Jon R. Pichelman Sr.

Jon R. Pichelman, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully at his home on July 21, 2025, with his beloved wife Dottie by his side. As he often remarked in his final days, "I lived a good life," and indeed Jon's life was one filled with love and a deep commitment to family, faith, and nature. Born on May 23, 1940, in Duluth, Minnesota, Jon was the son of the late Ina (Soderquist) and Herbert Pichelman. He grew up on his family's farm in Saginaw, where he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and reverence for the natural world. Along with his siblings-Lyle, Karen, and Frank-Jon spent countless hours fishing in the lakes of Minnesota, a pastime he would enjoy throughout his life. Jon enjoyed music and learned to play the accordion when he was around 10 years old. His love of music remained with him, and it was a ongoing source of joy and comfort. Jon's high school years were spent in a very rural community, with a graduating class of just eight students. Despite the school's small size, he enjoyed playing on the basketball team. For his senior yearbook, he chose the personal quote: "Time is but the stream I go fishing in." After graduating, Jon attended the University of Minnesota for two years before enrolling in business school, where he became a certified court stenographer. At the age of 23, he packed up and drove to Philadelphia, where he found not only the promise of good work but also the love of his life. It was there, on 38th & Walnut streets, that Jon met Dottie, who was immediately charmed by his genuine personality, shy demeanor and good looks. They married in 1964 and spent 61 years building a beautiful life together. For seven years, while in his 20s, Jon served his country as a Private in the U.S. Army Reserves. Jon's professional career spanned over five decades. For 30 years, he was a highly respected Court Reporter in Montgomery County, where he was known for his dedication, skill, and progressive approach to his work. After retiring, he continued to work freelance jobs for various attorneys and townships for another 20 years. Jon and Dottie raised three beloved children-Cindy, Lori, and Jon Jr.-in a historic farmhouse built in 1729, nestled in the countryside outside Royersford, PA. Jon was a dedicated father and grandfather, nurturing his family with love, patience, and wisdom. He was a kind, gentle (yet strong) man with a great sense of humor, often expressed in his lighthearted pranks. A longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Royersford for 55 years, Jon served numerous roles, including on the grounds and finance committees, hosting church picnics, and playing on the church's basketball and baseball teams. Alongside Dottie, he also led the Youth Group for years. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life. His quiet, calm presence radiated peace to those around him. In addition to his professional and spiritual life, Jon had many activities and hobbies. He loved spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing, hiking, hunting, or playing golf. He had a remarkable knack for fixing things and took great pride in solving problems - whether repairing something around the house or tackling a tricky puzzle. He taught himself how to play the guitar while in his 70s and continued to learn new accordion music up to his final days. He enjoyed lively, and often boisterous, rounds of karaoke at home with his adult kids and grandchildren. Jon also enjoyed playing cards and bocce, bringing his whole heart to anything he did. Jon is survived by his wife, Dottie (Kershetsky); children Cindy (Jim) Butler, Lori (Mark) Salopek, and Jon Jr. (Beatrice Franchitti) Pichelman; grandchildren Ryan, Brent, Kenny, Erik, and Julia; great-granddaughter Brielle; and his siblings, Lyle (Wanda) Pichelman, Karen (Charlie) Marx, and Franklin (Peggy) Pichelman. He is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews, and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ina Pichelman, as well as by several cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and his in-laws, Albert and Margaret (Gilmore) Kershetsky. He was also preceded in death by his beloved sisters and brother-in-laws, Maggie and Junie Mogish and Sharon and Leon Bernardyn. Jon's life was marked by a deep love for his family, integrity, faith, and an abiding appreciation of nature. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. As God promises everlasting life, Jon is now reunited with his loved ones in eternal peace. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Jon's life at Grace Lutheran Church, Sixth Avenue and Main Street, Royersford, PA, on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. In honor of Jon's life, any memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Royersford, in support of their ministries to 'Love others as you have been loved.' Arrangements are being handled by Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.RoyersfordHome.com