Obits

Eleanor H. Duerr, 75
Eleanor Helen Duerr, 75, of Kutztown, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown. After years of discomfort, she is now reunited with her parents, Johannes and Johanna Schmid. A former Chester County resident, she spent her last five years in Kutztown.

She was a 1955 bookkeeping graduate of Mastbaum Vocational High School in Philadelphia (Kensington). Before becoming a stay-at-home mother, Eleanor held various bookkeeping jobs. She was later employed as Activities Coordinator at the Harrison House in Coatesville and as an Administrative Assistant with First National Bank of West Chester until retirement. While living in Chester County, she was a long-time member of the Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd in Coatesville.

Eleanor especially enjoyed baking and flower gardening. At every family get-together, she was always asked to make her delicious German potato salad. She loved nature and all animals, including the many that she rescued and cared for.

Eleanor met her former husband at Phoenix German Sports Club in Feasterville. She was very proud of her German heritage and had even lived in Germany for a period of time. She also enjoyed traveling and had taken many trips all over the world with her family.

She is survived by her sons, Erich and Rolf, who she faithfully raised and cared for. Other survivors include her brother, Herman Schmid; sister, Loretta DiBacco; and her grandsons, Alexander and Andreas. Eleanor will be greatly missed by her entire family and friends.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend her memorial service which will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 521 Walnut Street, Reading.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Chester County SPCA, Attn. Robyn Freese, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380; . To send online condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com.

Harold C. Balthaser, 91
Harold C. Balthaser, 91, of Hamburg, passed away on Feb. 27, 2013 in the Reading Hospital.

Born in Perry Township, on Jan. 27, 1922, he was the son of the late Myers A. and Florence M. (Kline) Balthaser.

Harold was a 1941 graduate of Kutztown High School and proudly served his country in the Navy during WWII.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hamburg.

Harold was the owner and operator of Balthaser Motors Inc. and NAPA Auto Parts, Hamburg, for 50 years and retired in 1992.

He was very active in the community and was a member of the following organizations for over 50 years: the Hamburg Exchange Club, where he served as Past President; the Hugonot Lodge #377 F & AM Kutztown and its Reading Consistory; and the Rajah Shrine. He also belonged to the Antique Auto Club of America and the Hamburg and Virginville Fire Companies.

Harold is survived by his wife, Emily M. (Sonon), to whom he was married for 40 years; son, David H. Balthaser, of Tilden Township; step-daughter, Karen J. (Bailey) Wolff, of Burlington, VT; and grandsons, Gregg and Matthew Wolff.

Services were held at Burkey and Driscoll Funeral Home, Inc., 38 S. 4th St., Hamburg on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Willard Uhler officiating. A viewing was held from 10 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.burkeydriscoll.com.

Barrie L. Hassler, 68
Barrie L. Hassler, 68, of Longswamp Township, died Feb. 22, 2013 in his residence.

Born in the Borough of Lyons, he was a son of the late Earl B. and Mildred A. (Leiby) Hassler.

He was a 1962 graduate of Brandywine Heights High School.

Mr. Hassler was the owner/operator of Hassler Concessions from 1988 till the present time. Prior to that, he worked for his parents in the concession business.

Barrie was a member of PA State Showmen’s Association and Lehigh County Agricultural Society.

Survivors: Brothers, Jay E., husband of Janice M. (Lesher) Hassler, Kutztown, and Daryl R., husband of Sandra A. (Keim) Hassler, Mertztown.

Funeral Services were Feb. 27, at 10:30 a.m. from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 25 E. Weis Street, Topton. Interment will follow in Topton Union Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton is in charge of arrangements.Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Elsie M. Leibelsperger, 90
Elsie M. Leibelsperger, 90, of Kutztown, formerly of Reading, died Tuesday, February 26, 2013 in Kutztown Manor Nursing Home, Kutztown. She was the widow of James R. Leibelsperger, who died October 7, 2003.

Born in Greenwich Township, she was a daughter of the late Charles A. and Emma K. (Snyder) Schlenker.

