Rev. Donald W. Wert
The Rev. Donald W. Wert, 77, of Lehighton, died Thursday, October 7, 2010 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Janice Ruth (Reichard) Wert. The couple celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary last July 31. Born in Catasauqua, May 29, 1933, Donald was the son of the late Raymond E. and Mildred G. (Kidd) Wert. He graduated from Catasauqua High School, Moravian College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1959. He was ordained on May 23, 1959 by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, fulfilling his long-time aspirations of becoming a pastor. He served as pastor of the Line Mountain parish (1959-1962); the Grimsville parish/ Zion, Krumsville (1962 - 1973); St. Pauls, Orwigsburg (1974 - 1979); Huffs / New Jerusalem Fleetwood (1979 - 1986); Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, Neffs (1986-1995) where he is credited with starting the current committee structure and initiated the Union Study process which eventually led to the building of a new church. He was named Pastor Emeritus of the congregation. Pastor Wert has been active in church and community activities throughout his career. He served as mission district dean and as a member of the synod Stewardship Committee, Rural and Appalachian Ministry Committee and Executive Board. Since his retirement in 1995, Pastor Wert has continued to serve as an interim and supply pastor. He currently is a member of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church (Trachsville), Palmerton. Survivors: In addition to his loving wife, Janice; sons, Robert T. Wert and his wife, Angie, of Kutztown, Ronald T. Wert and his wife, Andrea, of Lyons Station, Randall T. Wert and his wife, June, of Lenhartsville; brother, Robert Wert and his wife, Sandra, of Stroudsburg; eight grandchildren; predeceased by a sister, Janice Gallagher, a brother, Raymond Wert and a grandson, Timothy. Service: A memorial service will be held 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5500 Route 873, Schnecksville. Family and friends may pay their respects from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the church. 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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Mrs. Wert and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember Pastor Wert from when I was a little girl going to Grimsville Church. He was a terrific person! Due to my work schedule I was unable to come to the services, I apologize. My mom also sends her deepest sympathies.
Cindy (Breiner) Wilt
October 22, 2010
Dear Mrs. Wert, we were shocked and saddened to hear of Pastor Werts passing. We moved to the Schnecksville area in 1993 and became members of the Union church there. Pastor Donald made us feel so welcomed. We truly enjoyed his teaching the Bible study classes and hated to seem him retire and leave. He left footprints on our hearts!
Sincerely,
Nancy & Jim Sinkus
Slatington, PA
October 15, 2010
Thinking of you at this time. I am very sad to hear of Pastor Wert's passing. I loved to listen to his sermons. He always made you feel welcomed. Sometimes it was just by knowing your name.
Robin Peters
Union Evangelical Lutheran Church
Robin Peters
October 14, 2010
Dear Jan and Family, donna and i were coming to pay our respects to both of you however we stayed for the service . it was a beautiful ceremony and i"m happy to see the effect Don had on so many lives he was a great man.
john and donna healey
October 14, 2010
Dear Janice and family, We will miss our neighbor and friend. David and I had the hornor of Pastor Wert performing our wedding ceremony 4 yrs ago on Blue Mountain...a day we will never forget. We are going to miss his deer stories! Jancie we are here for you whatever and whenever. All our love, David & Sue
Sue Prout
October 13, 2010
Dear Janice and Family,
I have had the pleasure of taking care of you and Donald when coming for you Dr. Appt. we had a spiritual connection that won't ever fade. Donald is now serving beside our Lord and Savior and is keeping a Loving watch over you all. May you all be embraced by his Love and Memories for many years to come.
God Bless and Keep you all,
Love,
Paula
Paula Breiner
October 13, 2010
Jan-Thinking of you..
Judy Gaffney
October 12, 2010
Janice and family, Our deepest sympathy and condolences on your loss. Growing up on Race St. in E. Catty I knew Donald as an "older" boy and he was so very nice. May your memories sustain you and your family. Love Janice "Nin" Brosky Snyder and Jive
Janice Snyder
October 11, 2010
Janice , we want to express our sadness
at Don's death. I knew Don well in College
and he was a real friend. He also was an
usher at our wedding. Looks like Don
has had a very successful career and he
did what he always said he was meant to do;
The work of the Lord.
Rudy and Anna Kresh
Rudy Kresh
October 11, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Remember, although he is gone, you still have the memories. God bless.
Shirley Lutz and husband, Kenneth Bleiler
Shirley Lutz
October 10, 2010
Our prayers are with you and your family. Have known Donald for a long time.
Emily & Edward Folland
October 10, 2010
Mrs. Wert and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Pastor Wert's passing. I was his church secretary when he was Pastor at Grimville, and he married Don & myself in 1967. My sister Linda also sends her condolences. He will be greatly missed. Sincerely,
Don & Sandra (Pfeifly) Nicholas
Linda Pfeifly
October 10, 2010
Janice, I'm sorry to learn of Donald's passing. I've known him since childhood. My prayers are with you. Sincerely,
Dick Holland
October 10, 2010
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