonyille,
Bernie Roth of Chester Springs, and Roger A. Roth, of Ambler; four sisters,
five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may
be made to the Pottstown Area Visiting Nurses Association, 1963 E. High
St., Pottstown, PA 19464; The American Cancer Society, c/o Robert Moses,
1830 E. High St., Pottstown, PA 19464; or to the Maurice "Mush" Roth Memorial
Fund, c/o the Goodwill Fire Co., 714 High St., Pottstown, PA 19464. The
arrangements were handled by the Schumacher and Benner Funeral Home, Pottstown.
AGNES H. GOTTSHALL
Services will be Thursday for Agnes H. Gottshall, 97, widow of Franklin
H. Gottshall, of East Fourth Street, Boyertown, who died Dec. 17 at Pennsburg
Manor, Pennsburg, where she had been a patient. She was born in Cedartown,
Ga., and graduated from Mount Berry Academy and Berry College in Mount
Berry, Ga. In the late 1940s, she was a home economics teacher at Boyertown
High School. She also worked as a long-term substitute and for two years
as a cafeteria worker for the district, retiring in 1962. Gottshall was
a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Boyertown. A former
member of the Boyertown Women’s Club, Mrs. Gottshall was also a member
of the Order of the Eastern Star of Georgia. She is survived by a son,
Bruce H. Gottshall, Boyertown; one granddaughter and two great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by four sisters and one son, Franklin H. Gottshall
Jr., who died in 1996. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 45 N. Reading Ave., Boyertown,
the Rev. John G. Pearson, pastor, officiating. Friends will be received
at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Memorial contributions
may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 45
N. Reading Ave., Boyertown, PA 19512. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery,
Boyertown. The arrangements are being handled by the Linwood W. Ott Funeral
Home, Boyertown.
IDA TOTHERO
The Nautilus Society of Beach Cities, Lawndale, Calif., was in charge
of the arrangements for Ida (Loeb) Tothero, 82, of Torrance, Calif., who
died Dec. 5 in a retirement home. She was formerly of Mount Penn and West
Lawn. She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Tothero. Tothero was born
in Oley, and was employed for 25 years by The Glidden Co., Reading, and
for 12 years before retiring was employed by Western Airlines in Los Angeles.
She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Mount Penn. There
are no immediate survivors.
JOHN K. REICHERT
Services were held for John K. Reichert, 88, widower of Cora "Cass"
E. (Heffner) Reichert, of Boyertown, who died Dec. 7 at the home of his
daughter. Born in Reading, he retired from the Boyertown Casket Co. He
was a member of the Keystone S.F.E. Co. No. 1 in Boyertown; the Keystone
Fire Co. No. 1 in Bechtelsville and the Liberty Fire Co. No. 1 in New Berlinville.
He was a member of St. John-Hill United Church of Christ, Boyertown. He
is survived by two sons, Forrest L. Fronheiser of Benton, Pa.; John H.
Reichert Jr. of Bechtelsville; two daughters, Vivian J., wife of Paul E.
Lorish of Bechtelsville and Dawn A., wife of William M. Endy of Boyertown;
a sister, Helen, widow of Webster Kemp, Topton; 10 grandchildren and 17
great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded
in death by a sister and four brothers. Memorial contributions may be made
to Caring Hospice Services, 100 W. Wissahickon Services, Suite 100, Ambler,
PA 19002; or St. John-Hill United Church of Christ, 620 Hill Church Road,
Boyertown, PA 19512. The arrangements were handled by the Catagnus Funeral
Home, Boyertown.
BARBARA J. AYRES
Private services were held for Barbara J. Ayres, 55, who died Dec.
18 in her residence at Sand Hill Road, Ruscombmanor Township. Born in Reading,
Ayres was employed for 15 years as an inspector by Parish Structural Products
Division of Dana Corp., Reading, retiring in 1999. Surviving are a daughter,
Marcee Ayres, Lyons; and a son, Erik, at home. Other survivors include
two brothers, four sisters and three grandchildren.
The arrangements were handled by the John P. Feeney Funeral Home Inc.,
Reading.
LEMUEL R. CAHILL JR.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Lemuel Robert "Bob" Cahill
Jr., 49, husband of Rosemary M. (Hoffman) Cahill of Rattlesnake Hill Road,
Douglass (Berks), who died Dec. 16 at the Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.
He died as a result of a motorcycle accident. Cahill and his wife were
married for 25 years. He was born in Philadelphia to the late Lemuel Robert
Cahill Sr. and Dorothy (Daemer) Cahill, in Riverton, N.J. A 1969 graduate
of Palmyra High School, N.J., Cahill worked as a waste treatment operator
for 19 years at Lucent Technologies, also known as Ag’ere Systems, in Reading.