Mrs. Leibelsperger was a member of Alsace Lutheran Church, Reading.

She was employed as a sewing machine operator by the former Saucony and Wenton Shoe Companies, Kutztown, and various other factories in the area for over 30 years.

She is survived by Daughter, Sharon S. (Leibelsperger), wife of Antonio Fernandez, Sr., Kingwood, Texas; Sons, Raymond C. Leibelsperger, Moline, Ill. and Michael J. Leibelsperger, Kutztown. Other survivors include Grandchildren, Antonio Fernandez, Jr, and Marco Fernandez, both of Kingwood, Texas; and Great Grandchildren Marc, Gabrielle, and Michael Fernandez. She was predeceased by Brothers, Lester, Raymond and Kermit Schlenker.

Funeral Services are Tuesday, March 5, at 10:30 a.m. from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, 19530. Interment will follow in Berks County Memorial Gardens, Maidencreek Township. Friends may call Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Leroy H. Meitzler, 78
Leroy H. Meitzler, 78, of Kutztown, died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013 in Kutztown Manor Nursing Home, Kutztown. He was the widower of Mary H. (Sterner) Meitzler, who died June 12, 2008.

Born in Kutztown, he was a son of the late George N. Meitzler and Arline A. (Bailey) Weitzel.

Leroy was a member of Kingdom Hall Jehovahs Witnesses, Kutztown. Mr. Meitzler was employed as a truck driver over 40 years at Berks Products Corporation, Kutztown until his retirement in 1999. He was also a truck driver for the Knabb Farm, Kutztown for 10 years.

He is survived by Sons, Glenn R., husband of Stephanie E. (Merkel) Meitzler, Temple and Mark A., husband of Dawn E. (Gehman) Meitzler, Fleetwood. Other survivors include Grandsons, Eric G., Brent A. and Cody A. Meitzler; Sister, Anna Mae (Meitzler) Martin, Kokomo, Ind., and a Brother, Elton Meitzler, Kutztown. He was predeceased by a Son, Barry L. Meitzler, who died Aug. 1, 2006.

Funeral Services are Wednesday, March 6, at 10 a.m. from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, 19530. Interment will follow in Zion Maxatawny Union Cemetery, Kutztown. Friends may call Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Leonard Miller, 68
Leonard R. “Lennie” “Pappy” “Pop” “Shark” Miller, 68, of Topton, died Feb. 28, 2013 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Linda M. (Geist) Miller. They were married June 24, 1967.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Arthur C. and Jessie (Beidelman) Miller.

He was a former member of Solomon’s United Church of Christ, Macungie.

Mr. Miller was a U.S. Navy veteran.

He was a 1963 graduate of Emmaus High School. He was employed by Atlas Minerals and Chemicals, Mertztown, for over 38 years, retiring in 2010. Lennie enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching sports, soccer, and the Philadelphia Flyers. He was Brandywine Heights boys and girls soccer team’s biggest fan. Lennie always put other people’s needs before his own. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors: In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Rodney R., husband of Jackie K. (Smith) Miller, Lusby, MD, Timothy A. Miller, Guy R., husband of Heather M. (Stoudt) Miller, Jason L., husband of Nicole B. (Oswald) Miller, all of Topton; sister, Lucille (Miller) wife of Neil Schwartz; sister-in-law, Tes Miller, both of Emmaus; grandchildren, Mason, McKenzie, Hunter, Cole, Sophie, Skylar, Logan, Jade, Spencer, Reagan, and Benjamin. He was predeceased by a brother, Louis Miller.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, with Reverend Scott A. Staub officiating. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family. Friends are invited to call Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

Gathering: The family would like to invite relatives and friends of Lennie to join them for food and fellowship on Sunday March 10, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. at Janelle Restaurant and Catering Hall in Bowers.

The family requests contributions be made to JT’s Tribe, 28 East Smith Street, Topton, PA 19562. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Anthony D. “Louie” Hoffer, 71

Anthony D. “Louie” Hoffer, 71, of Rockland Township, died March 1, 2013 in his residence.

Shortly after birth, until his enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, he was raised by the Topton Orphan’s Home.

