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Henry Beitler Obituary

Henry R. Beitler
Henry R. Beitler, 95, husband of the late June K. (Klick) Beitler, of Old Zionsville, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2013, at the Phoebe Home in Allentown. Born in Lower Milford Township on September 19, 1917, he was a son of the late Ambrose and Amanda (Jacob) Beitler and was educated in the Lower Milford Township Schools. Henry organized Boy Scout Troop #31 in Old Zionsville, where he served as Scout Master for 50 years and 54 scouts became Eagle Scouts under his leadership. He also served as a Scout Master for 8 National Jamborees and one World Jamboree. He was awarded numerous scouting awards including, the Service to Scouting, Shadow of the Eagle and the highest council award, the Silver Beaver. He organized the Lower Lehigh Lions Club and served as a Charter President. He was also a Charter member of the Old Zionsville Fire Company, where he served as President for two years, Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief for four years. He was the first chairman of the Upper Milford Recreation Committee and the Upper Milford Historical Society. He was instrumental in the location and naming of Lenape Park. Henry was a lifelong member of the Old Zionsville United Church of Christ where he served as an elder for 12 years and was a chairman of the Historical Committee and Property Committee of the church and a lifelong member of the Dillingersville Union School and Church Association, where he was a president for five years. He served his country honorably in the United States Army during World War II, where he was stationed in France and Germany, receiving three battle stars, and a bronze star and served again during the Korean Conflict. Henry was a life member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion Perkiomen Post #184. He was a clerk in the Old Zionsville Post Office for five years and postmaster for 28 years. It was through his efforts that the post office was moved from the hardware store to its present location. He also served one year as President and Vice President of District XIII from 1980-1983 of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Association of Postmasters. He was a member of the Jordan-Martin Masonic Lodge #673 of Allentown. Survivors: A step-son, Frank Cernelli and wife, Diane of Red Rancho, NM; step-granddaughter, Stephenie; and step-great-grandson, James; nieces and nephews, Marie, wife of Robert Derr of Boyertown, Arlene Melcher of Boyertown, Vivian Henry of East Greenville, Oella Ruff of Topton, Verna Mauer of East Greenville, Warren Albitz and wife, Joan of Gilbertsville and Donald Albitz of East Greenville; and many grand, great-grand and great-great-grand, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, June who passed on April 24, 2007; sister, Edna Albitz and brothers, Jacob and Horace Beitler. Services: 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2013, at Old Zionsville UCC, 5981 Fountain Road, Old Zionsville, PA 18068. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. A Masonic Funeral Service will be held at 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be private in Christ Union Cemetery, Niantic. Arrangements are entrusted to the Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home, 222 Washington Street, East Greenville. Share memories and offer words of comfort to the family at www.manslonakerfuneralhome.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, send memorial contributions to the Sanctuary Improvement Fund, Old Zionsville UCC, P.O. Box 215, Old Zionsville, PA 18068.

Published by Morning Call on Aug. 31, 2013.
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It´s been 8 years since you went home. I often think about you while passing/seeing your house. I hope that while you watch me (and all your "kids" that made Eagle), I live up to the standards of being an Eagle Scout. I still use the skills I learned from you (and scouting in general) in my daily life. You are greatly missed.

Jason Heminitz

August 25, 2021

Henry was my postmaster and scoutmaster while growing up in Old Zionsville. He was a bastion in the community, and was quick to greet everybody with a smile. A member of what is known now as the Greatest Generation, Henry certainly lived up to the name. He was always helpful and active in the community without seeking recognition for his acts. In Boy Scouts, he endeavored to teach us leadership, independence, discipline, and learning to work as a team. Henry will be sorely missed, and I am so sorry that I was unable to attend his funeral.

Ric Stoneback

September 8, 2013

Anyone who was in Troop 31 under Henry can understand what a privilege it was. We were the sharpest troop in Minsi Trails, or at least we believed that to be true. Henry gave us so many critical life skills through his example. I have thought of him frequently with much fondness and gratitude over the last 25 years and expect to the rest of my life. Thank you Henry.

Jason lindenmuth

September 7, 2013

To those who knew him and shared his guidance,
As an Eagle Scout of Troop 31, it would be an understatement to say that without his support, encouragement and example,I would never have achieved that rank. He thought me many things, survival skills,self reliance, to think for myself and that self initiative would be rewarded, among many others. He often found ways to excuse our failures and to acknowledge those failures as a path to be better Scouts and young men.
His selfless service to his country and community was unparalleled. Beyond his official duties, he was often the gentle hand that influenced the institutions that he led or was a part of to take a bigger role in making each of us and our community better than we would otherwise be.
Among other things, Henry taught me about the realities of our world. As a WWII veteran, he warned me that the glories of war, contrary to those portrayed on TV and in popular conversation , were far different than reality and that we needed to weigh carefully and think long and soberly whenever we put our citizens and soliers" lives at risk.
I will be forever grateful for his influence and his selfless gifts to everyone he touched.
May God bless you,
Aurel M. Arndt
Eagle Scout (1967)
Troop #31

September 6, 2013

I was truly blessed to have known you my entire life. Old Zionsville UCC will miss your smile. Thank you for all your words of encouragement. I know you are resting in God's loving embrace.

