Robert Etzel

Robert Etzel, 80 of Reading died March 22, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center where he had been a patient for two days.

He was the husband of Bonalyn "Bonnie" Esther (Kissinger) Etzel whom he married on March 31, 1951.

Born August 10, 1927 in Reading, he was a son to the late John and Susan (Kotsch) Etzel.

Robert was employed by Carpenter Steel as a steel worker in the hand mill for 33 years, until retiring in 1986.

He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army and Naval Reserves during World War II.

Robert was a member of Alsace Lutheran Church, Muhlenberg Township.

He enjoyed watching his grandson, Garrett Etzel's basketball games at Governor Mifflin and Alvernia College. He was also an avid fan of Notre Dame and Penn State Football.

Robert was a member of the Temple Fire Company, Muhlenberg Township; Riverside Fire Company; Quading Club, West Lawn; West Reading Beneficial Association; Hay Post VFW, Reading and Clover Park, Shillington where he enjoyed playing cards.

Also surviving is a daughter Rebecca A. (Etzel), wife of Paul J. Klinger of Reading and a son Keith R., husband of Rosemarie A. (Maier) Etzel of Cumru Township.

He is survived by three sisters, Elizabeth (Etzel), widow of Charles Merkel of Muhlenberg Township; Dorothy (Etzel), wife of Ray Zerby of Wernersville and Joyce (Etzel), wife of Stanley Sweitzer of Laureldale.

In addition there are five grandchildren: Matthew, husband of Karen (Brogan) Klinger; Jared, fiancé of Melissa (Hassler), Jaime Etzel, Erin Etzel and Garrett Etzel.

Robert was predeceased by three brothers, John, William and Edward Schlener and a sister, Marie (Schlener) Weber.

Services will be Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services in the funeral home. Burial will be in Laureldale Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5455 North High St., Columbus, OH 43214 and/or the American Cancer Society, 498 E. Bellevue Avenue, Reading, PA 19605. For online condolences, please visit www.christfuneralhome.com.