Robert P. Kuder
Robert P. Kuder, 82, of Neffs, died Friday, October 25, 2013, at Lehigh Valley Hospital- Cedar Crest. He was the husband of Melba M. (Schneck) Kuder. The couple celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary last April 7. Born in Allentown, August 12, 1931, Robert was the son of the late Clayton and Erma (Heimbach) Kuder. He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era. A graduate of Kutztown University with a B.S. in Education and Lehigh University with a Masters Degree in Education and Administration, Mr. Kuder was employed by the Parkland School District as an Elementary School Teacher for 19 years and Elementary School Principal for 19 years before retiring in 1993. While attending college, he worked in the Mens Department at Sears, Whitehall. Active in the life of his church, school district and community, Robert was a member of the Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schnecksville where he formerly served on the council, a life member of the PA Assoc. of School Retirees, the Lehigh Co. Assoc. of School Retirees, the Korean Army Security Agency and the Copeechan Fish & Game Club. He was a member and former officer of the Trojan Alumni Varsity Club, a former member of Cub Scout Leader, Troop #57, Neffs, the Upper Lehigh Lions Club, and the PA Assoc. of Elementary Principals. Survivors: In addition to his wife, Melba; sons, Richard S. Kuder, and Eric C. Kuder and his companion, Elsa, both of Neffs, Robert P. Kuder II and his wife, Dawn, of Hopewell Junction, NY; grandsons, David E. Kuder, Anthony P. Kuder; predeceased by sisters, Leona M. Beck, Bernadine D. Burian. Services: Funeral services will be held 7:30 p.m., Monday, October 28, 2013, at Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5500 PA Route 873, Schnecksville, with the Rev. Dennis W. Moore officiating. Family and friends may pay their respects from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday in the church narthex. Private interment at Union Church Cemetery, Neffs. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., in Schnecksville is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Union Evangelical Lutheran Church Building Fund c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.
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Mr. Kuder was my sixth grade teacher in 1980 when the winter olympics were on. We watched them daily and learned about the events.
He took us on a field trip to his cabin, created the "Level 17 Club" for spelling for our class, and inspired every one of us to do and become our best.
He believed in all of us and never showed any favoritism. He elevated us all with his natural charisma. He taught not only what was required, but took us above and beyond like no other teacher I've ever had. He brought out the very best in every one of us.
He was like a father and a loving grandfather and our teacher, and we all just wanted to please him and make him proud of us. We truly felt special and loved and cared about every day, along with safe, secure, respected, and cherished.
He said to me (at age 11) that I am very methodical and he thought that I would design bridges. It turns out that he wasn't far off as I design fire alarm systems and other low voltage electrical systems.
He and my father were friends from when he was at Midway Manor School in east Allentown.
He had such a zest and fervor for life, and fun - especially kickball. I had so much fun in his class as a kid. he brought every subject to life and made it interesting and neat to learn about.
What an example of everything that a teacher can do and be for young kids. We all loved and adored and deeply respected him. We still do.
When my father told me that he had passed away, I think it was in 2016, and I was about 48 then - I cried as he was so valued to me for so long.
He would tell us about his wife and kids and their lives with such pride and love in his voice and eyes. He made me a better kid and a better man.
Mr. Kuder - this world needs teachers and people like you. You were the best !! To me, you have been the reference standard for teachers.
Lovingly, and God bless you all,
Tom Farrington
Tom Farrington
School
April 17, 2022
I became a teacher because of Mr. Kuder. He was my 6th grade teacher, and the best teacher I had in all my years of education!!!
Laura Hunsicker
November 5, 2013
The world has lost a wonderful man. Bob hired me to teach at Parkway Manor. He was always kind and thoughtful to everyone. He will be missed. Sorry for your loss Melba and sons. Linda Sherer
November 1, 2013
Mrs Kuder and family,
The messages posted here echo the thoughts of so many others. Mr Kuder was that one teacher for those of us who went to Schnecksville, who we could only hope we had when we were in 6th grade. I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher. While he held discipline in high regard, he also held having fun while learning in high regard. I will always remember that year, as the best year of all my school years. He was an impact on so many of us and influenced so many...He will be missed! May God be with you and your family during this difficult time.
Andy Schneck
October 28, 2013
Dear Kuder Family,
I was very sad to hear of Mr. Kuder's passing. I went through all of elementary school hoping to have him as my 6th grade teacher. He promised me he would wait for me and not retire until I had him. It was finally the year of 6th grade and he was my teacher! He only taught for a few weeks before he left, but those were some of the best weeks. I always wanted to be a teacher and wanted to be as good as him. Now that I am a teacher I know he would be proud of what I have become. Know that this world is better because of all the lives Mr. Kuder has influenced. God bless.
