Francis H. Near, 71, of Whitehall, died Jan. 21, 2013, in St. Luke's Hospital Fountain Hill. He was the husband of Suzanne (Jenett) Near.

Born in Sterling, Ill., he was the son of the late Ralph and Katherine (Portner) Near.

He worked in apartment maintenance at Helfrich Springs, Whitehall, for 26 year, retiring in 2010. Before that, he had been a service manager and auto mechanic at Pep Boys, Whitehall.

He served proudly in the U.S. Army and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene, Allentown.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Allan Near and his wife Jodi of Dixon, Ill., Anne Near of Allentown, Terry Near of Dixon, Ill., Cindie Feldman and her husband Kevin of Macungie, Christopher Near and his wife Catrina of McAdoo, and Frank Jr. and his wife Leah of Whitehall; 13 grandchildren; sisters Dorothy Wimmer of Dixon, Ill., and Ruth Schrader of Rock Hills, Ill.; brothers Phillip Near of Dixon, Ill., and Robert Near of Sterling, Ill.

He was predeceased by a son, William Near, and a sister, Phyllis Brakemyer.

Contributions may be made to the church, 938 S. 11th St., Allentown.

Arrangements were made by Reichel Funeral Home, Northampton.