Cahill was a U.S. Navy veteran of Vietnam and attended St. Columbkill Roman
Catholic Church, Boyertown. A former assistant Cub Scout master of Pack
523, Pine Forge, he was also an assistant scout master of Troop 545 of
the Boy Scouts of America with St. Columbkill Church for the past year.
He had been a scout master of the troop for five years. Cahill was a member
of the Reading Motorcycle Club and was a coach for the Babe Ruth Baseball
League in Pine Forge, also serving as an umpire. In addition to his wife
and mother, he is survived by a son, Russell L. Cahill; one daughter, Amber
N. Cahill, both at home; one brother and three sisters. A viewing will
be Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home, 111
N. Reading Ave., Boyertown. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m.
Friday at St. Columbkill Roman Catholic Church, 200 Indian Spring Road,
Boyertown.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
ALICE G. MITCH
Private services are being held at the convenience of the family for
Alice G. (Hafer) Mitch, 77, wife of Donald P. Mitch, of the Frederick Mennonite
Community, Frederick, formerly of Pottstown, who died Dec. 18. Born in
Eschbach, she was employed as an elementary school teacher with the Pottstown
School District at the Jefferson and Ruppert schools for 29 years. She
was previously employed in the Exeter School District for one year, and
was also a World Book Encyclopedia representative for 30 years. She was
a graduate of the former Amity High School and of Kutztown University.
She was a member of the Salem United Church of Christ, Spangsville. She
was a member of Twin Ponds Club Club. In addition to her husband, she is
survived by a sister, Evelyn Zook of Wernersville and one brother, D. Gene
Hafer of Douglassville. She was predeceased by a brother and a sister.
Memorial donations may be made to the Salem U.C.C. Church, General Fund,
R.D. 2, Covered Bridge Road, Oley, PA 19547.
The Catagnus Funeral Home Inc., Gilbertsville, handled the arrangements.
JEANETTE SCHEARER
Graveside services will be held for Jeanette (Kirlin) Schearer, 87,
of the Montgomery County Geriatric Center, Royersford, who died Dec. 17,
where she had been a patient. Born in Pottstown, she had been a waitress
at the former Collegeville Inn. She was also a waitress at the Mansion
House in Boyertown when it was owned by the Schearer family and also at
the Elks Club in Pottstown. Surviving is a sister. Schearer was predeceased
by a brother and a sister. There will be no viewing. Graveside services
will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Oley Cemetery, Covered Bridge Road, Oley.
The Reverend Peter C. Nicholas, pastor of Zion’s United Church of Christ,
Pottstown will be officiating. The arrangements were handled by the L.
W. Ott Funeral Home, Boyertown.
HAROLD C. KRAUSS
Services will be held for Harold C. Krauss, 73, husband of Thelma (Eschbach)
Krauss, of N. Washington Street, Boyertown, who died December 18. He had
been a patient in the Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. Krauss worked
as a presser and floor manager at the former Bally Pants Factory, Bally
and then continued in the same position for the former Perkiomen Clothing
Factory, RedHill, for a total of 47 years. Surviving in addition to his
wife of 53 years are two sons, David Krauss, Earlville and Brian Krauss,
Pocono Mts.; three daughters, Linda Krauss, Union City; Mary Lou, wife
of Ronald Moyer, Gilbertsville and Deborah, wife of Richard Moore, Boyertown.
Also one sister and 9 grandchildren. He was an Army veteran during WWII
serving stateside. Krauss was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Boyertown;
Bally Senior Center; Keystone Fire Company, Boyertown; and Liberty Fire
Company, New Berlinville. Friends may call on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m.
at the C. L. Losh Funeral Home, 124 West Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be
in Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery, Niantic.
DOROTHY KEFFER
Services were held for Dorothy Keffer, 66, of Valley View Court, Richmond
Township, who died Oct. 30 in the Reading Hospital, where she had been
a patient. Born in Ruscombmanor Township, she had been employed for 10
years by Boyertown Casket Co. and was last employed for 10 years by Kutztown
University, retiring in 1999. She was a member of Salem (Shalter’s) Lutheran
Church, Alsace Township. Surviving are a son, Paul L., Maidencreek Township,
and a daughter, Kathleen (Keffer) Kadlec, Reading. Other survivors include
a brother, Herbert Breitegam, Ruscombmanor Township, and three sisters:
Ruth (Breitegam) Wagner, Ruscombmanor Township; Jean (Breitegam) Manwiller,
Exeter Township; and Mae (Breitegam) Hehr, St. Petersburg, Fla. There are
also four grandchildren and one great-grandson. The arrangements were handled
by the Daniel R. Christ Funeral Home, Oley.
