Mrs. Erma S. Angstadt

Erma S. Angstadt, 99, formerly of Kutztown, died peacefully at The Heritage of Green Hills on June 26, 2024. Born January 12, 1925, in Tamaqua, PA, Erma was the daughter of the late Erma S. (Boyer) Lenker and Christopher Raymond (Ray) Lenker. She was the widow of Charles Z. Angstadt, Kutztown, PA. They were married on March 31, 1948 at the First Reformed Church in Reading, PA.

She was a 1942 honor graduate of Tamaqua High School. In high school, she was a member of the Tamaqua High School Girls Drum and Bugle Corps and also served as president of the Tri-Hi-Y, continuing her YMCA activities during her college years.

Erma was an English major at Kutztown State Teacher's College, completing her B.S. degree in three years and graduating magna cum laude with the class of 1945. At that time, she was named to "Whose Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges". Following graduation, she began her teaching career at Kutztown High School where she played an essential role in starting and advising the Tri-Hi-Y group for senior high school girls, in directing class plays, in inspiring her students' development of creative writing skills, in facilitating their appreciation of poetry and literature and in providing them the foundation to develop a strong understanding of the grammatical structure of the English language (a true passion of hers).

In 1951, her service to the Tri-Hi-Y was recognized by the YMCA when she was registered in the Leaders' Fellowship of the association. Later in 1951, her career path changed as she 'exchanged teaching for family life' to focus on raising her two daughters. However, throughout the ensuing years, she was a substitute teacher at both Kutztown and Brandywine Heights High Schools. In 1970, she returned to full time reaching until retiring from the classroom in 1975.

An active community member, she played an integral role in the organization and development of the Kutztown Area Historical Society, serving throughout 41 years as a board member, chair of the Building Use committee, and a docent for school group tours of the Society's 1892 school building. She was the first person to be awarded emerita status upon her retirement from the board.

Erma also worked for several years for the Kutztown Folk Festival, finding housing for vendors and visitors attending the festival and managing the main office during festival week. In addition, she was an active member of the Kutztown Women's Club and was a faithful volunteer for The Lutheran Home at Topton.

An individual of strong faith, Erma was dedicated to service to her church, St. Paul's UCC in Kutztown. As an active member of St. Paul's she served on consistory and as a church elder, directed Vacation Bible School, supported the mission and activities of the Women's Guild, participated in Bible Study, and chaired the Prayer Links group for many years. Prior to becoming a member at St. Paul's, Erma was a member of Christ (DeLong) UCC in Bowers, PA. During her time at Christ (DeLong), she was actively involved in the Sunday School program and for several years coordinated and directed the church's annual Christmas pageant.

For her many areas of service, in 1994, the Kutztown Jaycees presented her with the Distinguished Service Award.

Erma is survived by a daughter, Dr. Kristen R. Angstadt, widow of Dr. David A. Hoffman; a nephew, Robert L. Mumford; a great niece, Laura Mumford; a great nephew, Matthew Mumford; and a great, great niece and nephew Layla and Liam Mumford. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Dr. Lauren B. Angstadt and her husband Attorney Peter J. Karoly; and her sister Barbara E. Mumford.

A service to Celebrate and Honor Erma's life will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, (her 100th birthday), at 2:00 p.m. in Saint Paul's United Church of Christ, 47 South Whiteoak Street, Kutztown, with The Reverend Sharon S. Morris, officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the church. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family in Union Cemetery of Bowers.

The family requests contributions be made to:

Erma S. Angstadt Scholarship Award
Kutztow Area School District Education Foundation
10 Deisher Lane
Kutztown, PA 19530

Kutztown Area Historical Society
PO Box 207
Kutztown, PA 19530

St. Paul's UCC Church
47 S. Whiteoak St.
Kutztown, PA 19530

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ludwickfh.com