Miscellaneous Berks County, Pennsylvania Obituaries
1999

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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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