Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Benjamin Longenecker Obituary
Benjamin Eby Longe-necker Jr., M.D., died in the morning of Feb. 25, 2011, at the Highlands of
Wyomissing after a long illness.
Born in Middletown in 1921, the son of the late Benjamin Eby Longe-necker and Annie Margaret (Keiper) Longenecker, he graduated from Middletown High School in 1939 and from Phillips Academy, Andover, in 1941. He earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Yale University in 1944 and a Doctor of Medicine from Jefferson Medical School in 1949.
Following an internship and residency at the Reading Hospital, he practiced general medicine briefly before he was called into the United States Army with the rank of first lieutenant. He served eighteen months in Korea, and then at New Cumberland. In 1955 he moved to South Temple to set up a family practice. He also served as a company physician for Western Elec-tric/AT&T. He retired from medicine in 1987.
Dr. Longenecker was an active member of Epiphany Lutheran Church, Temple, where he sang in the choir in his later years and served on church council and various other church committees. He was a member of the Berks County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Medical Society and a certified member of the American Academy of Fam-ily Physicians.
He is survived by Theodora (Uelzmann) Longenecker, his wife of 62 years; sons David Longenecker, Boulder, Colo., and Kevin Longe-necker, Muhlenberg Township, husband of Karen Feryo Longenecker; daughter Kris-ten, Wyomissing, wife of Peter N. Zacharias; and grandchildren Peter K. Zacharias; David Zacharias, husband of Ruth (Cavanaugh) Zacharias; Caitlin Zacharias; Lauren Longenecker; Kathryn Lon-genecker; and Elise Lon-genecker. A sister, Margaret (Longenecker) Kern, Middletown, predeceased him.
Memorial services will be held in the auditorium at The Highlands at Wyomissing at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 5. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, don-ations may be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church, 631 North Temple Blvd., Temple, PA 19560-1735, or to the Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Longenecker
March 2, 2011
Kristen, Kevin, David and families,
We add our sincere condolences to those who remember your dad's wonderful medical skills and caring. We only heard tell of that from others; however, as cousins we've known him as a wonderful caring human being. We remember his humor, his integrity, the twinkle in his eye. It was always good and fun to be in his presence. You, and especially your mother, are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Max and Erika
March 1, 2011
Dear Kristen and Family,
I was so sorry to read and learn of your father's passing.
He was my doctor as a child through my adult years, until his retirement. He also was my parents doctor. My Dad always said he was the "BEST", and never did find another doctor close to filling Dr. Longenecker's shoes. His dedication was something which is not found today.
May God give you all strength in peace knowing he is in a better place where there is no pain and suffering.
Love & Blessings,
Patti Hiester McCarty
Diane Kantner
February 28, 2011
Kristen, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the death of your father. I remember him not as a doctor, but as your father when we were in grade school and hung out together with Alex and a few others. My thought and prayers are with you.
Jen and Bill Smith and Family
February 28, 2011
To Kevin and Karen and family - our deepest sympathy for your loss. Your stories about your Dad always made me laugh and touched my heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 27, 2011
Dr. Longenecker was our family physican my entire life until his retirement. His devotion to the medical profession has left a lasting impresion in many hearts.
Gigi Lawrence
February 27, 2011
Dr. Longenecker was our family physican my entire life until his retirement. His devotion to the medical profession has left a lasting impresion in many hearts.
Susan Morrow Hensel
February 27, 2011
I remember Dr. Longenecker as a warm and loving family man who always remained calm regardless of the activity around him. Remembering fondly the swimming/barbeques with our families and the sometimes "serious" bridge games between the the parents. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Ann Kauffman-MacPherson
February 27, 2011
I knew Dr. Longenecker for many years. He was our family doctor when I was a teen in Temple. His daughter, Kristen, was (is) one of my best friends. I'll never forget that wonderful family, the fun we had at the house and the professionalism of the doctor. He will always be a fond part of my youth and I just know he will be missed. There are very few, if any, doctors like him. Hugs, gratitude and love from Seattle,Wa. He will never be forgotten, in my heart forever.
George Losoncy
February 27, 2011
Temple was fortunate to have such a dedicated doctor in our community. He was always on call 24 hours a day. One of the last of the doctors` to make house calls. He was the epitome of compassionate care in the field of medicine.
Barbara Mills
February 27, 2011
My sympathy to all the family. Dr. Longenecker was my family Dr. for many years and was always available for our needs, even emergencies and house calls. He is missed.
Allen Kohl
February 27, 2011
Dr. Longenecker was my family's doctor both as a child and after I married while living in Temple. He exemplified the highest degree of service and care to his patients. He always responded to our emergency needs by visiting our home when called upon. In one instance during a major snowstorm, he drove my brother to the Reading Hospital during a medical emergency. What a wonderful man! He will be missed.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Benjamin Longenecker's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Benjamin Longenecker
How to support Benjamin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Benjamin Longenecker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