EMMA IDA STELTZ
Services were held for Emma Ida (Schellenberger) Steltz, 89, wife of
Curtis L. Steltz, formerly of East Philadelphia Avenue, Gilbertsville,
who died Oct. 30 at Pennsburg Manor, where she had resided for three days.
Born in the Fagleysville area of New Hanover, she had worked as a packer
at the former Erntex Knitting Mills, Gilbertsville, and was a member of
Trinity Reformed Church, Pottstown. In addition to her husband, she is
survived by a sister. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Reformed
Church Memorial Fund, 60 N. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19464. The arrangements
were handled by the L. W. Ott Funeral Home, Boyertown.
TIMOTHY M. SOLA
A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Timothy M. Sola, 21, of Barlet
Road, Ruscombmanor Township, who died Nov. 4 at a friends house in Laureldale.
Born in West Reading, he was a son of Michael L. and Debra Ann (Miller)
Sola, with whom he resided. He was employed for three years as an apprentice
plumber by SDR Mechanical, Wyomissing. Sola was a member of the Holy Guardian
Angels Roman Catholic Church, Hyde Park. He was also a 1997 graduate of
Oley Valley high School and was treasurer of his class at Berks County
Vocational-Technical East, Oley, where he was in the third year of the
state plumber apprentice program. In addition to his parents, he is also
survived by a brother, Matthew G. Sola, at home, and two sisters: Erin
E. Sola, Oley, and Michelle S. Sol, also at home. Other survivors include
his maternal grandparents, Clyde and Barbara (Succk) Miller, Reading. The
arrangements were handled by the Walter R. Christ Funeral Home Inc., Laureldale.
EDWIN L. BIVIGHOUSE
Services were held for Edwin L. Bivighouse, 72, of Perkiomenville Road,
Perkiomen-ville, who died Nov. 3 at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville.
Born in Schwenksville, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and
was a life member and former chief engineer with Green Lane Fire Company.
He retired in 1990 from American Olean Tile, Lansdale, where he had worked
43 years. During the 1960s he was chief of police in Green Lane and after
that worked as a part-time police officer with Upper Hanover and Upper
Perkiomen police departments. He had also been a longtime member of the
Fraternal Order of Police. Surviving are his longtime companion, Effie
F. Woodward, with whom he resided; a brother and a sisters. He was preceded
in death by a brother and a sister. Memorial contributions may be made
to either Green Lane Fire Company, 214 Main St., Green Lane, PA 18054;
or to the American Lung Association, 2191 W. Union Blvd., Bethlehem, PA
18018. The arrangements were handled by the Falk Funeral Home, Pennsburg.
ELAINE J. QUINTRELL
Private graveside services were held for Elaine J. (Brandon) Quintrell,
72, of Greenhill Road, Douglass Township, Montgomery County, who died Oct.
31 while a patient in the Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. Born in Norristown,
she had formerly lived in Upper Merion. She was formerly a home health
aide with the Visiting Nurse Association of Pottstown and Vicinity. She
was also a production worker at the former Lincoln Underwear Co. of Boyertown
and the former Lansdale Tube Co. Surviving are four daughters, Patricia
Moore, Upper Merion, Rosemary Havey, Downingtown, Alice Harbaugh, with
whom she resided, and Nancy Harris, Douglass Township; one son, William
C. Quintrell Jr., Douglass Township; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The arrangements were handled by the Holcombe Funeral Home Inc., Trappe.
MILDRED R. PENDI
Private services were held at the convenience of the family for Mildred
R. (Trethaway) Pendi, 82, widow of Anthony Pendi, of Horseshoe Drive, Upper
Pottsgrove, who died Nov. 1 at her residence. She was born in Boyertown,
and graduated from Boyertown High School in 1936 and worked as a machine
operator and inspector at Dana Corporation, Pottstown, and in the bakery
at Weiss Markets, Pottstown, and also at Jacob’s Aircraft. Pendi was a
member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Boyertown. She is survived
by a step-daughter, Sandi, wife of Michael Quicksell, Boyertown, three
stepgrandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren. The arrangements were
handled by the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home, Boyertown.
CLARENCE H. EAGLE
Services were held for Clarence Harrison Eagle, 66, husband of Patricia
Eagle, of Orlando, Fla., and formerly of Boyertown, who died Nov. 4 in
Orlando. He was born in Pottstown and was retired from Walt Disney World,
where he worked as a painter. Eagle was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
He also had lived in Florida since 1972. Eagle was a member of St. John
Lutheran Church and was a member of American Legion Post No. 19. In addition
to his wife, Eagle is survived by a son, Robert M. Eagle, Orlando; two
daughters, Donna E. Steiner, Georgetown, Texas, and Debra L. Dumas, Orlando;
one brother and six grandchildren. The arrangements were made by the Baldwin-Fairchild
Cemeteries and Funeral Homes, Orlando.
