Deaths of Local Interest – Aug. 23, 2017

Richard “Dick” Bleiler passed away Aug. 14 at Chandler Hall in Newtown. Dick proudly served four years in the Navy during the Korean War, then worked as a telephone installer for Bell Telephone in Levittown for 31 years. He moved from Bensalem to Langhorne in 1979, where he ran his own successful business, Bleiler Communications, for 14 years. Upon retiring, Dick and his wife moved to a home in New Holland, where they enjoyed 20 wonderful years in the country. He became involved with a local model train club, and worked out every morning with good friends at the recreation center in Ephrata.

Erla Jane Fetty, 84, of New Holland, passed away Aug. 18 at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital. Following her career of more than 20 years of waitressing, Erla found success and joy in making German-style teddy bears to sell at local craft shows and flea markets. Erla spent most hours in her kitchen cooking, baking, and processing local fruits, as well as vegetables from her garden, and was well-known for sharing with family, friends and neighbors. Her pastimes included playing slot machines at casinos and frequenting yard sales. She will be remembered for her spirit of generosity and missed dearly. Her sister, Linda Lash, lives in Ephrata.

Glenn Lamar Garner, 80, of Milford, Del., formerly of Lititz, died Aug. 9. Glenn was a 1954 graduate of Rothsville High School. He started his teaching career in the Blossburg, Pa., school district and retired after 33 years, holding several positions, in the Hempfield School District. Glenn enjoyed boating and fishing in the Delaware Bay, making Delaware his permanent home after retirement. He was an active volunteer in his community. His sister, Fay E., wife of Ralph S. Wiest, lives in Ephrata. A niece, Debra L. Weit, resides in Akron.