Roy D. Merkel

Roy D. Merkel, 87, of Kutztown, formerly of Richmond Township, died Tuesday, August 17, 2021, in Penn State Health - Saint Joseph Medical Center, Bern Township. He was the companion of Jean D. (Hess) Zweizig, Shoemakersville.  Born in Ontelaunee Township, a son of the late Paul H. and Edna K. E. (Heinly) Merkel.  Roy was a member of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Rockland Township, where he was past president of church council, member and past president of the New Jerusalem Union Cemetery Association.  Mr. Merkel was also a member of the choir; lay reader; chairperson of the shoefly project and many church dinners and other fund raising activities.

Mr. Merkel was first employed by Carl R. Bieber Tourways, Kutztown, as a Tour Consultant; then for over 15 years by White Star Tours, Shillington, in the same capacity.

A member of Huguenot Lodge #377, F.&A.M., Kutztown, Mr. Merkel served as Worshipful Master in 1982.  A dedicated member, Roy was invovled with many Ham & Oyster Dinners and Candy Making Projects.  He served as Treasurer of Kutztown Temple Association for 15 years.  Mr. Merkel was also a member of Rajah Shrine, Reading, and completed 220 trips to Shriners Hospital, Philadelphia, transporting Parents and Patients for treatment.  He was also a member and past president of Rajah Shrine Chanters, a male choral group.

Roy served as President of Berks County Cemetery Association; a former member of Kutztown Jaycees, where he served as second vice president.  Mr. Merkel was a 50 year member of Kutztown Grange No. 1836, where he served as a Past Master; he was a member of Berks County Pomona Grange; and a member of Pennsylvania State Grange.

In addition to his companion, Jean Zweizig, Roy is survived by his children: Jeffrey A, husband of Renee L. (Bankes) Merkel, Shillington; James A., husband of Clarissa N. (Mora) Merkel, Tucson, AZ; Louise A. (Merkel) Schlegel, Kutztown; Jane A. (Merkel), wife of Steven G. Black. Lebanon.  Other survivors include six grandchildren: Hallie E. Black, Daniel S., husband of Nicole B. (Barry) Black; Leslie K. Schlegel; Krysta N. (Harp), wife of Adam W. Frantz; Isabella N. Merkel and Robert A. Merkel-Mora; three great granchildren: Tristan Beck, Nolan Franz and Addilyn Black.

A funeral service for Roy will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, with The Reverend Ruth F. Doty, officiating. Interment will follow in Becker's Saint Peter's Church Cemetery, Fleetwood.

Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Sunday, August 22, 2021, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Funeral Home.  Masonic Services will be held on Sunday at 7:15 p.m. in the funeral home.

Click to View Services for Roy D. Merkel

The family requests contributions be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, Attn:  Development Office, 3551 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 or on-line at www.lovetotherescue.org

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