Anthony was a 1959 graduate of Brandywine Heights High School, Topton.

He was employed as a computer programmer by Kutztown University for many years, retiring in 2004. Louie enjoyed golfing.

There are no immediate survivors.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m. from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, with Reverend Elizabeth A. Haines officiating. Inurnment will be private. Friends may call Thursday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to The Lutheran Home at Topton, 1 South Home Avenue, Topton, PA 19562. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Raymond J. Arndt, Jr., 84
Raymond J. Arndt, Jr., 84, of Maidencreek Township, died March 2, 2013 in his residence.

Born in Robesonia, he was a son of the late Raymond B., Sr., and Ida M. (Christman) Arndt.

He was a former member of Friedens United Church of Christ, Lenhartsville.

Raymond was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Korean War. He was a 1947 graduate of Kutztown Area High School.

Raymond was employed as a cabinet maker by Quaker Maid Kitchens, Reading for over 30 years. He had a love for horses, especially his two pet Belgian horses.

Survivors: Sister, Florence (Arndt), widow of Clarence Bailey, Hamburg; brother, John D., husband of Gayle L. (Stamm) Arndt, Macungie; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Interment in Friedens Church Cemetery, Lenhartsville. The family requests contributions be made to FMC Dialysis Services, Inc., 45 Constitution Blvd., Kutztown, PA 19530. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.

Michael Charles Tilotta, 29
Michael Charles Tilotta, 29, of Fleetwood, passed away March 2, 2013 in St. Joseph Medical Center, Bern Township.

Survived by his biological mother Cheryl A. (Maurer) Sarmento of Whitehall, and raised by his aunt Lisa M. (Maurer) Almond of Fleetwood, who he resided with. He has two daughters Kayla Tilotta and Aliyah Tilotta both of Fleetwood. Other survivors include; two sisters Alyssa M. Almond of Boyertown, Ashley N. Maurer of Whitehall and a brother Anthony Sarmento of Allentown. Also his grandmother Dolores M. (Ketterer) Maurer of Fleetwood and grandfather Paul F. Maurer of The Villages, Florida. One aunt Mary D. Friel of Boyertown and two uncles Jeffrey P. Maurer of Camden, Del., and Terry S. Maurer of Fleetwood and several cousins.

A viewing will be held Wednesday evening 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with funeral services following at 8 p.m. from the Mae A. Stump Funeral Home, Inc. 117 W. Main Street, Fleetwood. Burial will be private.

Marie W. Mertz, 91
Marie W. Mertz, 91, of Kutztown, formerly of Bowers, died March 3, 2013 in The Lutheran Home at Topton.

She was the widow of Francis W. “Fritz” Mertz, who died June 29, 1990.

Born in Maxatawny Township, she was a daughter of the late George A. and Lulu M. (Zwoyer) Grim.

Mrs. Mertz was a member of Christ (DeLong) United Church of Christ, Bowers. She was a 1939 graduate of Kutztown Area High School, and attended Allentown Business School.

Mrs. Mertz was employed as a secretary by the former Topton Motor Car Company, for 20 years. She was also employed as a kitchen helper by Kutztown Area School District, for many years, helping at the Maxatawny Elementary School.

Survivors: Daughter, Amanda L. (Mertz) Hauck, companion of Kevin R. Spayd; brother, David D., husband of Shirley R. (Trollinger) Grim; sister-in-law, Rachel M. (Walbert) Grim, all of bowers; granddaughter, Kayla L. Hauck, and grandson, Brett F. Hauck. She was predeceased by a brother, Alfred G. Grim on June 4, 2011.

Memorial services will be held Friday, March 8, at 10:30 a.m. in Christ (DeLong) United Church of Christ, 63 Old Bowers Road, Bowers, with Reverend Roger M. Ulrich officiating. Inurnment will follow in Union Cemetery of Bowers. There are no calling hours. The family will greet relatives and friends immediately following the inurnment in the church fellowship hall.

The family requests contributions be made to Christ (DeLong) United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 99, Bowers, PA 19511. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.