Mr. Rodney D. Barrell

After a long battle with depression, Rodney D. "Rod" Barrell, 65, of Kutztown, passed away peacefully at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, on Friday, July 14, 2023. He was the husband of Gretchen M. (Besler) Barrell, whom he married on May 14, 1994 in St. Thomas.

Born in Kutztown, Rod was the son of the late Elmer A. and Helen M. (Ketner) Barrell. He was a 1975 graduate of Kutztown Area High School and later, Penn State University - Berks Campus, where he received his associate degree in hydraulic engineering and drafting. Following his college graduation, Rod went on to work as a Mechanical Engineer for Carpenter Technology Corp., Reading, for 38 years until his retirement.

Rod was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Kutztown, for many years. He enjoyed fishing, bike riding, music, concerts, and air drumming...especially while driving. He was quite the handyman as well, always trying to re-engineer and fix things. Above all, Rod loved his family, especially his sons and grandchildren. He also had a special bond and love for his pets, especially Buffy, his beloved dog who predeceased him.

Along with his wife of 29 years, Gretchen, Rod is survived by his two sons, Kyle S., husband of Kelley A. (Zaffuto) Barrell, and Michael D., husband of Karissa L. (Kutz) Barrell; step-daughters, Lindsay G. (Straub), wife of Micah J. George, all of Kutztown, and Michele M. Mittner, who passed away on May 5, 2012; seven grandchildren, Makenzie Q. Barrell, Ryan M. Taretto, II, Dexter J. George, Kya L. Barrell, Haley B. Barrell, Callan J. Barrell, and Elara M. George; as well as many work friends who will miss him dearly.

A graveside service to celebrate and honor Rod's life will be held privately by his family in Dunkel's Church Cemetery, Kutztown (Greenwich Township).

The family requests contributions be made in Rod's memory to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22203 or online at www.nami.org

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