Erma Mae Merkel

Erma Mae (Bond) Merkel, 100, formerly of Lenhartsville and a resident at Maidencreek Place since 2015 passed away on August 2, 2024, at the Reading Hospital.

Her husband, Irwin A. Merkel, died on March 23, 2004.

Born in Kempton, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Libbie (Hamm) Bond.

One of Erma's favorite employers was Rentschler's Bakery in Kutztown where she made aromatic pastries. She also was a homemaker who was dedicated to her family; one of the best gifts she gave her children was staying at home to raise them.

Family and faith were important to Erma, she was a former member of New Bethel Church in Kempton and now a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Hamburg.

Erma had a deep affection for cats and took pleasure in tending to her garden and flower beds, hunting for deals at auctions and yard sales, as well as showcasing her remarkable skills in embroidery and crochet. She also enjoyed testing her luck playing a friendly game of Bingo with her friends at Maidencreek Place.

She is survived by her daughter Linda J., wife of Raymond, Reichard, Mohrsville; her granddaughter, Angela Marie, wife of Cory Hohenadel, Leesport; and two great-grandsons, Kadin Hohenadel and Cooper Hohenadel.

Erma was predeceased by her son, Lynn I. Merkel, on July 9, 1993; her grandson, Andrew Jason Reichard on November 17, 2021; and five siblings: Evelyn Kunkel, Marion Lesher, Roma Bauscher, Norman Bond and Stanley Bond.

Services will be Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Kuhn Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 40 S. 4th St, Hamburg with burial to follow at New Bethel Cemetery, Kempton. A viewing will be Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.