Edwin J. Eckroth, 75, of Emmaus, died March 21, 2013, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

He and his wife LaRue I. (Guldner) Eckroth celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary last Sept. 27.

Born Dec. 13, 1937, in North Whitehall Township, he was the son of the late John W.B. Eckroth and Edna M. (Merkle) German.

He was a self-employed memorial engraver and designer for 16 years before retiring in 2006.

Prior to that, he worked at Keystone Memorial, Allentown, for 22 years.

A charter member and past president of the former South Whitehall Lions Club, he was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award.

He was a member of United Church of Christ, Greenawalds, South Whitehall.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, the Rev. Michael L. Eckroth of Gilbert; and brother Phaon E. German of Allentown.

He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Crystal Lynn.

Expressions of sympathy may be recorded at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church memorial fund and/or to Salem UCC Memorial Fund, in Gilbert, both c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements made by Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., Schnecksville.