Wilbur E. Hartranft

Wilbur E. Hartranft

Wilbur E. Hartranft, 79, of Lehighton, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in the St. Luke's Hospice House, Black River Road, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Lela (Walker) Hartranft. They had been married 56 years.

Born in Lehighton, he was a son of the late Paul W. Hartranft Sr. and Dorothy (Mertz) Hartranft.

Wilbur attended Mary Packer Cummings Memorial School and later earned his GED. He was an auto mechanic and also worked as a laborer and property maintenance specialist. He had his own handyman locksmith business for many years.

He was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Allentown, where his wife Lela was pastor.

Wilbur enjoyed working with his hands, painting, carving pictures into wood and leather, and making clocks and birdhouses.

Surviving in addition to his widow are his daughters, Melissa, wife of John Kraynanski, and Amy Reimers; grandchildren, Emily, Kate and Kourtney Kraynanski; and his brother, Paul W. Hartranft Jr., and his wife, Betty.

He was also predeceased by a daughter, Jessica Hartranft.

Service: Out of respect for Wilbur's wishes, funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind, 105 N. Front St., Suite 106 Rear, Harrisburg, PA 17101. The Mayes-Melber Funeral Home, Weissport, is entrusted with arrangements.