Jodi Lynn Kirstein

Jodi Lynn Kirstein (née Reddick), age 50, of Blandon, Pennsylvania, passed away surrounded by love on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Born on August 2, 1975, in Butler, Pennsylvania, to her loving parents, Barbara and Richard Reddick, Jodi lived a life defined by compassion, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to others. She was known for her joyful spirit, selfless heart, and the unforgettable warmth of her hugs. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone around her feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

Jodi was the beloved wife and best friend of Eric Kirstein, with whom she shared 25 wonderful years of marriage. She was an extraordinary and deeply loving mother to her son, Ryan (20), and her daughter, Avery (18). Nothing brought Jodi greater happiness than being Eric's wife and Ryan and Avery's mom. Her family was the center of her world and the source of her greatest pride. In addition to her husband, children, and parents, Jodi's legacy of love lives on through her sister, Rochelle Koerbel, and brother-in-law, Michael; her sister-in-law, Erin Allen, and brother-in-law, Kevin; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Kathy and John Kirstein; and as a devoted and doting aunt to Austin, Emily, Kevin Jr., Leia, and Zachary. She will also be dearly missed by her beloved dog and faithful companion of 13 years, Crystal.

A proud graduate of Slippery Rock Area High School, where she shined as a gymnast and cheerleader, Jodi carried her energetic spirit to Penn State University. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education, formed lifelong friendships with four women who became her cherished "Fab 5," and proudly danced in THON to raise funds for the Four Diamonds Fund to help find a cure for pediatric cancer. She later earned a Master of Education from Kutztown University.

Teaching was never just a career for Jodi. It was her calling. For 29 years, including 27 years with the Kutztown Area School District, Jodi poured her heart into helping children discover confidence, potential, and joy. Whether she was teaching Life Skills, Special Education, General Education, or serving as an Interventionist, she met every student with patience, compassion, unwavering encouragement, and a steadfast belief that every child could succeed. She inspired students, supported families, uplifted colleagues, and formed countless lasting friendships along the way.

Her extraordinary impact on the community was recognized with the prestigious Annie Sullivan Award for her dedication to the well-being of special education students. To those who knew her, however, her greatest achievement was never an award. It was the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in others. Her belief in every child made a lasting, immeasurable difference.

Beyond the classroom, Jodi embraced life with joy and creativity. She was a woman of many talents and interests, from practicing jiu-jitsu and scrapbooking family memories to exploring the world. A trip to Cinque Terre, Italy, remained one of her most treasured memories. Friends and family looked forward to the beautiful, elaborate cakes Jodi lovingly created for birthdays and high school musicals. Each one was another expression of the care she poured into the people she loved. She was also deeply involved in her community, proudly serving as the Fleetwood Girls Soccer Booster Club President and a Girl Scout Troop Leader.

More than anything else, Jodi will be remembered for the way she loved. Whether through a reassuring hug, a thoughtful act of kindness, or simply showing up when someone needed her, she had a remarkable gift for making people feel valued. Though her time with us was far too short, the love she shared will live on in countless hearts forever.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, PA.

A second visitation will take place the following morning, August 20th, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Tribute Service at 11:00 a.m., both in the funeral home.

In keeping with Jodi's generous spirit and lifelong commitment to children, education, and hope, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to two organizations that held a special place in her heart: the Cougar Courtyard Sensory Playground c/o Kutztown Education Foundation, 10 Deisher Lane, Kutztown, PA 19530 and Penn State THON, 227D HUB University Park, PA 16802.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, PA, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Jodi's obituary tribute page at www.Ludwickfh.com.