HELEN S. RAKOWSKI
Private graveside services were held for Helen S. (Koniewicz) Rakowski,
85, widow of Harry W. Rakowski Sr., of Colonial Drive, Perkiomenville,
who died Nov. 1 at her residence. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., she was a member
of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Delphi, Montgomery County. She is
survived by two sons, Harry Walter Rakowski Jr., of Summerville, S.C.,
and Raymond Rakowski, of Perkiomenville. Also one brother, three sisters,
four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The arrangements were
handled by the Houck Funeral Home Inc., Pottstown.
EARL G. GEIGER
Services were held for Earl G. Geiger, 90, husband of Lola (Gerhart)
Geiger of West Second Street, Boyertown, who died Nov. 1 at Pottstown Memorial
Medical Center. Born in Boyertown, he was a 1927 graduate of Boyertown
High School. He had worked as a manager of the former Fashion Hosiery Mill
of Gilbertsville until its closing and then worked as a bookkeeper at the
Union Foundry in Boyertown until 1985. He and his wife celebrated 63 years
of marriage in October. Geiger was a member of Good Shepherd United Church
of Christ, Boyertown, the International Order of Odd Fellows and the Rotary
Club. In addition to his wife he is survived by a son, Earl G. Geiger,
at home. The C. L. Losh Funeral Home, Boyertown, handled the arrangements.
PRESTON H. FRY
Services were held for Preston H. "Slim" Fry, 70, of Friedensburg Road,
Alsace Township, who died Nov. 4 in the Reading Hospital, where he had
been a patient. He was the husband of Gladys T. (Schaeffer) Fry. Born in
Mount Penn, he was an assistant manager for J&A Meat Sales Inc., Stony
Creek Mills, from 1959 to 1978 and worked in the shipping department of
Baldwin Hardware Corp., Reading, from 1979 to 1991, when he retired. He
was a former treasurer of the Lower Alsace Fire Company. A member of Zion
(Spies) Lutheran Church, Alsace Township, he was also a World War II Army
veteran. Other survivors include a son, Jeffrey S., at home, and two brothers.
The arrangements were handled by the Lutz Funeral Home Inc., Mount Penn.
ROBERT BIERSCHENK JR.
Services were held for Robert J. Bierschenk Jr., 82, of Perkiomenville
Road, Perkiom-enville, who died Nov. 3 at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville.
Born in New Jersey, he was a goldsmith for more than 60 years and had worked
at F. J. Cooper, Philadelphia, for more than 15 years, retiring in 1981.
He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Surviving are two daughters,
Beryl, wife of John Kraft, Red Hill, and Lisa, wife of Larry Levin, Perkiomenville.
Also a sister, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Besides
his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert J. Bierschenk
III. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association,
2191 W. Union Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18018. The arrangements were handled
by the Falk Funeral Home, Pennsburg.
GEORGE E. MERKLEY
A memorial service will be held at a later date for George E. Merkley,
78, husband of Jane (McKelvey) Merkley of Walnut Street, Boyertown, and
formerly of Norwood, N.Y., who died Nov. 4 at Pennsburg Manor, Pennsburg.
Born in Norwood, N.Y., he received a bachelor’s degree from Robert Wesleyan
College, Rochester, N.Y., and a master’s in education from St. Lawrence
University, Canton, N.Y. He was a teacher for 27 years, last working as
a guidance counselor at Seaway Technical School in Norwood, N.Y., retiring
in 1979. Before that he was a social studies teacher in Lisbon, N.Y. and
a guidance counselor in Warrensburg, N.Y. and Philadelphia N.Y. He was
also a justice of the peace in Philadelphia, N.Y. He was a U.S. Army veteran
of World War II. Merkley was a former member of the Free Methodist Church
in Norwood, N.Y., the Rotary Club of Philadelphia, N.Y., the American Legion,
Norwood, a Hunter’s Safety Instructor in New York and was founder and member
of the board of directors for the Seaway Area Youth for Christ, Ogdensburg,
N.Y.
Surviving with his widow is a son, Robert Merkley, Bechtelsville, and
two grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Seaway
Area Youth for Christ Inc., PO box 386, Ogdensburg, NY, 13669, or to the
Free Methodist Church, RD 7, Box 368-A, Kittaning, PA 16201. The Falk Funeral
Home, Pennsburg, was in charge of the arrangements. |
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