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BORN
1935
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Donald Gottshall Obituary
Donald "Dick" R. Gottshall, 84, o
Leesport, passed away Friday, May 17th, 2019, at his residence surrounded by family
members.
Donald was born in Reading on May 7, 1935, a son of the late Stella G. (Reifs
nyder) and Raymond Y. Gottshall and was the husband of 60 years of Karen (Shrom) Gottshall, of Leesport.
He was a 1953 graduate of Pennside High School, Albright College (B.S.) and Spring
field College (M.S.) and served in the U.S.
Army Reserve as a sergeant. Dick taught
physical education and health at
Wyomissing Area High School for 35 years, where he was a track and cross country coach, winning several county titles while touching the lives of hundreds of students and athletes. Dick went on to coach men's and women's cross country and track at Albright College for 12 years after his retirement from Wyomissing,
succeeding his former coach and mentor Eugene Shirk.
As a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church of Reading, Dick was active in church council and youth ministries.
Dick was a very giving man, spending his free summers volunteering his time and talents helping less fortunate in Reading through the Southwest Christian Ministries,
Philadelphia, and Johns Island, S.C. More recently, Dick had been an avid flea marketer, tending his stand at the Leesport Auction every Wednesday.
In addition to his wife, Karen, Donald is survived by three sons: Steven C., husband of Connie Gottshall, of Caldwell, W.Va., David M., husband of Beth Gottshall, of Shillington, Timothy R., husband of Angie Gottshall, of Avon Lake, Ohio; sister, Mary Ann, wife of Robert Axtell, of Canton, N.Y. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Sarah, Abigail, Amanda, Elizabeth, Eric, Melissa, Matthew and Jacob.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday from 10 to 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Holy
Trinity, 102 Apple St., Leesport, PA 19533. Religious service at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Leesport Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name are requested to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 33 South 11th Street, Reading, PA 19602.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home Inc., in Reading's Centre Park Historic District, 625 N. 4th St. at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160 Obituary and condolences at www.johnpfeeney.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Gottshall
Dr Richard Chwastiak
June 10, 2020
Was my gym teacher for most of my years at Wyomissing Area Fond memories of him and May his memory be eternal Dr Richard Chwastiak
Peter Clavin
May 24, 2019
I was sorry to hear of Don's passing. Don was one of a kind. Tough on the exterior with a heart of gold on the interior. Don will surely be missed, but his legacy will live on with all who knew him. I think it is fair to say that all who knew Don, had a chance to experience greatness.......Don was a geat coach, teacher, and friend. I'm glad I had the pleasure of knowing him. Don lived his life to the fullest.....he was a lead by example type coach, a man who was willing to travel anywhere for his runners, and a man who was willing to put some sweat into doing charity work, Don was the definition of a true man. He was true grit.......eat your heart out John Wayne......Don was the real deal! The world would be a better place, if there were more people like Don. Well, Don......I will miss you. That final gun has sound......and Don has run his final lap. I hope he is sitting up there on the podium....looking down.....knowing he ran a great race.......Don's life was a gold medal performance. I'll miss you bud. My deepest condolences to Don's family.
Michael Liss
May 24, 2019
Coach, mentor, friend. These are the words that come to mind when I think of Don. From the time I first met him as a high school senior until the time we last met this past spring, I could not ask for a better role model. Don taught and lived the lessons of a strong work ethic, commitment, dedication, and team work. I have taken the lessons he taught me and used them to succeed in my professional career and now as a coach as well. I can honestly say, I would not enjoy the success I do today without Don's guidance. Thank you Coach. I will miss you.
Lisa Feerrar (Brown)
May 23, 2019
The Brown family of runners and Wyomissing grads send our sincere sympathies to the Gottshall family. Coach Gottshall was an unforgettable teacher and coach. We are all richer for running on the same path with him.
Richard Tetley
May 23, 2019
You will be always in our memories.
tom clavin
May 22, 2019
Don was one of the toughest real deal guys I have known and a man of few words. But to those that really knew him he was more than that. He was was generous and goodhearted with a real concern for others. The world could use more people like him and he will be surely missed by those who knew him.
Jim Fotiou
May 22, 2019
I'm just one of the myriad of former students who will, no doubt, reach out to offer condolences. Mr. Gottshall was a very fine man, a great teacher and a terrific person. We were lucky to have him as a role model. May he rest in peace.
Lori Choynowski McKenney
May 21, 2019
Karen - I am so sorry to hear of Coach Gottshall's passing. He was such an important part of my time at Albright (1992 - 1996). I loved him as my track coach and as the men's cross country coach. I know he meant so much to so many of us! His coaching will inspire so many athletes for so many years to come.
Sandra Mohler
May 21, 2019
Don, you were one fine man. And raised a wonderful fine man - my daughter's Godfather.
You were a positive influence on everyone you ever met and will never be forgotten
Jean Curry
May 21, 2019
Liz, I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Pop-Pop. He was obviously truly loved and admired for good reason. Heaven will seem familiar to him - he has been doing God's work all along
Andy &LaJoyce Shrom
May 21, 2019
Dick was a man of resilience filled with the nature of God, loved by his family! He was quiet with a demeanor of knowing what to do next. He will be missed, but we will see him again!
David Clemens
May 20, 2019
I still follow his running advice. He provided calm guidance and direction. RIP, sir. Our prayers are with family and friends.
Greg Ferriss
May 20, 2019
Don was a great track and cross country coach, as well as a mentor and friend when I went to Albright from 89-93. He meant a lot to me during those college years. I fondly remember running with him and the beat up van he used to always drive us around in to start our long distance runs. He cared so much for the kids he ran with... I will never forget him. I owe him so much.
Stephanie Higbee
May 20, 2019
Very sad to hear this. He was an awesome gym and health teacher.
Melissa Meade
May 19, 2019
I am deeply saddened to learn of Coach Gottshall's passing. He was such a lovely and caring man. He was my inspiration to attend Albright College. I first met him when I was only a senior in high school. He used to attend my high school track meets when he coached at Albright. Since he had contacted me about track to possibly be a part of his team and we had met me at meets, my mother felt comfortable bringing me to see the College. Perhaps my life would have taken another trajectory had I not met him at that crucial time! (I've now graduated with my PhD.) I know he's shining down on us!
Edward (Edd) Schell
May 19, 2019
As a student of WHS in the early '60s and a member of his Track and Cross Country teams, I never fully realized what a wonderfully compassionate man he was! I'll always remember him as a knowledgeable and supportive coach, driving us up the hill of life with both arms, passing our opponents and gaining a win for ourselves, our school and our future. I salute Don and hope to meet him again when he's recognized for his humanity and humility in Heaven.
The Bennis'
May 19, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of Coach Gottshall's passing. He was such a good influence on us and our teammates at WAHS. Coach Gottshall wore a jacket that had You must run it alone embroidered on it, but Coach Gottshall, you were never alone and will never be alone.
Richard Dieffenbach
May 19, 2019
Peace to you Mr Gottschall. Thanks for your guidance.
David Bowers
May 19, 2019
Coach was a great man. Spent time with me helping to develop my running skills. He'll be missed.
Peter Cellucci
May 19, 2019
I am so very sorry at the passing of this fine man & colleague who embodied physical education & cross country excellence at Wyomisding Area HS. Don's memory will remain with me until the very end. He stood straight & tall as an educator for all the many years that we worked together.
A.J. US Army Retired
May 19, 2019
THANK YOU FOR SERVING!!
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