Lee Potteiger

Lee F. Potteiger passed away on October 29 at Phoebe Berks Village where he had been resident since 1994. He was 96.
Born in 1923, he was a 1941 graduate of the then Ontelaunee High School which subsequently became part of the present day Schuylkill Valley School District. In 2015, Lee was honored by the school as a "Distinguished Graduate."
He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II, initially participating in operations in North Africa in 1943. He served in the 3051st Combat Engineer Battalion, and on June 6, 1944, landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy. He fought on to the end of the war and for some months in 1945 was part of the occupation force in Germany itself. For his service, he was awarded six Bronze Stars and the Bronze Arrowhead. He was discharged in November 1945, having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.
After the war, he married his high school sweetheart Anna Miller, and raised three children. They are Susan E. Yatron, of Heidelberg Township, wife of Paul M. Yatron, Joel L. Potteiger, of Cumru Township, and Lynn Sosh, of Columbus, Ohio. Lee and Anna enjoyed over 50 years of marriage, which ended with Anna's death in 2002. Lee was also predeceased by a beloved grandson, Brett R. Potteiger in 2013.
The last of ten siblings, Lee is also survived by grandchildren Benjamin J. Potteiger, Nicholas Sosh, Rachel Sosh, and Daniel Lee Sosh. He is also survived by, and took a special delight in his great-granddaughter, Laelle S. Potteiger.
After returning to civilian life in 1945, Lee embarked on a long and successful career in public accounting, retiring in 1988. He was also co-owner of Lyons Knitwear, with several of his brothers.
His vast experience and knowledge of accounting was put to good use in his post retirement volunteer work. Over the years, he made many contributions to the welfare of the Phoebe community, where for many years he served as manager of the Village Gift Shoppe, and as treasurer of the Health Care Center Auxiliary. He also did extensive volunteer work for the Bethany Children's Home. In 2000, he was selected by the United Church of Christ, Counsel for Health and Human Service Ministries, as the organization's national Volunteer of the Year.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Phoebe Ministries, 1925 Turner Street, Allentown, PA 18104 or Bethany Children's Home, 1863 Bethany Road, Womelsdorf, PA 19567. Online condolences can be made at beanfuneralhomes.com