Miriam K. Kochel

Miriam K. Kochel, a retired church organist and choir director, died Aug. 15 at 1:30 a.m. in the residence of a daughter, Frances (Kochel) Frezeman, North 15th Street, where she had resided since January.

Kochel, 94, of Belmont Avenue, Laureldale, was an organist and choir director for 36 years at Christ Reformed, Temple; Epiphany Lutheran, South Temple; St. Mark's Lutheran, Reading; and St. Luke's United Church of Christ, Kenhorst.

Born in Maxatawny Township, she was a daughter of the late Benjamin E. and Ellen (Lutz) Kunkel.

Kochel taught music for many years in her residence and at Zeswitz Music Store, Reading, and Fulton Music Store, Lancaster, until her retirement.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading.

She is also survived by another daughter, Barbara (Kochel) Lykens, Shillington.

Other survivors include four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, 527 Washington Street, Reading, Pa., 19601. Viewing will be Monday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. Burial will be in Zion's Church Cemetery, Maxatawny. Contributions may be made to Music Fund of Trinity Lutheran Church at the above address.