Jessica Yothers

September 6, 2013

My condolences to Henry's family friends and Scouts. I met Henry in the summer of 1967 when he was my Assistant Scoutmaster for the World Jamboree troop composed of scouts from Lehigh County Council, Valley Forge Council (Montgomery & Delaware counties) and Baltimore Area Council. At the Jamboree, we were camped next to a troop from Japan. My enduring memory of Henry was walking through the campsite and seeing him talking to a Japanese Scout. I recognized the Japanese scout and knew that he spoke no English. As I approached them I discovered how they were communicating: the Japanese Scout in German, Henry in Pennsylvania Dutch. It struck me as a perfect metaphor for the scouting movement and especially the World Jamboree and was perfectly defined by Henry. Unfortunately I lost touch with Henry even though I ended up living only a few miles away. Thank you for everything Henry.

Richard Wells

September 6, 2013

Henry always had a smile and a laugh when I would pick up the mail. We would trade a joke or two. My brother, Ric, had a load of fun being a scout in Henry's troop. What more can I say? Henry was a pillar of the community. God bless him!

Rob Stoneback

September 6, 2013

My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Henry Beitler. As a member of his Troop 31 in the late 60's, I remember him guiding us (with maybe a little pushing) to advance in rank and attend not only the regional Boy Scout camps and outings but to try to get to (among others) the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and the National Jamboree in Idaho.He knew we should try to experience not only what scouting had to offer, but to see the bigger picture of how traveling to different parts of the country and meeting people from different backgrounds would help us grow and enrich our lives.
I thank you Henry. Countless people are thankful for having you in their life in some way.

Steve Bartosik

September 5, 2013

I offer my condolences to Henry's friends and family. I was introduced to Henry in 1992 when I became a Boy Scout. I lived within walking distance to his house and would spend several hrs there talking and learning. Henry became a 2nd father to me. With his understanding, his advice, and his motivation, I became an Eagle Scout in 1998. Henry and my father are my role models. Henry taught me skills in scouting but more importantly, they both showed me what it was to be a man. Henry showed me what is needed to be a true leader. He taught me how to take charge in a chaotic moment but still remain humble. He also taught me how to step aside when my knowledge lacked and someone else was there that had the needed knowledge. Although there is nearly a 60 year age gap and he always referred to me as "one of his kids", I considered Henry a great friend and even an extra father, as I mentioned earlier. I loved Henry as such and not only will I miss him, I will miss his advise and wisdom. Henry is a great man and I can only hope I live up to the high standard he has set.

Jason Heminitz

September 3, 2013

To Henry's family I offer my deepest condolences. Henry and I remained friends since the days when I was one of his Scouts. He also remained an example of how to be a good man. He obeyed the Scout Law better than anyone else I ever knew. When I once asked him about his personality and temperament and whether he ever got angry, he responded, "I remember getting mad only twice." What a wonderful fellow, and what an impact he had on so many. I was blessed to have had his influence.

Dan Crane

September 2, 2013

Ed and I knew Henry from Boy Scouts. What a wonderful man and leader. He is at peace with the Lord and you can celebrate a life well lived.

Jane and Ed Snyder

September 1, 2013

Mr. Beitler was our Assistant Scoutmaster for the 11 Lehigh Council scouts who attended the 1967 World Jamboree in Idaho. He was a wonderful leader who taught us many scouting skills, but more importantly, how to be become better young men and citizens of this country. I was saddened to learn about his recent passing, but know that his full life was an inspiration to so many people. Thank you Mr. Beitler! God Bless You.

Colonel (Ret.) Carl Kropf

September 1, 2013

to the family of Henry I extend my condolences as a longtime aquaintence of his growing up in Old Zionsville since 1954 oldest of the Hartman family with five siblings, we cherished Henry as a mentor and leader. He helped shape our lives to become responsible adults. He mentors my brothers as their scout leaders and I know he will never be forgotten. He will remain in our memories and I know we will all meet again someday. Mary Jane Hartman

August 31, 2013

You are now home with Aunt June. We will miss you so much. You were such a great uncle and so much fun to be around. You have touched so many lives. All our love.

Sue & John Bates

August 31, 2013

What a great guy! I knew Henry when I was a young Associate District Executive for the Boy Scouts in the early 1970's. He was an inspiration to scouts of all ages. Well done Henry!

Edward Newcomb

August 31, 2013

My father Alan R. Unangst & Henry were great scouting friends years ago. They were very dedicated & made a powerful impact on local scouting. The Minsi Trails council was made stronger with their presence. I have many fond memories as a child visiting June & Henry. I remember being so impressed with their player piano. The world was made better with Henry in it! Condolences to all family & friends.

Jo Lyn Unangst

August 31, 2013

Henry:
You were a great friend to our family and a great mentor to our kids. You loved to hear our son Zachary play the piano and wished that he would have played the church organ and you loved how Matthew was always willing to help you out in your time of need and how just a few days ago you spoke these words to him... "Thanks for being my friend"... likewise Henry... Thanks for being our friend. You will always be in our hearts.

Charles and Carol Brown

August 31, 2013

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