George M. Rodenbach, 96, formerly from Fogelsville, died Aug. 3, 2020, in Country Meadows, Allentown.

He was the widower of Elinor M. (Hess) Rodenbach.

Born in Lower Macungie Township, he was the son of the late William G. and Martha E. (Frey) Rodenbach.

A controller for the former Trojan Powder Co. and its successors for 40 years, he retired in 1987.

After that, he worked for Nitro Chemical Energy Corp. for five years.

He was also an auditor for Upper Macungie Township, served on the board of the Upper Macungie Authority, and was the financial secretary for the Fogelsville Fire Company for 15 years.

A member of Lehigh Lodge 326, Macungie, he was a 32nd Degree Mason of the Lehigh Consistory with which he was a 50-year member.

He also was a member of Rajah Shrine Temple, Reading.

He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Fogelsville.

A proud World War II veteran, he served in the U.S. Army on the Alaskan frontier and returned numerous times later in life to relive memories.

He was a dedicated family man and a meticulous gardener but his favorite hobby was sparked by his Pa. German ancestry.

He intensely researched all of his and his wife’s ancestral lines for 30 years where he met and assisted many other researchers and belonged to numerous historical and genealogical societies.

The result of his research became his published book, “Clearing Brook.”

He also is published in numerous other books as a collaborative author.

All of his files and books are on loan to the Weisenberg Lowhill Township Historical Society library where they are available for public use after current restrictions are lifted.

His survivors include daughters Karen Sue Rex (Leonard) of Lynnville and Debra Ann Thornbury (Thomas) of Morganville, N.J.; sisters Joyce Hahn of Allentown, Sandra Schaller (Kermit) of Loveland, Colo.; grandchildren Melissa (Kyle), Jeremy (Erin), Alec (Candey), and Austin; great-grandchildren Ashya, Mikayla, Xaden, Braylin and Devin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers Carl and Richard.

His services will be private. Interment at Western Salisbury Cemetery.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Weisenberg Lowhill Historical Society, for genealogy purposes, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 52, Fogelsville, PA 18051.

Arrangements were made by Keller Funeral Home, Fogelsville.