Edwin M. Knecht, 77, of Lower Macungie Township, died peacefully Jan. 8, 2022, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest, surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of June (Hunsicker) Knecht for 56 years.. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Howard L. and Melba (Nonnemaker) Knecht.

He was employed with Lehigh Wholesale Groceries, Allentown. Through the years and various consolidations and name changes later, he retired from U.S. Food service of Allentown in 2011 after 31 years of employment. Previously he worked in construction.

He was a graduate of Parkland High School in 1962.

He was a lifelong member of Cedar Lutheran Church.

He was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family, vacationing, traveling and crafting with plastic canvas.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Denise and her husband, Michael Follweiler, of Lenhartsville; sons, Dennis and his wife, Krista, of Lehighton, Mark and his wife, Michelle, of Emmaus; grandchildren, Elizabeth and her husband, Brett Burkey, Robert Eltz Jr., Jessica (fiancé, John), Alyssa (fiancé, Cody), Justin and his wife, Brenna, Hailey; great-grandchildren, Alexa, Brittney, Tanner, Aliannah and Anthony; a sister-in-law, Helen and her husband, Richard Follweiler; a brother, Robert and his wife, Patricia, of Macungie; nieces, Angie Smith and Kristi Jewell. He was predeceased by great-granddaughters, Kirsten and Skylar, loving fur baby, Patches.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 N. Main St., Chamberlain, S.D. 57325.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Jan. 15 in the church, 3419 Broadway, Allentown. Family and friends may call 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 15 in the church. Please wear masks and practice social distancing. Arrangements were made by the Reichel Funeral Home, Northampton.