Karl H. Hemmerich

Karl H. Hemmerich, 92, of Wyomissing, passed away November 20, 2008 surrounded by his loving family in The Reading Hospital.

He was the husband of Nancy M. (McConnell) Hemmerich.

Born in Wyomissing, a town that his father helped establish, he was the son of the late Hugo and Lisabeth (Doerrenberg) Hemmerich.

A 1934 graduate of Wyomissing High School, Karl attended Cornell University, where he graduated first in his engineering class and was the leading scorer on its undefeated soccer team.

He served in the Pacific campaign of World War II, where he was present for two of the seminal moments of the 20th century: as a major in the Army Air Corps, he was one of the first outsiders to view the destruction of Hiroshima and later served in the occupation of Japan under the command of General Douglas MacArthur.

After the war, he and his brother, Erich, founded Hemmerich Industries, a textile and apparel company that eventually employed over 2,000 people. He served as its President from 1947 to his retirement in 1988.

An avid private pilot, Karl would fly throughout the United States on vacations with his family and friends, such as to the Delaware shore, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon.

Karl had many interests, among his most passionate were running, bicycling, birdwatching, and Camp Conrad Weiser. Throughout his life, Karl was devoted to his family and to helping others through his many charitable efforts.

He was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing.

He was on the Board of Directors for Charles Evans Cemetery and South Mountain YMCA.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Frederick K. Hemmerich, Denver and Michael R., husband of Cynthia C. Hemmerich, Durham, N.C., and a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Hemmerich, Wynnewood, PA.

He is also survived by three grandchildren, Cameron Elena Hemmerich; Daniel Hemmerich; Amanda Layne, and a great-granddaughter, Mya Hemmerich.

Karl was predeceased by one son, Hugo Hemmerich.

Memorial Services will be Saturday, December 6th at 2:00 p.m. in Atonement Lutheran Church, 5 Wyomissing Blvd., Wyomissing, PA 19610. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the South Mountain YMCA, P.O. Box 147 Wernersville, PA 19565 or The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, P.O Box 16052, Reading, PA 19612-6052. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.