Ernest I. Ruch Sr., 78, of Kutztown, died on Feb. 22, 2018, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

He was the husband of the late Patricia E. (Reinhard) Ruch.

Born April 13, 1939, in North Whitehall Township, he was the son of the late Willard G. and Marie R.A. (Hoffman) Ruch.

He was employed in the maintenance department of Mack Trucks Inc., Allentown and Macungie, for 30 years before retiring in 1993.

An avid outdoorsman, he was a life member of the Copeechan Fish and Game Club, Schnecksville, and the Slatington Skeet Club.

He also was a member of Grouse Hall, Ironton.

His survivors include sons Ernest I. Jr. and his wife, Lee Ann, and Rodney R. and his wife, Pamela, all of Kutztown; son-in-law Scott Gambler of Kutztown; sister Dorothy Lakatosh and her husband, David, of Schnecksville; eight grandchildren; and four great-granddaughters.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Wendy M. Gambler.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lodge Hersey c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

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