Robert C. Baessler

Robert C. "Bob" Baessler, 75, of Orwigsburg, passed away Thursday, June 30, at Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, near Orwigsburg.

Rob was born Aug. 23, 1946, in Philadelphia, a son of the late Anna May (Eichler) Hebden and Leroy Baessler.

He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Alexander Armstrong Hebden. Rob was very fond of his stepfather, and they shared a close relationship before his passing.

Rob was the husband of Karen E. (Strouse) Baessler. They married March 30, 1974.

Rob was a member of Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven.

He graduated from Murrell-Dobins Vocational Technical High School in 1964, as valedictorian, and then went into the Air Force as a sergeant in the Vietnam War. He then attended Penn State University, majoring in secondary education. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, and he graduated in 1971.

Rob worked as a math teacher in the Reading school district. While teaching, he earned his master's degree from Kutztown University. He worked as a math teacher for over 35 years. Robert retired in 2007.

In 2004, he was worshipful master of Schuylkill Lodge No. 138, F&AM. He was a member of the Valley of Reading Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry and served as past sovereign prince of Princes of Jerusalem. He served as grand tall cedar of Neversink Forest No. 32, Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Rob was past commander of Joseph W. Morrison VFW Post No. 2198, Orwigsburg. Rob was very active in scouting as a youth and an adult. He was cub master of Cub Pack No. 241, Alleghenyville, and also served as scoutmaster of that troop as well as district commission of Daniel Boone Council, Hawk Mountain Council.

In addition to Karen, his wife of 48 years, Rob is also survived by his daughter, Holly, wife of Andrew Zvorsky, of West Brunswick Twp., and his son, Todd Baessler, husband of Nicole, of Flying Hills. Robert is also survived by two brothers, Roy Baessler, husband of Gail, of Mass., and Bruce Baessler, husband of Eileen, of Pa. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tyler and Amanda Zvorsky and Makayla, Madyson, Makenna and Mia Baessler, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at noon Wednesday, July 6, at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Orwigsburg, with the Rev. Larry Laine officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 until 11:45 a.m., at which time there will be a Masonic Necrology service. Interment with military honors will be in Zion's Red Church Cemetery, Orwigsburg.