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BORN
1946
DIED
2026
FUNERAL HOME
Raymond Christman Obituary
Ray “Spider” Christman, 79, of Germansville, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest. He was the husband of Gail (Smith) Christman to whom he spent the last 49 years together. Born in Pennsburg, Montgomery Co., September 11, 1946, Ray was the son of the late Paul H. and Edith I. (Christman) Christman. He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War era. Spider worked for Bethlehem Steel Corp. for 31 years before its closing in 1995. He and his wife, Gail, co-owned and operated Venture Farms in Heidelberg Township for 39 years.
Survivors: In addition to his wife; Daughters, Michelle L. Christman of Allentown, Lori A. Buzinski (Dave) of Germansville, Amy S. Chassard (John) of New Tripoli; siblings, Judy Rex (Dale) of Emerald, Jeff Christman (Gail) of Germansville, Gail Berger (Kim) of Aliquippa, Gary Christman (Sally) of Fort Myers, FL; grandchildren, Nathan, Jared, Aidan, Aubrey, Addison; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Service: A celebration of Spider’s life will be held at a later date. No public calling hours. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., in Schnecksville has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Sanctuary at Haafsville and/or Lehigh Valley Hospice both in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Christman
Dean Diefenderfer
February 6, 2026
Christman family sorry for your loss.
Linda Williams
February 3, 2026
Gail and family,
So sorry to hear of Spiders passing. Sending hugs and prayers. ❤
Linda Williams
Amy Bodnar
February 2, 2026
So sorry for your loss! I have so many childhood memories of him - he always knew how to make you laugh! RIP ❤
Lisa Reichard
February 2, 2026
Gary and Gail,
So for the loss of your brother (Gary) and husband (Gail). It has been many years since I have seen him but he always brought a smile to my face. RIP
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Linda Olewine
January 31, 2026
Gail, so sorry for your loss. The pain will be hard, but eventually will get a little easier
David Remaley
January 30, 2026
Sending thoughts and prayers to the family. Rest in peace Ray!
Jen K
January 30, 2026
Gail, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Grateful
January 30, 2026
Raymond,
Thank You for Your service to our country.
God Bless You!
God be with your family!
Sincerely,
A Grateful American
Katelyn Sheppard
January 30, 2026
Pap, you were one of the greatest people I have ever met. I will forever cherish the memories I have shared with you over the last six and a half years. You were a grandfather to me, though not through blood, but heart. All of the lake trips, the holidays, and simple days on the farm I will keep close to my heart forever. I love you!
January 30, 2026
I know this cousin is a prime reason why families, in my case cousins, must stay closely connected. Raymond and Gail’s farm was a magnet to visit during Lehigh County’s Open Gate Tour. Memories of the very best kind will always be brought to mind as I express my condolences to Gail, Lori, Dave, their sons, his other daughters, and siblings. May he rest in peace. With love, Cousin Marlene DeLong
Nate Buzinski
January 30, 2026
Oh pap, I never wanted this day to come, you were just such an amazing person. You taught me so much in life from teaching me to drive tractors to driving stick shift in the jeep, teaching me how to be the farmer I am today. You were always there for me and I’m going to miss you everyday. I know you will always be looking out for me. You will always be the heart and soul of the farm and maybe you can help me with the weather come hay season. I love you pap and you will always be in my heart. Till we meet again one day.
Linda Flemming
January 30, 2026
Many many good memories. From horseback riding in the Tetons, to driving on the beach on San Padres Island, to the Bahamas, to playing cards
Great times. Rest easy, my friend.
Suzan Hetzer
January 30, 2026
Jane, my dad, and I are so happy we were able to visit with Spider (and Gail and Lori) over the summer. I have so many wonderful memories! Spider was a great man. All of his family has a very special Guardian Angel. :) :)
Richard Mengel
January 30, 2026
A great man and class mate, so very sorry for your loss. RIP
Jane Rex-Bush
January 30, 2026
Gail, I’m very sorry to hear the passing of Raymond. You and the family are in my prayers
January 30, 2026
Rest in peace our friend. May your days across the Rainbow Bridge be filled with sunshine, warm weather & all who have passed on before you.
