William E Berkel

William E. Berkel, age 95, formerly of RD2, Fleetwood PA, died Saturday, October 27, 2001 in the Kutztown Manor, Kutztown PA. He was the widower of the late Irene E. (Farthing) Berkel who died in 1998.

Born in Equality IL, he was the son of the late Emory J. and Edith (Hall) Berkel. He was a Member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown PA. His past employment includes Civil Engineer in Florida during the 1920's; a Fastener Factory in the late 1920's; a Coal Miner for Ed Gemtry in the late 1930's; Giles Armiture and Electric from 1939-1948; a Coal Miner with Frank Berkel from 1948-1950; employed by Dennis Pickens from 1950-1953; an Electrician with Local 702 in West Frankford IL from 1953-1954; and a Machinist for 5 years for D. Electric in Pottstown PA before retiring in 1971. He was also a Caretaker for St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Swenksville for 3 years.

He is survived by his Daughter, Pat. L. (Berkel) Mandrell of Marion IL; Sons, Charles E. Berkel of Marion IL and Lowell L. Berkel of El Paso TX; Step-Daughter, Mary I. Berkel of Camden NJ; Step-Sons, Raymond L. Berkel of Cleveland TX, George E. Berkel of Reading PA and Everett A. Berkel of West Lawn PA; 21 Grandchildren and 29 Great Grandchildren. He is predeceased in death by his Sons, Donald L. Berkel in 1948 and Ronald R. Berkel in 1932; and Step-Son, Stanley C. Smith in 1999.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:30 AM Friday, November 2. 2001 in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown PA. Family and Friends may call 8:30 AM Friday in the Church, until the time of Mass. Interment in Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale PA. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Homes, 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown PA.