Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc.

11/14/2025

Many families include funeral readings to personalize a loved one's funeral service, but what passages should you choose? If you'd like a little help, check out this list of 10 literary readings to consider!

Literary readings can add personalization and dimension to any funeral or memorial service. Check out this list of options to consider!

11/13/2025

In Loving Memory of Janet R. (Hoch) Rader, 94, formerly of Kutztown, who passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2025, in Buehrle Center at The Lutheran Home at Topton. She was the widow of Bertis G. "Boots" Rader, who died March 27, 1998.

Born in Richmond Township, Janet was a daughter of the late Earl E. and Lillian V. (Adam) Hoch. She was a member of Zion Moselem Lutheran Church, Richmond Township, where she was a former church council member. She was the owner and operator of Jan's Beauty Salon in Kutztown for 54 years, until her retirement in 2010. Jan was a member of the Kutztown Historical Society, the Red Hat Society and the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

Janet is survived by a brother, Roy C. Hoch, Kutztown. There are also many nieces and nephews. Along with her husband and parents, Janet was predeceased by her sisters, June H. (Hoch) Wagner; and Marlene M. Hoch; brother, Earl J. Hoch; and half sisters, Dorothy G. (Hoch) Barrell and Marjorie J. (Hoch) Youse.

A funeral service to celebrate and honor Janet's life will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in Zion Moselem Lutheran Church, 340 Moselem Church Road, Kutztown, with The Reverend Jane M. Kropa, officiating. Interment will follow in the adjoining Zion Moselem Church Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Monday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the church.

Flowers may be sent or contributions may be made to Zion Moselem Lutheran Church, 340 Moselem Church Rd., Kutztown, PA 19530. Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, PA, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.

View Janet Rader's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/13/2025

Hear Nora share her story:

11/12/2025

Did you know that cooking with the kid in your life can encourage their curiosity? Follow this link to learn how food science can inspire a child’s learning skills and development!

Chances are, you’ve got at least one favorite food-based memory from childhood: biting into a freshly baked cookie, slurping a treat from the ice cream truck or going to Grandma’s house for her famous roast chicken.Food can be a powerful trigger for memories and emotions in childhood, both grati...

11/12/2025

We believe that personalization is essential when honoring a loved one's life, which is why are grateful to offer military honors as an option to the veteran and active duty families we serve.

This ceremonial paying of respects is the final demonstration a grateful nation can provide to those who have faithfully defended our country. We will contact our local American Legion and the active duty branch of service that your loved one served in to provide these honors.

To learn more about our signature services and how they can help you personalize a loved one's final tribute, visit www.ludwickfh.com/signature-services.

11/11/2025

As we mark Veterans Day, we want to specially remember the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. We thank you for your courage and selfless sacrifice!

11/10/2025

11/07/2025

If you are a veteran, then you may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery - free of charge! Check out this list of national cemeteries across the United States and then chat with a funeral director about your options and how to plan ahead for your funeral wishes as a veteran.

Are you interested in burial or inurnment at a national cemetery? Check out this list of national cemeteries and find one to fit your needs.

11/07/2025

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Kutztown Area Auctioneer, Clarence N. Shirk, 63, of Maxatawny Township, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Clarence was born on July 1, 1962, in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, and spent his life deeply rooted in his community and passed away suddenly on Wednesday evening, November 5, 2025. He was the husband of Louise B. (Snyder) Shirk, whom he married on November 14, 1985.

Born on his family farm in Maxatawny Township, Clarence was a son of the late Ivan W. and Emma H. (Nolt) Shirk and was a member of Walnuttown Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference, Fleetwood.

Clarence attended Reading Area Community College where he received his Auctioneering Certification. He has been an Auctioneer since 1998, having owned and operated Saucony Hall - Clarence N. Shirk Auction Service in Kutztown. Clarence dedicated his life to serving others and creating opportunities for thousands of buyers and sellers alike. He approached his work with passion, integrity, and a commitment to his craft, leaving a legacy that will be remembered by many.

Clarence was also heavily involved with The Kutztown Produce Auction since its inception. Mr. Shirk and his wife Louise were the former co-owners of Wooden Bridge Dry Goods in Kutztown from 1998 until 2010. Prior to his career as an Auctioneer, Clarence worked in construction and was employed by Martin Construction, Kutztown, for 20 years.

