Francis A. Gersbach

Francis A. Gersbach, 86, of West Lawn, died August 14, 2009 in Reading Hospital.

He was the husband of Bernadine M. (Kolson) Gersbach. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on October 31.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Albert J. and Edna M. (Miller) Gersbach.

He attended Allentown Central Catholic High School.

Francis was employed for nine years by PP&L and later for 23 years by Western Electric, retiring in 1983. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife around the country.

He was a member of St. John Baptist de la Salle, RCC, Shillington. Francis was formerly a 4th Degree Knight, Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator and District Deputy for the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Council, #7179.

He was an excellent badminton player and loved gardening.

A true family man, he loved his wife dearly and his children so very much.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, Francis A., Jr., Henderson, NV, Bernadine Kern, W. Palm Beach, FL, Anne M. Conrow,Sinking Spring, Elizabeth E. Hoyle, Rehoboth Beach, DE and Kathryn Gersbach West Lawn. Fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive him.

He was predeceased by two daughters, Mary Louise Gersbach on October 15, 1965 and Dorothy Anne Kreitz on July 15, 2009; one brother, James Gersbach and one sister Dorothy Oram.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. in St. John's Church. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the church. Contributions may be made to: Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Council #7179, 420 Holland Street, Shillington, PA 19607. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.