Paul Gudikunst

Paul B. Gudikunst, 91, formerly of Sinking Spring, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at 6:55 pm in Ephrata Manor. He was married to his wife of 52 years, the late Marny P. (Hower) Gudikunst, who passed away January 4, 2003. Born in Ephrata he was the son of the late Ralph K. and Florence B. (Butzer) Gudikunst. He was a member of West Lawn United Methodist Church for 50 plus years. He retired as Lt. Colonel in the United States Army following 25 years of active and reserve duty, serving in World War II. Mr. Gudikunst was a project manager for Gilbert Associates in Reading for 30 years, retiring in 1984. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University, and a Master's Degree (M.A.R.) from Lancaster Theological Seminary. Mr. Gudikunst was a Master Mason of Lodge No. 62 in West Reading. He is survived by his two children: his son, Reverend John P. Gudikunst, Pastor at Memorial Church of the Holy Cross UMC in Reading, husband of April Gudikunst; and his daughter Lisa A. Sechrist, wife of Bruce G. Sechrist of Reinholds. He is also survived by his grandchildren Amber, Lauren and Rachel and his great grandchildren Annabella, Nathan and Brandon. Mr. Gudikunst was preceded in death by his son David P. Gudikunst, who passed away on June 14, 2011, and his siblings, John B. Gudikunst, Robert Gudikunst, Dorothy Campora and James Gudikunst.
Funeral services will be held at Bean Funeral Home, 3825 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 11:00 am. Reverend Doctor Jeffrey A. Raffauf will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Berks County Memorial Gardens. The family will receive relatives and friends Wednesday 10-11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to West Lawn United Methodist Church, 15 Woodside Ave., West Lawn, PA 19609 or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10004, in memory of Mr. Paul B. Gudikunst. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com