Lester Dautrich

Lester F. (Les) Dautrich, 98, formerly of Reading, passed away May 31, 2009 at 1:35 pm in the Reading Hospital a patient for four days. He was the husband of the late Clara D. (Rothermel) Dautrich who passed away July 22, 2002. They were married for 63 years. Born February 5, 1911 in Reading, he was the son of the late Franklin William and Lilly (Folk) Dautrich. He attended Reading Schools. Mr. Dautrich was a member of Grace(Alsace) UCC since childhood and a lifetime member of the Goodwill Fire Company and Beneficial Association. He was employed as a full fashioned knitter at the former Nolde and Horst in Reading for 35 years and manufactured commercial outdoor signage at the former Johnston advertising company in Reading and United Advertising in Allentown for 16 years. He was an avid fisherman since his youth, an artist, accomplished craftsman and sports fan in his leisure time. Mr. Dautrich is survived by his daughters Shirley Dautrich, wife of Charles Schell of Ruscombmanor Township and Janice(Dautrich) wife of Thomas Buckwalter of Lewisberry, PA. In addition he is survived by his granddaughter Kimberly(Buckwalter) wife of Dr. Richard Straub and a great grandson Alexander Thomas Straub of Mongomery Village, MD. He is also survived by a step granddaughter Lindsay(Schell) wife of Jedediah Dunlap and a step great granddaughter Sofia Mila Dunlap of Blandon. He was preceded in death by his brothers John, George, Howard, Paul and Floyd along with sisters Mary Dautrich and Hannah(Dautrich) Hartman. He will be sadly missed by his loving family.

Contributions may be made to Grace(Alsace) UCC 2151 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605 or the charity of ones choice in memory of Mr. Lester F. Dautrich.