Obituary for Herman G. DeLong Jr.

Herman G. DeLong, Jr., 77, formerly of Topton, Mertztown and Bowers, passed away on Monday evening, March 12, 2018 in The Lutheran Home at Topton, where he was a resident for the last two years. He was the widower of Ardella A. (O'Byle) DeLong, who died on June 18, 2008. Born in Topton, Herman was a son of the late Herman G. DeLong, Sr., and Mildred (Stern) DeLong. He was a member of Christ (Mertz) Lutheran Church, Fleetwood, and was a 1959 graduate of Kutztown Area High School.

Herman was employed as Quality Control Inspector by Sunsweet Growers, Fleetwood, for 10 years, until his retirement in 2003. Prior to that, he worked as a Welder at the former Caloric Corporation, Topton, until the company's closure in 1991, and before that, at Schaeffer Breweries and Atlas Minerals & Chemicals, Inc.

Herman was a avid hunter and outdoorsman, hunting with his trusty 30-06 as well as archery and muzzleloader. In his earlier years he enjoyed deep sea fishing and golfing. He also attended Grundsow Lodge #15, Kutztown.

Herman is survived by his two sons, Kenneth W., husband of Jin Z. (Zhang) DeLong, Pleasanton, CA, and Keith A., husband of Tracey B. (Bower) DeLong, Fleetwood; four grandchildren, Nicholas A. DeLong, Robert A. DeLong, Erin K. DeLong and Olivia T. DeLong; and one great grandson, Brantley A. DeLong. He is also survived by a sister, Doris DeLong, and brothers, Richard DeLong, Dennis DeLong, Marvin DeLong, and Martin DeLong. He was predeceased by his wife, his parents, and two brothers, Jimmy and Gene DeLong.

A funeral service to celebrate Herman's life will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in Christ (Mertz) Lutheran Church, 16 Fleetwood Road, Fleetwood (Dryville), with his Pastor, Reverend Cheryl F. Meinschein officiating. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Fleetwood (Dryville) . Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.in the church.

The family requests contributions be made in Herman's memory to Alzheimer's Association,  Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106 or online at www.alz.org/donate. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.