Emily Wickel

Emily A. Wickel, 45, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024, in her Lincoln Park residence after a lengthy battle with cancer. On March 1, she and her husband, Paul L. Wickel would have celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary.

Born in Reading to William C. Arentz, husband of Stephanie L. (Neiman) Arentz, of Fleetwood, and the late Rose Emily (Liscusky) Arentz, Emily graduated from Central Catholic in 1996. She attended Penn State Berks, East Stroudsburg, and Kutztown, and ultimately finished her associate degree through RACC. She was a student of Drexel University's teaching program and consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA. She worked as a teacher's aide at Wilson School District.

Emily's Catholic faith was very important to her. She was a member of St. John Baptist de la Salle Church. She loved to nurture and encourage the development of children, both as a loving mother and a dedicated educator. It broke her heart when her illness forced her to leave the classroom. An active woman, she enjoyed bike rides, walks with her family, and bowling. She loved the holidays, especially Christmas. She enjoyed snacks of pretzels, diet coke, and iced coffees. Sinatra Sundays and Golden Girls marathons brought her great joy.

Left to treasure Emily's memory are her husband, Paul; their children, Amie R. Wickel and Ryan J. Wickel, both at home; stepdaughter, Samantha E. Wickel of Camp Hill; father, William Arentz, and stepmother, Stephanie Arentz; brothers, Thomas M., husband of Melissa Arentz, of Baltimore, MD, and Joseph P. Arentz of Fleetwood; stepbrother, Joshua A., husband of Natasha Mohn, of Fleetwood; stepsister, Katrina E., wife of Kevin Drummer, of Pottsville; sister in law, Pearl M. Brunner of Reading; and niece, Shannon Weaver of Reading.

She was predeceased by her mother, Rose Emily Arentz.

Contributions in Emily's memory may be offered to the McGlinn Cancer Center, checks payable to Reading Hospital Foundation, PO Box 16052, Reading, PA 19612.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Baptist de la Salle, 42 Kerrick Rd, Shillington, PA 19607, with committal to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to gather on Monday, March 4, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.