Richard J. Kestle, age 83, of Erie, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Forest View Health Care Center following a lengthy illness. He was born in Erie on September 18, 1929, a son of the late Carl and Frieda Weideman Kestle and had lived most of his life in Waterford.
Richard was a graduate of Waterford High School and a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Erie. He was a carpenter and gifted woodworker. He greatly enjoyed his work, his family, bowling, playing in a card club and several hobbies.
Surviving family members include his wife of 64 years, Shirley Chapman Kestle; daughter Eileen and partner David Trent of Raleigh, NC; four sons– Terrence and wife Diane of Erie, Timothy and wife Darla of Erie, Richard and wife Beth of Farmington, Utah, and Stephen and wife Lorraine, currently in Doha, Qatar; and a sister, Karen Krautter and husband Robert of Sarasota, FL. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be there Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Gary Donaldson of Asbury United Methodist Church in Waterford. Interment will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Springhill Benevolent Care Fund, 2323 Edinboro Road, Erie, PA 16509, or to Asbury United Methodist Church, 4703 W. Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506.
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