Jan. 3 Obits

Harry E. “Sonny” Lotz, Jr., 85
Harry E. “Sonny” Lotz, Jr., 85, of Ruscombmanor Township, passed away Dec. 18, 2012 in his residence.

Harry was born in Wyomissing the son of the late Harry E. Lotz, Sr. and Bertha (Kintz) Lotz.

He had been employed by Carpenter Technology, Reading, working in the shipping and receiving department, retiring in 1987.

Harry was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

For many years Harry bred thoroughbred horses on his property and raced them at Penn National Race Course. One of his horses “Run Bully Run “ was very successful and won many races for him.

Harry is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters Elizabeth (Lotz) Tresh, Virginia (Lotz) Brendle and Barbara (Lotz) Mull.

Viewing Dec. 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. and service at 7 p.m. from the Mae A. Stump Funeral Home, Inc. 117 W. Main Street, Fleetwood. Online condolences can be made at www.maestumpfuneralhome.com.

William E. Reinholz, 68
William E. Reinholz, 68, of Rockland Township, passed away on Dec. 24, 2012 at his residence. He is the husband of Jean E. (Readinger) Reinholz, they had been married 25 years.

Born on Jan. 19, 1944 in Beloit, Wis., he was the son of the late Victor A. Reinholz and the late Elizabeth R. (Golosinec) Reinholz.

He attended Beloit Memorial High School, Beliot, Wis., and later the University of Wisconsin, graduating in 1967. He then joined the Air Force during the Vietnam War and served as a navigator. After serving for five years he left the service with the rank of Captain.

William had been employed by The Andre Group of King of Prussia, as an executive recruiter, retiring in 2006.

Surviving is his wife Jean, two sons Kenneth A Raining and wife Hillary of Wayne, and Andrew C. Reinholz, and wife Kimberly of Bethlehem, two step sons Eric D. Trexler and wife Patricia of Ijamsville, Md., and Andrew S. Trexler and wife Kelly of Altamonte Spring, Fla. Also surviving are seven grandchildren. Other survivors include a brother John W. Reinholz of Holmes Beach Fla., sister Mary Beth (Reinholz) Anderson of Beloit, Wis.

Memorial services Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. from the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 6251 Morgantown Road, Morgantown, PA. Contributions can be made to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Doctors without Borders, P. O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030. Online condolences can be made at www.maestumpfuneralhome.com.

John Henry Yeager, 81
John Henry Yeager, 81, of Alsace Township, died Dec. 22, 2012, in Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation, Wyomissing.

Born Sept. 7, 1931, in Hamburg, he was a son of the late Paul Spayd and Carrie Sarah (Schaeffer) Yeager.

John was employed as the maintenance and grounds supervisor with St. Michael’s Convent for 60 years, retiring in 2007.

He was an avid NASCAR, hockey and baseball fan.

John also enjoyed fishing and clamming.

Surviving are two children: Michelle M., wife of Joseph Giorgio of Rerhersburg and Michael J. Yeager of Temple.

Other survivors include three siblings: Paul A. Yeager of Ruscombmanor Township; Richard J. Yeager of Fleetwood and Betty A. Hoffman of Alsace Township.

There are also five grandchildren surviving: Marissa, Tina, Stephanie, Matthew and Jonathan.

John was predeceased by a sister, Pauline E. Bender and three half-sisters, Verna J. Link, May Krick and Grace Yeager.

Services Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. in Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. A viewing held one hour prior to the service. Burial in Altalaha Cemetery, Rehrersburg.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120 Chicago, IL 60693.

For online condolences, visit www.christfuneralhome.com.

Gertrude (Loser) Bowers, 91
Gertrude (Loser) Bowers, 91, died Dec. 13, 2012 in her residence at Phoebe Berks Village, Wernersville. She was the wife of Jacob Robert Bowers, Jr., whom she married Aug. 8, 1943.

Born in Harrisburg on July 14, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Kirk A., Sr. and Mary K. (Pipes) Loser.

Gert graduated from John Harris High School, then received her bachelor’s degree in kindergarten through 12th grade art education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

She was employed as an art teacher with Muhlenberg School District.

Gert is survived by two daughters, Rebecca L. Bowers-Lanier, wife of Jack Lanier of Richmond, Va., and Mary Beth, wife of Augustus R. “Skip” Purnell of Fleetwood.

Other survivors include a sister Nancy Gardner and a brother Kirk Loser, Jr.

There are also two grandchildren and four great grandchildren surviving.

A Memorial service Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. in Phoebe Berks Village Chapel, One Reading Drive, Wernersville. A visitation held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Donations in Gert’s memory can be made to Phoebe Ministries (www.phoebe.org/donate-now) or to Phoebe Berks Health Care Center - Wernersville at One Reading Drive, Wernersville, PA, 19565.

Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., Laureldale. is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.christfuneralhome.com.

Jean M. Hertzog, 81
Jean M. Hertzog, 81, of Topton, died Dec. 24, 2012 in the Lutheran Home at Topton. She was the widow of Lee H. Hertzog, who died May 5, 2009.

Born in Allentown, she was a daughter of the late Marlin W., Sr., and Mary (Masters) Werley.

She was employed as the Burn Education Director by Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, for 19 years. Prior to that, she was employed as the Director of Volunteers by the former Community General Hospital, Reading, for 18 years.

Mrs. Hertzog was instrumental in funding the Fire Safety Houses. She was the only female honorary Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Allentown.

Mrs. Hertzog was a former Cub Scout den mother and Camp Fire Girl leader in Mertztown. She also served as a Sunday School teacher at New Jerusalem United Church of Christ, Fleetwood, and was a member and volunteer of the Kempton Fire Company.

Jean was an awesome and loving mother and grandmother. She will always be remembered for her delicious apple pie.

Survivors: Daughter, Debra J. (Hertzog), wife of Kenneth R. Dietrich, Lenhartsville; son, Craig L., husband of Linda K. (Bard) Hertzog, Sinking Spring; grandchildren, Michael K., husband of Amy N. (Lentz) Dietrich, and Michelle R. (Dietrich), wife of Daniel D. Batz, both of Kutztown; six great-granddaughters, Erika N. Dietrich, Briahna R. Batz, Meaghan J. Dietrich, Kourtney J. Dietrich, Rebecca J. Batz, and Rachael L. Dietrich; and her four legged companions, Bo and Luke. She was predeceased by two brothers, Marlin Werley, Jr. and Edwin Werley.

Memorial services held Friday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m., calling hour 1 to 2 p.m., from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, with Reverend Sara A. Hertzog officiating. Inurnment in New Jerusalem Union Cemetery, Fleetwood.

Flowers may be sent, or contributions may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospital Burn Recovery Center, 1210 South Cedar Crest Blvd, Suite 3000, Allentown, PA 18103. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Ernest H. Merkel, 93
Ernest H. Merkel, 93, of Kutztown, died Dec. 26, 2012 in Laurel Center Genesis Elder Care, Tilden Township. He was the widower of Sarah J. (Phillips) Merkel, who died Jan. 28, 2007.

Born in West Reading, he was a son of the late Harvey and Edna (Herring) Merkel.

Mr. Merkel was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII.

He was a member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Kutztown.

Ernest was employed many years as a leather repairman for the former Guth’s Luggage, Allentown and Bethlehem. He also did leather repair work out of his home. After his retirement he worked as a security guard for Wells Fargo Security.

Survivors: Sons, Albert T. Merkel and Neal L. Merkel with whom he formerly resided; daughter, Barbara (Merkel) wife of Charles Katzman, Fleetwood. There are three grandchildren, Brant, Marina and Owen. He was predeceased by a sister, Mildred E. (Merkel) Bailey.

Funeral services Dec. 31, at 10:30 a.m. from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown with Reverend James R. Hammond officiating. Interment in New Bethel Zion Cemetery, Greenwich Township. Friends may call Monday, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Shirley J. Roth, 76
Shirley J. Roth, 76, of Bowers, died suddenly Dec. 27, 2012, in The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading, after she was stricken at home. She was the wife of Alfred D. Roth. They were married Aug. 1, 1953.

Born in Maxatawny Township, she was a daughter of the late J. Leroy, and Rachel G. (Warmkessel) Gable.

She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Bowers, where she formerly served as treasurer.

Mrs. Roth was employed as steward by Kutztown Rod and Gun Club, Kutztown, from 1981 until 2006, where she is also a member. She was a former Judge of Elections for the Bowers precinct.

She is survived by her husband, daughters, Karen S. (Roth), widow of Richard C. Raifsnider, Womelsdorf, Kay E. (Roth), wife of Glen C. Frederick, Reading, Donna L. (Roth), wife of Stephen L. Hurt, Dry Ridge, KY; son, Alfred K. “Butch”, husband of Sally D. (George) Roth, Fleetwood; sisters, Linda M. (Gable), wife of Kermit C. Ohlinger, Temple, Janice C. (Gable), wife of Alfred Wetzel, Rockland Twp.; brother, Rodney W., husband of Susan (Luckenbill) Gable, Tamaqua.

