Reed Donald Gaeckler

Reed Gaeckler Obituary

Reed Donald Gaeckler, 65, of Raleigh Trail, entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 27, 2004 at his home. Born March 30, 1939 in Glen Rock, a son of Gene Allison Gaeckler and the late Paul F. Gaeckler, he was a 1957 graduate of Susquehannock High School, where he was voted best conference football player of that year. He was a Navy veteran, having served six years. He was a truck driver, employed with TeleDyne-McKay Trucking Co. for 33 years, where he served as Union President for 4 years. He was also employed with Wolf Distribution Co. for 7 years. Mr. Gaeckler was owner and operator of a family business, Gaeckler Aluminum Sales since 1994. Mr. Gaeckler was preceded in death by his son, Ricky Gaeckler; sister, Nancy Warner; and brother, Charles Gaeckler. Surviving are his beloved wife of 17 years, Bonnie L. Hartman Gaeckler of Garden City Beach, S.C.; his mother of York; son, Randy Gaeckler of Georgia; daughter, Lisa Gaeckler Smith of York; sister, Cindy Rose of York; brothers, Roger Gaeckler of New York and Fredrick Gaeckler of California; stepchildren, Holly Senft of Manchester, Joseph Hartman of York, Jason Hartman of Mount Wolf and Ronald Hartman of York; 12 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, September 5, 2004 at Zion Lutheran Church, 48 Hanover St., Glen Rock. Memorials may be made to Cancer Research or American Cancer Society, 950 48th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29577. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of local arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

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Published by York Daily Record on Sep. 2, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Reed Gaeckler

4 Entries

Roger Gaeckler

September 30, 2004

Reed Gaeckler was a man who lived his life passionatley. He was a loving husband, devoted father, loyal friend, and a good man that I was proud to call my "Big Brother." He was a fearless football player who was voted Susquehannock's 1957

"Lineman of the Year" by his peers, a courageous union leader who was voted to that position by his fellow-workers, a dedicated sailor who devoted six years of Naval duty to his country, and a zany, whimsical, fun-loving father, son, husband, brother, and a friend who entertained all with his musical talents and engaging storytelling.

Reed crammed a lifetime into his 65 years. Many will live more years than Reed, but few will glean as many pleasures and multiple life's experiences as he did. He was justifiably proud of his children and grandchildren. When he realized that his throat cancer was terminal, his greatest concern was for the well-being of the loves exemplified his life.He accepted that cigarette smoking was the cause of his illness. On the day he passed, I was on a plane to South Carolina to visit him and, sadly, missed by an hour having a last opportunity to talk. In planning that trip the prior week, when I asked Reed what I could bring along for him, his response was "How about a carton of cigarettes!" His sense of humor was intact until the end!

I'll always have a special fondness for Reed. As youngsters growing up in Glen Rock he extended his "little brother" many acts of kindness and consideration. As a grown man, he was always respectful of me and my family. His endearing sense of humor made him a beloved "Uncle" to my children. What I have come to realize is that Reed extended himself to many others both within and outside of the family. In talking with his recently acquired friends in South Carolina, I was struck by the profound affection for Reed that was expressed by people with whom he'd known for only a very short time. To a person, they described him as "a good man they will dearly miss." That would have meant a lot to Reed and I hope he knows how deeply he touched the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.

God Bless him and His Family.

William & Doris Ratliff

September 3, 2004

Reed and Doris went to school together from 1st. grade thru 12th.Bill joined us in 12th year. Our prayers are with you and your families.

Mary Lou & Tinny McCann

September 2, 2004

Both Tinny and myself moved to SC from Glen Rock.

Sometime after Reed and his wife moved to Garden City he called me. He said at that time that he was working at the Myrtle Beach Airport.

I am sorry that I never made an attemp to visit with Reed and his wife.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely, Mary Lou & Tinny

Judy & Floyd Bubb

September 2, 2004

To the family of Reed Gaeckler

I was sorry to hear of the passing away of our friend & former classmate Reed. We lived in Glen Rock & I went to school with Reed from 2nd grade thru 12th grade. My husband played football with Reed & worked with him at Bixlers in Glen Rock. Reed also worked part time at my fathers dry cleaning business & our families were close friends. Our thoughts & prayers go out to the family. God Bless You.

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