Richard C Gougler

Richard C. Gougler, 81, of Luther Haven at The Lutheran Home at Topton, formerly of Kempton, died Friday, February 29, 2008 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, where he was a patient since February 24, 2008. He was the husband of Audrey M. (Maurer) Gougler, they were married June 20, 1948.

Born in Shillington, PA, he was a son of the late Edwin P. and Lillian M. (Hoyer) Gougler. Mr. Gougler proudly and honorably served his country with the US Navy during WWII. Richard received a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, in 1950; in 1966 he received a master’s degree from Rutgers University. Mr. Gougler was a high school math teacher in the Kutztown Area School District for 38 years until his retirement in 1988. In addition to teaching math, he was a writer and director of senior class plays from 1959 to 1979. Prior to that, he was a writer and director for the former Curtin Callers at Kutztown Area High School from 1950 to 1960. Mr. Gougler also was writer and director of plays depicting Amish life styles and beliefs, performed at the annual Kutztown Folk Festival for 11 years. A train enthusiast, Richard opened his home for over 50 years to many friends and neighbors during the Christmas Holiday to share his expansive model train display.

He is survived by Wife, Daughter, Dr. Judy A. (Gougler) wife of Dennis Schmalstig, Winter Park, FL; Son, Richard C. Gougler, Jr., Pine, Colorado; Brother, Bob Garber, Atlanta, GA; 2 Grandchildren, Annie Schmalstig and Alan Schmalstig.

Funeral Services are Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at 10:30 AM from Ludwick Funeral Home, 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, 19530. Interment with Military Honors provided by Ray A. Master, Post #217, American Legion, Topton, in Hope Cemetery, Kutztown. Friends may call Monday evening, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the funeral home. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.