She was predeceased by sisters, Grace (Gable) Hugo and Sandra (Gable) Weller.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. from Hope Lutheran Church 550 Fleetwood Road, Bowers, with Reverend Elizabeth A. Haines and Reverend Thomas H. Reinsel officiating. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery of Bowers. Friends may call Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. in the church. The family requests contributions be made to the Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280 Washington, DC 20077. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Eleanor M. (DeLong) Hensinger, 80

Eleanor M. (DeLong) Hensinger, 80, of Macungie, formerly of Kutztown, died Dec. 27, 2012 in her residence, Lehigh Commons Senior Living.

She was the wife of Elmer F. “Buddy” Hensinger. They were married Aug. 11, 1953.

Born in Maxatawny Township, she was a daughter of the late George R. and Luella C. (Weidner) DeLong.

Mrs. Hensinger was a member of the Lutheran congregation of Zion’s Union Church, Kutztown.

Eleanor was a member for many years of Kutztown Lioness Club and served as its first president in 1970. She was also a member of Kutztown Fire Company, Kutztown Rod & Gun Club and was a lifetime member of Kutztown Grange #1836. She recently received a pin for 70 years of membership.

Mrs. Hensinger was employed by Kutztown University, The Lutheran Home at Topton, and Carl R. Bieber, Inc. She also co-owned and operated the former Hensinger’s Restaurant, Kutztown. Following her retirement she was a professional shuffleboard player, touring the state of Florida to compete in tournaments.

Survivors: Husband, Daughter, Deborah L. (Hensinger) Berger, Kutztown; Son, Randy E., husband of Donna (Bauman) Hensinger, Kempton. Other survivors include Brothers, Richard G. DeLong, Ocean City, Md., and James B., husband of Alice (Lutz) DeLong, Lawrenceville, Tioga County; Grandchildren, Kerry A., husband of Trisha L. (Weigle) Berger, Kutztown, Kelly M. (Berger), wife of Andrew C. Weisner, Lenhartsville, Magenta J. and Jade A. Hensinger, both of Kempton; Great Grandchildren, Marisa L. and Sadie S. Berger and Konnor B. Weisner. She was predeceased by sisters, Cindy DeLong and Anna (DeLong) Bauman

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m. from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown with Reverend Jimmy Lee Werley officiating. Inurnment is private at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Zion’s Union Church, 329 Church Road, Kutztown, PA 19530 or Life Choice Hospice, 10 Zion’s Church Road, Suite 204, Shoemakersville, PA 19555. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Samuel J. Lawrence, Jr., 57
Samuel J. Lawrence, Jr., 57, of Kempton, died Dec. 27, 2012 in his residence.

He was the husband of Sally Jo (Maurer) Lawrence. They were married Oct. 29, 1977.

Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Samuel J., Sr., and Shirley M. (Siegfried) Lawrence.

He was a 1973 graduate of Liberty High School, Bethlehem, and a 1977 graduate of Moravian College, Bethlehem, receiving a bachelor degree in philosophy. Mr. Lawrence was employed as a research scientist by Lehigh University, Bethlehem, from 2008 to 2012. Prior to that, he was employed as a research technician by the former Bethlehem Steel Co., Bethlehem, for more than 20 years. Samuel was a member of American Society of Materials.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Katie E. Lawrence-Gupta, wife of Shenu Gupta, Cherry Hill, N.J.; son, Morgan M. Lawrence, Fleetwood; granddaughter, Jaya R. Lawrence-Gupta; and two sisters.

At Samuel’s request, services and inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family.

The family requests that contributions be made to a charity of one’s choice. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Grace E. Leibensperger, 86
Grace E. Leibensperger, 86, formerly of Leesport, died Dec. 27, 2012 in the Reading Hospital where she was a patient since Sunday. She was taken there from Kutztown Manor where she has resided since May.

She was the wife of Clair R. Leibensperger, also a resident of Kutztown Manor. Grace and Clair were married for 62 years.

Born in Perry Twp., she was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Mabel (Adam) Snyder.

She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Leesport, where she was a former Sunday School teacher. Grace was a member of the Leesport Senior Citizens. She enjoyed bingo. Grace was a devoted mother and grandmother.

Surviving in addition to her husband is one son: Larry R. Snyder, and his wife Barbara, Lehigh Acres, Florida; and three daughters: Diane J. (Leibensperger), wife of John I.D. Wolfe, Perry Twp.; Donna L. (Leibensperger), wife of James M. Shuman, Leesport; and Denise C. (Leibensperger) Derenzo, companion of Robert W. Holmes, Muhlenberg Twp. Grace is also survived by five grandchildren and her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers: Ralph and Kenneth Snyder.

Services will be on Monday, Dec. 31, at 11 a.m. from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport. Burial will be in Leesport Cemetery. A viewing will be held in the funeral home Monday 9:30 to 11 a.m. Contributions may be sent to Trinity United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, 17 N. Centre Avenue, P.O. Box 482, Leesport, PA 19533. For online condolences, visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.