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Gordon Anke Obituary
Gordon Rudolph Anke, 83, formerly of
Muhlenberg Park, and most recently of Phoebe Berks Village, Wernersville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 5th, at The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading, Pa.
Gordon was born in Reading, Pa., on
September 20, 1933, son of the late Margarete J. (Stimpel) and Rudolph G. Anke. Gordon was the husband of the late Rigmor I. (Aronsson) Anke who passed away on August 8, 2016.
They met at the Reading Liederkranz German Club and were married in her hometown of Vasteras, Sweden, with 13 members of the Reading Liederkranz in attendance. They were married for 51 years.
Gordon is survived by two daughters,
Karen M., wife of Marc R. Levengood, of Sinking Spring, Pa., and Kirsten M. Anke of Forest Hill, Maryland. He is
also survived by 3 grandchildren: Riley Nicole, Keira Marie and Jared Thomas Levengood.
Gordon graduated from Hasbrouck Heights High School, N.J., in 1951 and from Albright College, Reading, Pa., in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. He also served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1962 and was aboard the U.S.S. Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16).
Gordon worked as a Pricing Coordinator at East Penn Manufacturing Company from where he retired in 2000.
A lifelong active member of Saint John's Lutheran Church, Reading, he with his wife received the Eagle Award in 1995 for outstanding volunteer service.
He was a lifelong student of the German language and with his wife, received the Friend of German Award in 2007 "for outstanding support for and promotion of
German and the study of German" from the American
Association of Teachers of German.
Gordon was an honorary member of the Reading
Liederkranz and served as Financial Secretary for 34
years, the longest running officer position ever held by any member. He was also a 50+ year member of the Reading Liederkranz Singers along with his wife.
Gordon was Past Master of the Teutonia Lodge #367 F&AM, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1984
and was an active member of the Fraternity for 40 years. Gordon was also actively involved in the Evergreen Country Club, the Pennsylvania United Federation of Singers, the American Legion Gregg Post #12, the Historical Society of Berks County and was a charter member of the Viking Lodge #735, VASA Order of America.
Services and interment were held Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to: Saint John's Lutheran Church, Attn: Don Reber, 521 Walnut Street, Reading, PA 19601; or the Reading Liederkranz Singers, Attn: Harriet Clauser, P.O. Box 4338, Reading, PA 19606; or the Swedish Viking Lodge #735, VASA Order of America, Attn: Linda Michelson, 1101 W. Jubilee Street. Emmaus, PA 18049.
Arrangements entrusted to the John P. Feeney Funeral Home, in Reading's Centre Park Historic District, 625 N. 4th St. at Centre Ave (Route 61) Reading, PA 19601.
Obituary, directions and condolences at
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Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Anke
Joan Feather
April 25, 2017
I was just informed of Gordon's passing. He was a very kind soul and will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Warren Berstler
April 3, 2017
My deepest condolences to Karen and Kirsten. Both Gordon and Rigmor were good friends who will be greatly missed.
Tom Flock and Sonja Liebich
March 20, 2017
It is with deep sorrow that Sonja and I write this note for Gordon. We had the opportunity to work with Gordon on the German language committee at St. John's Lutheran Church and Tom also worked with Gordon on the audit committee. We appreciated Gordon's love of the German Language service, his insights, and his attention to detail in taking good notes of the meetings and publishing and distributing those notes. We will always treasure Gordon's friendship and are appreciative of his years of service to St. John's and the Reading Liederkranz. The parting image that we will hold in our hearts and minds is an image of joy, an image of Gordon and Rigmor having a good time socializing and dancing at the Liederkranz. They are now reunited and dancing in each other's arms in heaven.
Pastor George Kinney
March 9, 2017
I always knew that when Gordon committed to anything (family, church, society) that he would be adamantly faithful to it. That is such a unique quality. Thank God for his witness!
the Rev. Dr. Arthur Turfa
March 9, 2017
The sadness of Gordon's passing is somewhat lessened by the fact that he is reunited with Rigmor, and that there will be a reunion one day for all of us. I was fortunate to have been taken in by the Ankes when I was a seminary intern and became part of the family. Heftiges Beileid.My wife, the Tev. Pamela C. Turfa, adds her condolences as she also knew them.
Leslie and Joanne White
March 9, 2017
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. We will always remember his kindness,
Charles Thrush
March 7, 2017
I am so very sorry for your loss. The world will be a lesser place without Gordon.
Chaplain Charles, Gregg Post 12
Melissa and Kevin Kochinsky
March 7, 2017
My family and I were saddened to hear of your father's passing. We were his neighbor on Red Oak Road. He and your mother were wonderful to our kids. Was so sad when your father informed us of your mother's passing. I can see them now holding hands in eternal peace. They will be missed.
March 7, 2017
How fortunate to have Gordon as a lifelong friend. "a friend is forever."
Alwin Allmer
Nancy Post
March 6, 2017
My heartfelt condolences. I know my parents will miss having dinner with him. May he rest in peace with Rigmor and others in eternal peace....
March 6, 2017
"Everybody thinks they're doing the right thing." - Gordon, (one of the wisest men I've known)
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