2-27-2024 4:08am

Christian O. Schlegel, Former Boyertown Educator's Passing To Be Honored March 2

Lesley Misko Editor

Christian O. Schlegel, 91, departed this life with a sign of faith on February 15, 2024. Chris was born and reared in Fleetwood. Chris and his sweetheart Ruth were married nearly sixty-three years. They grew their love, family, and Christmas trees in Earlville.

Chris acquired his extraordinary - even for a Pennsylvania Dutchman - work ethic on the Schlegel farm in Fleetwood. His Uncle John was a father figure. Chris graduated from Fleetwood High School and Kutztown State College, where he made a bigger social than academic impact. He earned a master’s degree in History from Lehigh University. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in Europe during the Cold War as a Morse Interceptor.

Chris taught social studies at Boyertown Junior High West and found time to become a stockbroker. He retired as president of Wyomissing Financial Group, mentoring his son John to lead it into its future. He was the first manager of Crestwood Pool, and served as a coach and PIAA official for swimming and track and field. He was an excellent shot and enjoyed hunting until his final months.

Christian lived his name; he was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Boyertown for sixty years, serving as a church council member, choir member, and eager evangelist. His faith was ever growing; He knew Jesus was his Advocate.

Chris and Ruth were a couple since they met at the YRs in 1959. They made a wonderful team as parents, educators, Christmas tree farmers, and pinochle partners. They instilled a love of camping, fishing, traveling, and adventuring in their children and grandchildren. More than once did they look at each other at the beginning of a new journey and say, “which way?” and then decide together.

An endearing nixnutz and remarkable storyteller, Chris made friends wherever he went. If you met him, you heard stories about his family. Chris was proud of his wife’s intellect, his children’s achievements, and his grandchildren’s talents. Have you heard about his hero, Uncle Paul? As much as he loved and adored his family, his family loved and adored him even more.

Christian is survived by his wife, Ruth (Sheetz); his children, Johanna Schlegel (Jeramie Hammond) and their children George and Abbey; John Schlegel (Regina McCrea Schlegel), and their children Anna, Daniel, and William; and Jennifer Schlegel (Drew Geary) and their children Rachael and Melissa. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Fichthorn, his sister-in-law, Dorthea Zieber, and his nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Christian was predeceased by his parents, Oliver W. Schlegel and Rachael (Stauffer) Schlegel, and his sister, Phyllis Heckman.

A celebration of Christian’s life will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Boyertown on March 2. Attendees may greet the family at the church from 9-11 prior to the 11 am service. Christian’s pastor and pal, The Rev. Dr. Robert D. Machamer, will preside. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. John’s or to the Schlegel Family Endowment, c/o Kutztown University Foundation PO Box 151, Kutztown, PA 19530 or www.kuf.org