Lynn W. Scheirer

Lynn W. Scheirer, 78, died December 15, 2013. Born in West Reading, he was the son of the late Charles H. and Catharine (Speck) Scheirer. He is survived by his inestimable wife, Frances A. (Keller) Scheirer, to whom he was married for fifty-six years.

His formative years were spent in the Reading public schools and at the Massanutten Military Academy, Woodstock, VA from which he graduated in 1952. He was a 1955 graduate of the Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute, and a 1960 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University. He earned a master's degree from Kutztown University in 1970. He was a member of the Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute Affiliate Program Group at the Penn State Berks Campus and was a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association.

Mr. Scheirer served as a teacher of mathematics and science in the Muhlenberg School District, where he retired from in 1996. During a tenure of 34 years, he also served as an assistant junior high football coach, high school stage manager, Environthon Team advisor and Science Department Chairperson.

In 1987 Mr. Scheirer was named Berks County's Outstanding Conservation Educator. He was a volunteer collector of field data for the Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania.

In retirement, he served as a volunteer at the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, was a member of the Muhlenberg Arts Board, and sang with the Muhlenberg Community Chorus. He also sang with the Horizon Singers of Berks Encore.

Mr. Scheirer was a life-long member of St. Thomas United Church of Christ, Reading, where he was a member of the choir.

He served in the active Army, National Guard and the Army Reserve for 22 years, last serving as Executive Officer, 330th Engineer Battalion, Worcester, PA. He was awarded the Soldier's Medal and the Pennsylvania Cross of Valor for assisting Mr. Robert A. Ibach in the rescue of two fellow guardsmen, whose own rescue vehicle had been swept into the flood-swollen waters of the Schuylkill River during Tropical Storm Agnes.

The success of this rescue operation was due to Berks County Commissioner Vernon Schaeffer's acquaintance with Mr. Robert A. Ibach and with the capability of Ibach's jet-powered boat. Illumination of the rescue site provided by first responders on the Dauberville Bridge was essential, as well as the efforts of officers and personnel of Hq and Hq Company 337 Maintenance Battalion, PAARNG. As a result of two trips into the river, two guard comrades were saved. Mr. Ibach sustained a broken nose when the boat was swept, broadside, into tree branches. Had he been more seriously injured by the collision, several lives might have been lost. The jet-powered craft was totaled, the military vehicle was subsequently retrieved.

Reflecting on events of that cold, wet night, all agree that the Hand of Divine Providence was involved.

In addition to his wife, surviving are his two children: David C., husband of Susan (Preston) Scheirer, Redlands, CA and Susan L., wife of Todd Felber, Muhlenberg Township and six grandchildren.

Also surviving is his sister, LTC Judith Patterson, USAF (Ret.), wife of Air Force General Robert A. Patterson, Stuart, FL.

He was predeceased by three brothers: Charles H., Jr., Homer and Dr. Donald Scheirer.

Services will be Friday at 1 p.m. in Kuhn-Stitzel Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. Viewings will be held Thursday evening from 6:30-8 and Friday, one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Burial will be in Charles Evans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions will be gratefully accepted by the following: Muhlenberg Educational Foundation, 801 Bellevue Avenue, Reading, PA 19605 and/or St. Thomas U.C.C., 857 N. 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604.

For online condolences, visit www.kuhnstitzelfuneralhomes.com.