The Life of Mr. Donald R. Grider
Donald R. Grider, 87, of Kutztown, died Thursday, December 29, 2022, in Tower Health - Reading Hospital, West Reading, where he had been a patient since Monday, December 26, 2022. He was the loving husband of Brenda J. (Scheidt) Grider, whom he married September 29, 1961. Born in Allentown, Don was a son of the late Justus E. and Adelaide K. (Reinhard) Grider. Donald was a member of Saint Paul's United Church of Christ, Kutztown, where he formerly served on its property committee. Don was a graduate of Allentown High School, Class of 1953. Following high school, Don played semi-professional baseball. Donald honorably and faithfully served our Country as a Veteran of the United States Army.
Donald was first employed by Robert A. Tauber, Allentown, a brick laying contractor where he advanced to General Foreman. Then, in the early 1970's Donald established Don Grider Masonry, Kutztown, a business he continued until his retirement from masonry in 2010. In 1999 he founded Kutztown Tavern, Kutztown, which he continued to operate until his death.
Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and was a highly accomplished trap shooter. He was a member of North End Rod & Gun Club, New Tripoli; Kutztown Rod & Gun Club; Hamburg Game Association; National Rifle Association; Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 839, Kutztown; Huguenot Lodge F.&A.M. #377, Kutztown; Rajah Temple; Kutztown Lions Club; Charter Member of Kutztown HOBOS; Charter Member Lehigh Valley Trap Shooters; Founding Member of Golden Oaks Golf Club, Fleetwood; in addition to other organizations.
In addition to his wife of 61 years, Brenda J., Donald is survived by two sons: Marc R., husband of Kelly L. (Berger) Grider, Kutztown; and Matthew J., husband of Terri C. (Crowell) Grider, Kutztown; and a daughter, Karen M. Grider, Rapid City, SD; Other survivors include a sister Fay Ann Grider, Gulph Mills, Montgomery County. There are three grandchildren: Adelaide L. Grider; Killian J. Grider; and Justus H. Bear Runner; and two great grandchildren: Lyla J. Grider and Lex M. Grider. Donald was predeceased by a grandson Kyle H. Grider on February 21, 2013; a sister, Kathleen (Grider) Haupt; and a brother, Justus E. Grider, Jr.
A Memorial Service to celebrate and honor Donald's life will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Saint Paul's United Church of Christ, 47 South Whiteoak Street, Kutztown, with The Reverend Kim L. Adamson, officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the church. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
The family requests contributions be made to Saint Paul's U.C.C. Church, 47 S. Whiteoak St., Kutztown, PA 19530; or to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601, or on-line at www.alz.org/donate
Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ludwickfh.com.