Ralph F Silsdorf

Ralph F. Silsdorf, 84, of Bowers, PA (Maxatawny Twp.), died Monday, May 29, 2006, in The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading, where he was a patient since May 9, 2006. He was the husband of Schirla M. (Scheidt) Silsdorf, they were married March 20, 1943.

Born in Maxatawny Twp., Berks County, PA, he was the son of the late Frederick B. and the late Beulah (DeLong) Silsdorf. He was first employed for 17 years as a machinist by the former Textile Machine Works, Wyomissing. He then worked for 17 years as an insurance agent for Metropolitan Insurance Co. He then worked over ten years until his retirement in the same capacity for The Rhode Agency, Kutztown. He served as Tax Collector for Maxatawny Township for eight years during the 1970’s. He was a 1939 graduate of Kutztown High School and a 1943 graduate of Wyomissing Poly-Technic School with a degree as a machinist. He was a US Navy veteran of WWII. He was a charter member of Bowers Lions Club; member of Ray A. Master, Post #217, American Legion, Topton; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, Kutztown. He served as a volunteer for Meals-On-Wheels, Kutztown and also as a volunteer for The Lutheran Home at Topton. He served as Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop #132, Bowers from 1960 to March 1971. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Bowers and the former Trinity Lutheran Church, Bowers where he served many terms on Council; served as Sunday School Superintendent; member of the Stewardship Committee; and an usher.

He is survived by Wife, Daughter, Janice E. (Silsdorf) wife of Terry G. Summons, Sr., Bowie, MD; Son, Frederick W. husband of Thuy T. (Leu) Silsdorf, Kempton (Lynn Twp., Lehigh County); Sisters, Eleanor A. (Silsdorf) Freed, Bowers, Shirley (Silsdorf) Youse, Bowers, Dorothy (Silsdorf) DeWalt, Troy, PA, Mary Ann (Silsdorf) Bond, Colorado Springs, CO; 2 Grandsons, 2 Great Granddaughters. He was predeceased by a Brother, Lee Silsdorf.

Funeral Services are Thursday, June 1, 2006, 10:30 AM from Hope Lutheran Church, 550 Fleetwood Rd., Bowers. Interment with Military Honors in Union Cemetery of Bowers. Friends may call Wednesday, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Ludwick Funeral Home, 333 Greenwich St., Kutztown, and Thursday, 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the church.

The family requests contributions to the Memorial Fund of Hope Lutheran Church, 550 Fleetwood Rd., Bowers, 19511. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.