Shontell Kemmerer
October 28, 2013
Mrs. Kuder and family, I am so sadden to hear of the loss of Mr. Kuder. He was a wonderful man. I only have fond memories of him growing up in Neffs and him being my 6th teacher at Parkland. May you find comfort in the fond memories you have as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bonnie Mazziotta,Rumble
October 28, 2013
To the Kuder family,
He was such a kind man. I was never lucky enough to have him as a teacher, although my brother did. He always took time to talk to me in the hallways, and I still remember him fondly 20 years later.
Maribeth Kradel-Weitzel
October 28, 2013
To the Kuder Family,
We were sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Ray & Terri Capozzi
October 28, 2013
To the Kuder Family,
I was deeply sadden to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the little things, the small, everyday occurrences that you'll remember; the laughs, the stories, the smiles. I have such fond memories of having Mr. Kuder as my 6th grade teacher way back in 1975. He will be deeply missed.
Sue Huss (Royer)
October 28, 2013
ToOur dear and long time friend. Melba our love, thoughts and sympathy go out to you and your family in the passing of Robert. I wish I could be there with you at your time of sorrow. Your memories of Robert will be with you all the time. God bless you.
Marilyn Manchester/Ruth cimino
October 28, 2013
Mrs. Kuder & Family,
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. He was a wonderful man!
Kathy Gruber-Herman
October 28, 2013
To the Kuder Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. He will always be remembered.
Fred and Tammi Dannecker
October 28, 2013
Many condolences. Mr. Kuder was a wonderful man and teacher. One of the best teachers ever at Schnecksville. I still remember the roller skating parties! God Bless!
Lisa
October 28, 2013
To the Kuder family I am sorry to hear of your loss. Denise McKelvey
October 28, 2013
Dear Melba and Family,
May God bless your family as you celebrate Bob's life. I will always remember his booming voice in the halls, his fairness in discipline, and his caring spirit. He was my principle in elementary school, but I can still remember his words of wisdom today. He touched many lives, especially those whom other teachers couldn't quite reach, by watching for their interests, then tapping their full potential until they blossomed as students. May his wonderful spirit live long in your hearts.
Audrey and Emery Marsteller
October 27, 2013
When I met Mr. Kuder in Kindergarten, it became my greatest hope to have him in 6th grade. He threatened retirement for those next 5 years, and had the "retirement plant" which when it reached around the room he would retire. I was very happy when the summer cleaning ladies "Killed" that plant when it was imminent it would reach his retirement mark. I was fortunate enough to have him in 6th grade and he became my most treasured teacher. Mr. Kuder was the first person besides my father I wanted to make some of his qualities my own. The wit and humor I have today I can directly attribute to Mr Kuder. He was always quick on his feet, upbeat, positive, and funny. The world is a better place today because of the lives Mr. Kuder touched and influenced.
Eric Dorman
October 27, 2013
Dear Mrs. Kuder and family,
My memory of Mr. Kuder from my grade school years in the 1960s is a happy one. He always made us kids feel like we were cared for and protected. I still remember his booming voice starting out with "boys and girls..." His smile and personality were larger than life. I am sorry for your loss; may the God of peace comfort you now and always.
Darlene Schneck
October 27, 2013
Dear Kuder Family..I was in Bob's first class when he returned to teaching. Whenever anyone asks me if I had a teacher that made a difference, I proudly say that Bob Kuder was my 6th grade teacher and had a profound effect on my education and my life.
I can't imagine the loss that you are feeling. I felt the loss as soon as I heard the news. I will keep you all in my hearts and prayers. God bless
Shelly (Spangenberg) Adams
October 27, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Please accept our sincere sympathy. May he rest in peace.
Walt & Noreen Novitsky
October 27, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dale and Eleanor Lakatosh
October 27, 2013
A life well lived.
Rest in Peace,Mr.Kuder.
Charles Family
October 27, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Thomas Gallagher
October 27, 2013
Dear Mrs.Kuder and Family,
I was sad to hear the loss of Mr. Kuder.I have nothing but wonderful memories of him.Growing up in Neffs and and playing with the group of children from Neffs.In my eyes Mr.Kuder was a loving ,kind and caring person.I remember when we would go down to the playground and play football.He didn't want any boys to throw me to the ground ,because I was a girl.He was almost like a father I never had.My thoughts and prayers are with all of you's at this time.
Cindy ( Mazziotta) Holobusky
Walnutport Pa.
Cindy Holobusky
October 27, 2013
Melba and family, My condolences to you and your family on the passing of Robert. As you share, talk, and remember, may you truly find that the one you loved so much is still living in your hearts.
Janice Snyder
October 27, 2013
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