The Rev. Michael J. Bodnyk Sr., 68, of Orefield, died peacefully Nov. 7, 2019, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, surrounded by his loving family.

He and his wife, Sandra L. (Smith) Bodnyk, were married 44 years on Feb. 8.

Born Dec. 5, 1950, in Allentown, Pastor Mike, as he was known, was the son of the late Dorothy I. (Shankweiler) Bodnyk and the late Lt. Col. Metro Bodnyk, U.S.A.F., retired.

A 1968 graduate of Kutztown Area High School, and a 1972 graduate of Muhlenberg College, he earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia.

An ordained minister for 43 years, Pastor Mike served as pastor of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Whitehall, from 1995 to June 2019.

Before that, he served at Dinkey Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ashfield, from 1977-95, and was the assistant pastor of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Abington, from 1976-77.

Active in the life of his community, Pastor Mike was a life member, volunteer firefighter and chaplain of both Community Fire Co. No. 1, Schnecksville, and East Penn Fire Co., Ashfield.

He also served as a volunteer chaplain for the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop M, Bethlehem, and was a member of the Pennsylvania Critical Incident Stress Management Team.

Pastor Mike was a former trustee of The Swain School, Salisbury Township, and past director of the Hazleton Lutheran Home.

He also was a community reporter for the Whitehall-Coplay, Parkland and Northwestern Press weekly newspapers for many years.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by a son, Michael John Bodnyk Jr. of Sarasota, Fla.; sisters Ann L. Bodnyk and her husband, David R. Dare, of Kutztown, Dorothy J. Wesley of Macungie, Elizabeth A. Shrawder and her husband, James L., of Kutztown; nieces Johanna and Catherine; and nephews Lucas, Alex, Matthew, and Joseph.

He was predeceased by his brother, Bruce W. Bodnyk and brother-in-law, Glenn R. Wesley.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church and/or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, both c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

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