Along with his wife of nearly 40 years, Louise, Clarence is survived by his children, Delbert S., husband of Kayleen (Good) Shirk, New Tripoli, Stanley S., husband of Andrea (Sensenig) Shirk, New Tripoli, Evelyn S. (Shirk), wife of Jordan Horst, Newmanstown, Lebanon County, Randall S. Shirk, Kutztown, Julianne S. (Shirk), wife of Merle Rissler, Port Trevorton, Snyder County, Jolyn S., husband of Rebekah (Horst) Shirk, Mohrsville, and Ronald S., husband of Jolene (Nolt) Shirk, Fleetwood and 21 grandchildren

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Ruth N. (Burkholder) Snyder, Kutztown, widow predeceased father-in-law, Clayton W. Snyder; and siblings, Mildred N. (Shirk), wife of Isaac H. Weaver, Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Irvin N., husband of Arlene B. (Martin) Shirk, Thorp, WI, Warren N., husband of Esther B. (Weaver) Shirk, Kutztown, Laura N. Shirk, Kutztown, Alice N. (Shirk), wife of Warren B. Nolt, Newville, Cumberland County, Beatrice N. Shirk, Kutztown and Carl N., husband of Martha N. (Martin) Shirk, Riceville, IA.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. from Walnuttown Mennonite Church, 1219 Pleasant Hill Road, Fleetwood, with Bishop Leon S. Zimmerman, officiating. Interment in the adjoining Walnuttown Mennonite Church Cemetery. There will be a viewing from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025 in Walnuttown Mennonite Church. Kindly omit flowers.

Assisting Ministry will be Minister Earl B. Martin, Minister Eric G. Hoover and Minister E. Merle Nolt. Pallbearers will be Delbert S. Shirk, Stanley S. Shirk, Randall S. Shirk, Jolyn S. Shirk, Ronnie S. Shirk and Kenley T. Shirk.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Clarence's obituary tribute page at www.Ludwickfh.com.

View Clarence Shirk's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/05/2025

Landing in a different time zone can feel disorienting and exhausting if you’re unprepared. Read the article below to discover a few ways to beat jet lag as you travel.

11/04/2025

In Loving Memory of Norma Rae (Fidler) Grube, 86, formerly of Kempton, PA, and most recently of Orwigsburg, PA who passed away peacefully on All-Saints Sunday, November 2, 2025 in her residence, with her loving family by her side, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and resilience. A cherished wife to her husband, The Reverend Guy R. Grube, Norma's spirit and kindness enriched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Born on August 16, 1939 in Schuylkill Haven, PA, Norma was a daughter of the late Harold James Fidler and Edna Alice (Fidler) Fidler. She was a graduate of the first class of Blue Mountain High School in 1957, where she served as class Treasurer and her future husband Guy served as class President. Following her high school graduation, Norma attended Empire Beauty School in Pottsville, PA and after her graduation, worked as a beautician for one year. She married her high school sweetheart, Guy on September 27, 1958 at Frieden's Lutheran Church in New Ringgold.

Throughout her life, Norma was a beacon of strength and compassion, dedicating herself to her family. While Norma assisted as a preschool and kindergarten aide for several years as well as briefly working in Real Estate, she was truly a homemaker at heart. She took great pride in raising her five children and tending to their needs. As the years progressed, she became a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Norma shared a profound bond with her husband Guy, and together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and countless memories that will forever be cherished by those fortunate enough to have shared in their lives.

Along with her husband of 67 years, Guy, Norma is survived by her five children, Charles Harold Grube and wife Jean of Trucksville, PA, Bruce Brian Grube and wife Lisa of New Tripoli, PA, Kevin Darrell Grube and wife Linda of Auburn, PA, Timothy Guy Grube and wife Michele of Orwigsburg, PA, and Sheila Mardi Grube and husband Joshua Simon of Orwigsburg, PA; sisters, Dawn (Fidler) Driscoll widow of Jack, Clarksboro, NJ, and Carol (Fidler) Schaeffer and husband Edward of Hamburg, PA; brother, Ralph Fidler and wife Kimberly of Friedensburg, PA; 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

A viewing for Norma will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Weisenberg Lutheran Church, 7645 Weisenberg Church Road, New Tripoli, PA, with The Reverend Brandon M. Heavner officiating followed by a funeral service to celebrate and honor her life at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship hall.

A procession will depart from the church promptly at 2:30 p.m. in route to Frieden's Lutheran Church Cemetery, 525 Church Street, New Ringgold, PA, where a graveside service and interment will be held at 3:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Weisenberg Lutheran Church, 7645 Weisenberg Church Rd., New Tripoli, PA 18066 or The American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown and Topton, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Norma's obituary tribute page at www.Ludwickfh.com.

View Norma Grube's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/03/2025

Please help us in wishing Lisa Zerwick a very Happy Birthday!!! Lisa is one of our dedicated staff members and you may see her smiling face when you arrive at a service. We appreciate everything you do to assist our team, Lisa!