Mr. Horace W. Rothermel

Horace W. Rothermel, 86, of Rockland Township, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 in Willowbrook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Kutztown. He was the widower of Joyce F. (Moyer) Rothermel, who died on November 20, 2021 and whom he married on November 28, 1959.

Born on his family's farm in Rockland Township, Berks County, PA, Horace was a son of the late Lawrence M. and Grace E. (Youse) Rothermel. Horace was a lifetime member of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Rockland Twp. He served as the church sexton for many years and was also the groundskeeper who oversaw the grass cutting and snow plowing. Horace honorably and faithfully served his country in The Army National Guard of Pennsylvania from 1956 to 1964.

For nearly 60 years, Horace was a dedicated crop farmer. He began farming at a young age on his father's family farm. He also assisted other local farmers including Wilson Hixon's farm and Stanley Nieznay's farm, both in New Jerusalem and David Herbert's farm in Kutztown. Horace knew from an early age how to make a dollar. Some of his other jobs included raising rabbits, Kline's turkey farm in Lobachsville, Grim's junkyard in Bowers, Tarsus in Fleetwood, East Penn Container in Fleetwood, Central Tractor in Kutztown and was a groundskeeper at Fleetwood Cemetery. He was quite the jack-of-all trades and worked as long and hard as he could until 2019. Horace was an avid gardener who also enjoyed butchering and model trains, as well as speaking Pennsylvania Dutch to everyone, whether they understood him or not. He would enjoy, however, if there was a return response.

Horace is survived by his children: Debbie A. (Rothermel), wife of Chris A. Reinhard, Rockland Township; Milton L., husband of Faith A. (Garman) Rothermel, Alsace Township; Karen L. (Rothermel), wife of Sean P. Eck, Sussex County, DE; 13 grandchildren: Jeremy A. Reinhard; Melanie A. (Reinhard) Fritch; Aaron M. Reinhard; Michelle G. (Reinhard) Hertzog; Jason N. Reinhard; Angelee F. (Rothermel) Kramer; Lauren T. (Rothermel) Sylva; Andrew L. Rothermel; Joshua W. Buck; Joseph P. Eck; N. Scott Buck; and Christina M. Eck; 36 Great Grandchildren: Emily E. Reinhard; Jared A. Reinhard; Jacob N. Reinhard; Joshua M. Reinhard; Hannah J.L. Yost; Noah E. Yost; Jeremiah J. McCutcheon; Tucker J. McCutcheon; James J. Reinhard; Daniel M. Reinhard; Naomi D. R. Reinhard; Esther M. R. Reinhard; Caleb H. Reinhard; Kerry W. Hertzog; Calvin A. Hertzog; Theodore J. Hertzog; Ethan D. Kramer; Adalyn J. Kramer; Eziekiel R. Kramer; Serena V. Kramer; Baby Kramer; Elsie A. Sylva; Aletta R. Sylva; Lona J. Sylva; Fern E. Sylva; Baby Sylva; Tobias L. Rothermel; Conner G. Buck; Weston A. Buck; Evangeline E. Buck; Ashley M. Martin; Jessica N. Lamborn; Marshall P. Eck; Skyler J. Patchett; and Arya M. Patchett; 3 Great-Great Grandchildren: Jace M. Gerhardt; Nixon J. Gerhardt; and Jenson F. Briggs. In addition to his wife and parents, Horace was predeceased by a granddaughter, Taylor H. Rothermel, a Great Grandson, Christopher A. Hertzog; and siblings, Helen E. (Rothermel) Sunday, Carrie T. (Rothermel) Kercher, John M. Rothermel and Elmer A. Rothermel.

At Horace's request, services and burial in New Jerusalem Union Cemetery, Rockland Township, will be held privately by his family.

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