Carl A Fritch

Carl A. Fritch, 87, of Longswamp Township, died Sunday, September 2, 2012 in the inpatient hospice unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. He was widower of Mae B. (Hunter) Fritch, who died September 15, 2004.

Born in Longswamp Twp., Berks Co., he was a son of the late Victor and Hannah R. (Shoemaker) Fritsch. He was a member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Mertztown, were he was a member of the choir for over 70 years. Mr. Fritch was a U.S. Army veteran serving in World War II and the Korean Conflict. During his service to his country, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery during The Battle of the Bulge. He was a 1942 graduate of Kutztown High School. Mr. Fritch was employed as a machinist by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Trexlertown, for 39 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion, Topton, where he served as the Sergeant of Arms for the Honor Guard., a charter member of Longswamp Lions Club, Mertztown for many years, a past Scout Master for Longswamp Boy Scout Troop #175 for over 20 years, and a charter member of the former VFW Post 7071, Mertztown. Carl enjoyed hunting, fishing, wine making, and mushroom hunting.

He is survived by Daughter, Lorene F. (Fritch) wife of Dennis R. Hoffman, Tahoma, CA; Sons, Frederick R. Fritch, Mertztown, James D. Fritch, Kempton, and Samuel C. husband of Tracey S. (Streit) Fritch, Oreland, Montgomery, Co.; 10 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren. He was predeceased by Sisters, Verna Rollman, Lucy Kemp, and Sarah Solt, and Brothers, Paul Fritsch and John Fritsch.

Funeral Services are Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 11:00 AM in St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 50 Luther Drive, Mertztown. Friends may call Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in the church. Inurnment, with Military honors provided by Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion, Topton, will be held Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 1:30 PM in the Topton American Legion Garden of Honor, Centre Avenue and Haas Street, Topton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Pauls Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 117, Mertztown, PA 19539, or Longswamp Lions Club, c/o Leon Mazurie, 1109 State St. Mertztown, PA 19539. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Topton, PA.