Samuel L. Himmelberger

Samuel L. Himmelberger, 82, of Topton, died peacefully, Sunday January 31, 2021, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, under hospice care.  He was the loving husband of Mildred E. Himmelberger, whom he married December 19, 1959.  Born in Salisbury, Maryland, he was a son of the late John and Edna (Renninger) Himmelberger.

Samuel was a graduate of Kutztown State Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He went on to continue his education and received a Masters of Science Degree from Temple University in Social Studies / History Education.  His love of learning continued and he took classes at the University of Maryland, North Carolina State University, University of Virginia, Moravian College and Gannon University, staying up to date on content and methods for teaching.

Mr. Himmelberger began his public teaching career in the Kutztown Area School District in 1960, teaching Junior High School Social Studies.  He then accepted a position in the East Penn School District, Emmaus, teaching History, Economics and Government until his retirement in 1993.  During his tenure at East Penn School District, Samuel was a senior class advisor for several graduating classes, was Department Chair for the Social Studies Department,  and was the first president of the Schoolman's Faculty Club. He was honored to display the many college and university pennants given to him by his students as they chose their schools for continuing education.  After retirement, he continued teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Alvernia College and Northampton Community College, focusing on American History and was proud to teach a course on Native American History. He also held a "fun job" as greeter at the Kutztown University Book Store for several years.

Mr. Himmelberger was an active member in the East Penn Education Association, as well as PSEA and NEA.

In his spare time Sam enjoyed photography, having his own dark room and producing his own prints for a time. Other hobbies and interests included collecting flags and banners of all types, and biking on bike paths throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland - proudly completing the entire length of the C&O Canal Towpath.  He loved to travel with his wife, Millie, and friends, and was known for spontaneous road trips.  Over the years they were able to visit all 50 states, frequently visiting historic sites and college book stores just for fun.  Other travels included two trips to Europe and six cruises.

In addition to his wife, Mildred, of 61 years, Samuel is survived by two daughters:  Holli L. (Himmelberger) Buchter, Pawleys Island, SC and Heidi H. (Himmelberger), wife of Dan Walker, Damascus, MD.  Other survivors include two brothers: David O. Himmelberger (wife, Leigh), Elverson, PA  and Peter H. Himmelberger (wife, Roxanne), Lake Frederick, VA. There are 3 grandchildren: Matthew Buchter, Longmont, CO, Kristen Buchter (husband, Kyle O'Neill), Longmont, CO, and Zachary Walker, Toronto, Canada.  In addition to his parents, Samuel was predeceased by a brother, Dennis Himmelberger (wife, Shirley), Alburtis.

Services for Samuel will be held privately by the family.

The family requests contributions be made in Samuel's memory to:  Power for Parkinson's, 5555 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite L121, Austin, TX 78751 or on-line at www.powerforparkinsons.org/memorial; American Heart Association of Lehigh Valley, 968 Postal Road, #110, Allentown, PA 18109, or on-line at www.heart.org/dontate; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Eastern PA - Delaware, P.O. Box 22467, New York, NY 10087-2467, or on-line at www.lls.org/donate; The Rails to Trails Conservancy, 2121 Ward Ct., NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20037, or on-line at www.railstotrails.org/donation.

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