The Rev. Dr. Gene E. Handwerk, 75, of New Tripoli, died peacefully Oct. 2, 2020, in the Inpatient Hospice Unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown.

He and his wife, Lenore M. (Friebolin) Handwerk, were married 55 years last Aug. 21.

Born Jan. 14, 1945, in Allentown, he was the son of the late Elwood E. and Glendora S.A. (Metzger) Handwerk.

A native of the Lehigh Valley and of Pennsylvania German descent, he was born and raised on a potato farm and spoke the Pa. German dialect.

He attended public schools and traveled throughout the United States, Europe and Dubai.

His interests included fly-fishing, golf and skiing.

A graduate of Northwestern Lehigh, Class of 1962, and Delaware Valley College, Class of 1966, with a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy, he was a member of Delta Tau Alpha, Honor Society of Scholastic Achievement.

He continued his studies at Moravian Theological Seminary, Moravian College earning a Master of Divinity degree and became an ordained minister of the Church of Christ according to the confessions and teachings of the Lutheran Church in America in 1977.

He faithfully served the Lutheran congregation of Ziegels Union Church, Breinigsville, as pastor from 1977-96.

He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Theological School of Drew University in 1982 and a Master of Arts in pastoral counseling in 1985.

He served as associate of the bishop, Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA from 1996-2015.

In 2003, he received the “John Hus Award” from Moravian Seminary Alumni Board.

He was a member of New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church, New Tripoli.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by children Robin S. Watson (Andrew) of Media, Marci J. Piescienski (Eric Buskirk) of Jim Thorpe, Philip G. Handwerk (Gray) of Clemmons, N.C.; sister Fern M. Danner and her companion, Charles F. Wisler Jr. of Germansville; grandchildren Ashley (Devin), Hayden, Noah, Eli, Mason, Samuel and Sabrina; great-grandsons Baylin and Shane; and brother-in-law Barry Friebolin (Wanda).

He was predeceased by a sister, Bette J. Frisch.

His memorial service of thanksgiving and gratitude will be held at a later date due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. There will be no public calling hours.

Private interment will take place at Heidelberg Union Cemetery, Heidelberg Township.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church (general fund) c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

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