William J. Gernerd, 80, died early morning Oct. 19, 2014.

Born Oct. 3, 1934, in Quakertown, he moved with his parents, Henry J. and Ellen L. (Harte) Gernerd, to Fogelsville where he lived his entire life.

He graduated from Parkland School District, but not without making his mark.

Described in his high school yearbook as the "tall, dark, Sheik of Araby," he was an accomplished trumpeter as well as a state champion in long jump, holding the record in 1952.

He served his country, enlisting in the Army.

During this service, he married the former Nana-Marie Pessina in 1957.

While stationed in Wurzburg, Germany, their son, Douglas, was born. Four years later, their daughter, Karen, followed.

As he began his family life in Fogelsville, his true spirit and love of community evolved.

He served as a Fogelsville volunteer firefighter for 36 years, spending 18 of them as fire chief.

He was a founding member of the Lehigh County Fire Chiefs Association, presiding as president; a founding member of the Lehigh County Fire School, where he also served as an instructor; president of the Lehigh County Volunteer Firemen's Association, vice president of the Fogelsville Volunteer Social Club, and many other affiliations.

He was Lehigh County's fire marshal and chief of civil defense as well as a member of the county local emergency planning committee.

He received numerous awards, such as Parkland Jaycees Man of the Year in 1975, all of which are testaments to the time, energy and countless hours he spent devoted to volunteer service.

He was a lifetime member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Fogelsville.

He began his professional career at WKAP in 1959 as a newsman. He then wrote for the Evening Chronicle and the Morning Call, covering both city and county news.

He also authored many funny poems, stories and tales and was editor of the book, "Fogelsville, Yesteryear and Today."

While he cherished the years he spent in the communications industry, he finished his career as Upper Macungie's first chief fire inspector and emergency management coordinator until he retired.

Service to his community was the hallmark of his life.

Möge er in Frieden ruhen!

In addition to his wife, he is survived by son, Douglas W. and wife, Cheri, of Lehigh Township; daughter Karen M., wife of James Beerer, of Durham; grandchildren Jamie I. Gieraga and husband, Kris; Adam Gernerd; Evan Ochs and husband., Matt; John Rice, Kelsey and Kendall Beerer; great-grandchildren Caiden and Dominik; and Ava; his cat, Cinnamon; many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful, supportive sister- and brothers-in-law. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Patricia A. Rader, and in-laws, Reno and Claire Pessina.

His service will take place 11 a.m. Oct. 25, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1028 Church Street, Fogelsville, with the Rev. Nelson Quinones officiating.

Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 24, at Keller Funeral Homes, Inc., 1018 Church St., Fogelsville, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday in the church.

Entombment will be at Grandview Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

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

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the church or to the Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Team, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 52, Fogelsville, PA 18051.