Ralph A. Bausher

Ralph A. Bausher, 84 of Hamburg passed away peacefully April 4, 2011 in the Laurel Center, Tilden Township. He was the husband of Jutta L. (Deubel) Bausher. Ralph was born March 21, 1927 in West Reading, PA and was the son of the late Charles H. and Bessie M. (Dunkleberger) Bausher. Mr. Bausher was a 1945 graduate of Hamburg High School and attended Lebanon Valley College. He was an Army Veteran of WWII. Mr. Bausher was employed for 20 years by Buechley Lumber Company, Hamburg and Nelco Home Center, Hamburg as a branch manager for 13 years. He was later employed by the Berks County Redevelopment Authority as a housing inspector, retiring in 1988. He was a member of the First United Church of Christ, Hamburg where he was active as a Sunday school teacher and choir director for 15 years. Mr. Bausher was a charter member of the Boy Scout Troop #2 (now #184) since 1939. He was a charter member and organizer of the Hamburg Junior Chamber of Commerce, (now the Hamburg Jaycees). Ralph was a member of the Hamburg Rotary Club for 13 years, and served as President from 1981-1982. Mr. Bausher was also a member of Vaux Lodge #406 F. & A.M. and a life member of the Behler-Hein American Legion Post #637. He was active in music groups, both vocal and instrumental. He played the trumpet in the 18 piece Lebanon Valley College dance band and was a member of the Veterans American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. Bausher was a member of the Civil Air Patrol before entering the Army in 1945. He was very interested in fine art and calligraphy. He was a member of the Berks County Calligraphers Guild and Berks Art Alliance. In addition to his wife, he is survived by 1 son Eric R. husband of Amy (Huggins) Bausher, Temple, 1 daughter, Lisa Heidi (Bausher) wife of Ralph R. Shappell, Hamburg, 4 grandchildren, Richard C. Shappell engaged to Ashley Walton, Joel D. Shappell, Derich C. Bausher and Lauren M. Bausher, 1 sister Betty M. (Bausher) wife of Roger Stetzler, Hamburg. He was predeceased by a sister, Marie J. Bausher. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 1:00 PM from the First United Church of Christ, 3rd and Pine Streets, Hamburg, PA 19526. A viewing will be held from 12:00 noon until time of service in the church. A viewing will also be held Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home, Inc. 40 S. 4th St. Hamburg, PA. 19526. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Hamburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Church of Christ or the Hamburg Public Library. Online condolences at www.burkeydriscoll.com