Dale J. "Merch" Fetterman Sr., 87, of Ringtown, passed away Sunday after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, while a guest at ManorCare Health Services, Pottsville.

Dale was born in Ringtown, April 7, 1928, a son of the late John A. and Mary S. Blume Fetterman.

A graduate of the former Ringtown High School, Dale relocated to the Glenside area, where he worked as a carpenter foreman for Glasco Inc. until his retirement.

He and his wife, the former Kathryn Reighard, built their own home upon returning to Ringtown, and they enjoyed traveling the United States and camping in their motor home.

Dale was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Ringtown; Frackville Lodge F&AM 737; Bloomsburg Consistory, and Lulu Temple Shriners of Plymouth Meeting.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James.

Surviving, in addition to Kathryn, his wife of 66 years, are a son, Dale Fetterman Jr., Willingboro, N.J.; two sisters, Marie Trexler, Ringtown, and Mae Stadlin, Lansdale; two grandchildren; a great-grandchild; nieces and nephews; his cat, Myti.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 W. Main St., Ringtown, with Pastor Jay Serafin officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday at the funeral home. Following the service, Dale will be laid to rest in St. John's Cemetery, Ringtown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Dale may be made to the Ringtown Area Library or St. John's Church, Ringtown. More information and directions can be found at www.ringtownfuneral.com.

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