Jeffrey A. Dietrich

Jeffrey A. Dietrich, 60, of Mertztown died on July 10, 2015 at Lehigh Valley Hospice in Allentown.

Born June 2, 1955 in Maxatawny, he was the son of Walter S. Dietrich, Jr. and Doris M. (Sherry) Dietrich, Maxatawny. He and his wife Karen E. (Vrabel) Dietrich celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary on June 28, 2015.

Jeff graduated from Kutztown High School in 1973. He worked for East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc., Lyon Station and then was employed with the Department of the Army as a civilian for more than 28 years, most recently as Unit Administrator for the 326th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Reading. Jeff served in the Pennsylvania National Guard and the United States Army Reserves for a combined total of 28 years. Jeff was the Education & Training Coordinator of the Topton Fish & Game Association, Mertztown.

After being diagnosed with esophageal cancer in February of 2014, he fought a long and courageous battle never giving up hope. In addition to his wife Karen, Jeff is survived by a daughter Elizabeth M. Dietrich of Mertztown; a sister Tammy L. (Dietrich) Gilfert of Blandon; brother Timothy G. Dietrich, Sr. of Allentown; a niece Jennifer (Dietrich) Musser; nephews Tyler Gilfert, Trevor Gilfert, and Eric Vrabel. He was predeceased by a nephew Timothy G. Dietrich, Jr.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 16, at 2 pm at Walbert Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PC, 14390 Kutztown Road, Fleetwood, with Pastor Susan Lishman officiating. Interment with full Military Honors will follow in Zion's Union Church Cemetery, Maxatawny. A viewing for Jeff will be held on Wednesday evening, July 15 from 6 to 8 pm at the funeral home. An additional visitation will be held from 1 to 2 pm on Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association, PO Box 55071 #15530, Boston, MA 02205-5071.

Walbert Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PC, is honored to be entrusted with Jeff's services. Online condolences may be offered to Jeff's family at WalbertFuneralHome.com.