Michael Gerth

Michael P. Gerth, 53, of Birdsboro passed away at home on October 15, 2013 of natural causes.

He was the loving father of two daughters: Megan E. Gerth of Maryland and

Molly E. Gerth of Lancaster.

Born in Reading on April 27, 1960, he was the son of William P. Gerth and Gloria J. Crammer. He was also the stepson of Fern E. Gerth.

He was a 1978 graduate of Lampeter-Strasburg High School, after which he served in the United States Marine Corps until 1982. For most of his working life, he was a self-employed

contractor doing business as Forum Remodeling and

Construction. Until his death, he was employed at Tomlinson Bomberger.

Michael loved the outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, or capturing the beauty of nature in photographs and film. He was an active member of Quality Deer Management Association, a national nonprofit wildlife conservation organization, serving as president of the local branch for several years. His passion for the cause was whole-hearted and evident in the great pride he took in being a weekend farmer of food plots, an

important aspect of managing healthy and sustainable white-tailed deer populations.

In addition to his daughters and parents, he is survived by two brothers: William D. Gerth, husband of Karen, of Ephrata; and Richard L. Gerth of Lancaster; one sister, Cynthia A. Scornavacchi of Reading; and a half brother, David D. Blough, husband of Kimberly, of North Carolina.

Also surviving are three nieces: Rebecca J. Gerth, Ashley L. Jarowecki and Caitlin C. Balloch. He was predeceased by a nephew, James D. Balloch.

Memorial services will be held in the Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., 2100 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, PA 19606 on Monday Evening at 6:00 p.m. Interment private at the convenience of the

family.

In lieu of flowers,

contributions may be made to the Quality Deer Man-agement Association P.O. Box 160 Bogart, GA 30622. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com.