Sweet blessings from Susan Lazar & Roger George
Jared Buzinski
January 30, 2026
Pap I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same after losing you. You’ve given us a life most dream about. Living on the farm has been the greatest blessing of my life. I’m so thankful for the time I had with you. You will forever be the heart of this farm. Thank you for the fields to work in the woods to hunt in and the land we’ll live on and work on till we see you again. Sitting up on the hill looking over the farm will feel different now but knowing your right there with us will help me get through it. I love you so much, thank you for everything. Till we meet again pap♥
Dave Buzinski
January 30, 2026
Hey dad I’m going to miss you a lot. You were the best father in law anyone could ever ask for. You taught me a lot. Now that I lost 2 dad’s life isn’t the same. I know you can breathe easier now. Rest in peace until we meet again.
Linda Sterner
January 30, 2026
So very sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
Hank & Darlene Wise
January 30, 2026
Our deepest condolences to Gail and family. Had some great times with Spider. We will miss you. Rest in peace dear friend.
Linda,Jeff Trexler
January 30, 2026
very decent person did business with Venture Farm back when I was farming in late 70's and early 80's our condolances to Gail,Family and Friends
Lori Buzinski
January 30, 2026
Dad, it’s so hard to believe you are gone. I keep thinking you will be coming home. I know you are in a better place and breathing easy and that’s what’s getting me through this. You were one special dad, I’m sure raising three daughters wasn’t easy, but you did an amazing job. I’m so glad I was able to give you grandsons. You taught my boys so much. From driving tractors at age 10, teaching Nate all about making hay, and teaching Jared to drive stick shift in the hay fields while having shingles. You were their everything!! We will all work to keep Venture Farms alive! Until I see you again. Love you always and forever. ❤
Amy Chassard
January 29, 2026
I love you Dad. I will miss you always. Hope you're pain free and breathing with ease.❤
Charles Fink
January 29, 2026
Ray was a great guy, had many of laughs over the years with him. May he rest in peace.
Kim Reimert-Reed
January 29, 2026
Sending prayers and sympathy.
mary salmon
January 29, 2026
my husband Rick Eckrote and I have known Gail and Spider for over 30 years, keeping our horses at Venture Farms. To Gail and all family, sorry for your loss, we hardly know what to say, except we are thinking of you at this difficult time. Spider loved his family, the farm, and enjoyed hard work until illness slowed his pace. One thing in particular I noticed was his close relationship with his grandsons and with one animal in particular, his dog Red Dog who was a stray that came to stay and won Spider's heart. The measure of a man is how he treats his family, friends and animals and Spider excelled at all. Rest in peace Spider and I hope you now have Red Dog at your side.
Janice (Peter’s) Schwartz
January 29, 2026
We Peters siblings have so many happy memories of times spent with the Christman kids. My heart goes out to all of you in the loss of your brother, Raymond.
Sandra Masters
January 29, 2026
My deepest condolences to the Christman family.
Robert J. Miklas, USN.
January 29, 2026
Spider, you are now relieved from your watch. A job well done fellow navy Vietnam Veteran. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. The final volley has sounded and taps is about to begin, ending a successful career as a nation’s defender. Smooth sailing shipmate.
Gary Christman
January 29, 2026
Thank you for all the years that we had together, as you can see from the picture, he loved boating with family and grandkids. My heart is broken like so many others, he will be missed. To Gail and the 3 daughters, spouses and the rest of my family members stay strong for each other and see you all in the Spring to Celebrate Spider. Love you all.
Heather Druckenmiller
January 29, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss, prayers to your entire family and hopes that the fond memories of him are comforting during this time.
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