Theodore W Jentsch

Rev. Dr. Theodore W. Jentsch, 89, of Topton, formerly of Kutztown, died Friday, November 20, 2015 in The Lutheran Home at Topton. He was the widower of Hilda May (Ludwig) Jentsch, who died March 23, 2015 . His first wife, Elinor Jean (Elwert) Jentsch died in 1981.

Born in Camden, NJ, he was the son of the late Rev. T.E. Werner and Dorothea H. (Krebs) Jentsch. Dr. Jentsch was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Topton. He was a graduate of Muhlenberg College (1945, Philosophy & Religion); The Lutheran Seminary at Philadelphia (1948, Master of Divinity; 1959, Master of Sacred Theology); Temple University, Master of Arts (1964, Sociology); and University of South Africa, Doctor of Philosophy (1974, Sociology). Rev. Dr. Jentsch served the following congregations:  St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, East Schodack, NY from 1948-1950, Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Jamaica, NY from 1950-1952, Emanuel Lutheran Church, Nuremberg, PA from 1954-1956 and, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sinking Spring, PA from 1956-1963. He also served as Chaplain for the United States Air Force from 1952-1954. He was on the faculty of Kutztown University for 25 years, in the Dept. of Anthropology and Sociology, retiring in 1988. Dr. Jentsch wrote and lectured extensively on the culture of the Old Order Mennonites. Since 1967, he served as Sunday Supply and Interim Pastor in numerous area Lutheran and UCC Churches and once preached at Reformation Day observances in the Lutheran Cathedral in Worms, Germany .

He is survived by Daughters, Dr. Lynda J. Grooms, wife of H.H. Grooms, III, Birmingham, AL and Nancy K. Enzweiler, wife of Philip M. Enzweiler, Camp Springs, KY; 4 Grandchildren, Walker and Owen Grooms, Anna and Peter Enzweiler; Step-son, Michael J., husband of Heather (Reed) Ludwig, Media, PA. He was predeceased by his Wives, Hilda and Elinor; Brothers, Col. David P. Jentsch, Dr. Richard C. Jentsch, Stepson, Lee Ludwig, Step-daughter, Susan L. Ludwikowski .

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 2:00 PM in Grace Lutheran Church, located on the campus of The Lutheran Home at Topton, 1 South Home Avenue, Topton, with Reverend Carl R. Schmoyer officiating. Interment will be private in Zion's Cemetery of Perry Township. Relatives and friends may call Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in the church .

The family requests that contributions may be made in Dr. Jentsch's memory to The Brandywine Community Library, 60 Tower Drive, Topton, PA 19562. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Topton, PA.