Arlene Oswald: Former Organist, Choir Director, Handbell Director [Obituary]

Arlene M. (Wessner) Oswald, 86, of Schnecksville, died Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at Luther Crest Health Care Center, South Whitehall Township. She was the wife of Donald R. Oswald. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last September 25.

Born in Kutztown, February 8, 1927, Arlene was the daughter of the late Ralph D. and Edna B. (Rhode) Wessner. She was employed as a secretary to the Dean of Men and the Dean of Women at Kutztown University from 1947 - 1954. Arlene was a member of the United Church of Christ congregation of Heidelberg Union Church, Slatington, where she was the former Organist, Choir Director and Handbell Director from 1956 - 1995. Prior to that, she was the Organist and Choir Director at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Lyons Station. She was a member of AGEHR (American Guild of English Handbell Ringers) and the Central Grange # 1650, Germansville.

Survivors: In addition to her husband, Donald; daughters, Carol A. wife of Gailen M. Hausman and Karen L. wife of Eric D. Wolfgang both of Germansville; grandchildren, Amy N. Hausman and Bradley S. Hausman; great grandchildren, Andi J. Frano and Alex N. Hausman; predeceased by siblings, Arthur and Warren Wessner, Myrle Hill.

Services: Funeral services will be held 3:30 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2014 at Heidelberg Union Church, 5187 Irvin Road, Slatington, with Pastor Karen A. Yonney officiating. Family and friends may pay their respects from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the church. Private interment. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., in Schnecksville is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Heidelberg Union Church Handbell Choir c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.