Obituary for LeRoy F. Kunkle

LeRoy Forrest Kunkle, 84, of Mertztown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 in his residence. He was the loving husband of Patricia A. (Rothrock) Kunkle, whom he married on February 23, 1989 in Hawaii.

Born in Kutztown, LeRoy was a son of the late Harold L. and Verna E. (Snyder) Kunkle. He was a member of Longswamp United Church of Christ, Mertztown. LeRoy was employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator, working for Empire Wrecking and Berkleigh Excavating. He also was an entrepreneur and property investor. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers #542, Lehigh Lodge No. 326 F.&A.M., Shriners International, and attended Grundsow Lodge meetings.

LeRoy was an antique collector, enjoyed trains, traveling, working, gardening, dancing, music, and spending time with his family. The family would like to extend a sincere "Thank You" to Bayada Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care given to LeRoy.

In addition to his wife of almost 30 years, Patricia, LeRoy is survived by his children, Dawne R. (Kunkle) Witwer, Topton, companion of Ken Natoli, Alsace Twp., Ricki F. Kunkle, Topton, Kevin L., husband of Dineen (Frost) Kunkle, Fleetwood, Loni R. (Kunkle), wife of Timothy Boyer, Macungie, Michael P. Butz, Macungie, Tammy L. (Butz), wife of Duane Beitler, Topton, and Melissa S. (Butz) Koehler, companion of Robert Buchman, Topton. He is also survived by two brothers, Larry Kunkle, and his wife, Audrey, Kempton, and Dennis Kunkle, and his wife, Eileen, Kempton; 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, LeRoy was predeceased by a brother, Donald Kunkle, and a sister, Violet (Kunkle) Solt.

A funeral service to celebrate LeRoy's life will be held on Monday, January 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in Longswamp United Church of Christ, 200 Clay Road, Mertztown, with Reverend Dr. Katherine E. Brearley officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Monday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the church. Burial will be private in New Bethel Zion Cemetery, Krumsville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in LeRoy's memory to Longswamp UCC, 200 Clay Road, Mertztown, PA 19539. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.