Cedric A Kunkel

Cedric A. “Rick” Kunkel, 71, of Mertztown, died suddenly on Saturday, February 25, 2017 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest, shortly after arrival. He was the loving husband of Arlene C. “Susie” (Haas) Kunkel, whom he married on November 23, 1972.

Born in Kutztown, he was the son of Mae B. (Biehl) Kunkel, of Kutztown, and the late Carl A. Kunkel. Rick was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Bowers, where he was a former member of the church council and property caretaker. He was a 1963 graduate of Kutztown Area High School. Rick was employed as a Lineman by Met-Ed / First Energy, Reading, working in the Topton and Hamburg substations for 35 years, retiring in 2001. Most recently, Rick worked in the Firearms Department at Cabela’s, Hamburg, for over 10 years. Having been an avid hunter and fisherman, Rick was a member of the Topton Fish and Game Association, Mertztown Rod and Gun Club, and Pike Township Sportsmen’s Association. He was also a former volunteer firefighter, serving with the Topton Volunteer Fire Company, for many years, a member of Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion, Topton, and was a NASCAR fan.

In addition to his Wife of 44 years, Susie, Rick is survived by his Children, Wendy S. (Rhode), wife of Ronald Maring, Cedar Edge, CO, Kelly J. (Kunkel), wife of Charles N. Stivala, Nazareth, Julie S. (Rhode), wife of Neal H. Fenstermaker, Kempton, Heidi L. (Kunkel), wife of Bruce Rutherford, Blandon, Donna S. Rhode, Allentown, Susan L. (Kunkel), wife of Michael Dey, Mertztown, and Branden L., husband of Anna (Sikon) Kunkel, San Marcos, TX; Sister, Randy S. (Kunkel), wife of Richard Angstadt, Lyon Station, and a Brother, Brian L., husband of Cindy (Mathias) Kunkel, Fleetwood. He is also survived by 10 Grandchildren, Ryan, Brooke, Riley, Kortney, Kendric, Jordan, Carter, Austin, Kyle and Kayla; and 2 Great-Grandchildren, Adam and Bridger.

The family will host a casual memorial gathering to celebrate Rick’s life on Sunday, March 5, 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM in the Lyon’s Fire Company Banquet Hall, 110 Park Avenue, Lyon Station, PA 19536. A light lunch and refreshments will be served. Please consider sharing fond memories of Rick with his family. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family.

The family requests that contributions be made in Rick’s memory to the Hope Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Post Office Box 88, Bowers, PA  19511. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Topton, PA.