Dalton G. Kerschner, 91, of Hamburg, formerly of Fogelsville, died Aug. 27, 2012, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

He was the widower of Charlotte (Schiffert) Kerschner.

Born in Weisenberg Township, he was a son of the late William A. and Ida T. (Oswald) Kerschner.

His formal education consisted of eight years of study, taught in Pennsylvania Dutch, in a one-room school house, and a one-week Penn State Leadership Program, where he met his future wife.

He served his community as a member of the Lehigh County Executive Committee for 11 years, the Weisenberg Township Planning Commission for five years and the Weisenberg Township Zoning Hearing Board for eight years.

He was a charter member of the Allentown-West Rotary Club and was actively engaged in the Rotary International Exchange Program, proudly showing foreign students American values and culture.

The owner and operator of Fogelsville Live Poultry Auction, he was a licensed auctioneer and a grain and cattle farmer.

During his later mid-life, he stoically faced a series of life challenges.

His wife died after a debilitating, serious illness, and he later experienced financial failure, for which he accepted full responsibility, rather than blaming aggressive lenders or lack of government regulations.

Never one to succumb to negative circumstances, he worked his way, with the generous help of others, back to self-sufficiency.

An optimistic man, he was always happy to share a smile, a story and a joke.

He worked long and physically hard hours that took their toll.

He sent his three sons through college, believing it was each generation's responsibility to elevate the next.

He entered the world with little and left it in the same way.

But in between, he built a business, served his community and positively impacted many lives throughout the world.

He loved a good blueberry crumb pie.

His survivors include sons; Karl C., Paul D., and Mark A.

He was predeceased by a brother, Lester, and a sister, Mae Zimmerman

Graveside service took place at Grandview Cemetery, Allentown.

Contributions may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice, 2166 S. 12th St., Allentown, PA 18103.

Condolences may be offered to the family at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements made by Keller Funeral Homes Inc., Fogelsville.