The Rev. Russell L.J. Heintzelman, 93, of Fellowship Community, Whitehall, and formerly of Slatington, died Oct. 28, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. He was the husband of the late Corinne M. (Miller) Heintzelman.

Born in Heidelberg Township, he was the son of the late Fred A. and Iva (Schleicher) Heintzelman.

He graduated from Slatington High School in 1948 and Pennsylvania State College in 1952. In 1958, he graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary affiliated with the United Church of Christ denomination.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War with a rank of first lieutenant.

He was an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ for 66 years. He began his ministry after becoming ordained at Holy Trinity, now Good Shepherd UCC, in Slatedale June 22, 1958. He accepted his first assignment at the Deep Creek Charge, which consisted of Friedens UCC, Hegins; Christ UCC, Fountain; St. Paul’s UCC, Sacramento; and St. John’s UCC, Ashland, from 1958 to 1963. He then served Solomon’s UCC in Macungie from 1963 to 1968. He went on to serve the Heidelberg Charge, which consisted of Heidelberg UCC, Slatington, and Ebenezer UCC, New Tripoli, from 1968 to 1988. His final assignment was at St. John’s UCC, Slatington, 1988-1998, where he was honored by being named pastor emeritus upon his official retirement.

He is survived by three sons, Michael E. of Germansville, David T. of Slatington and Stephen M. of Bethlehem; two granddaughters, Amanda N. and Carley B.; and five great-grandchildren.

There will be a calling time 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 1 at the funeral home, 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville. A memorial service will be held 12:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at St. John’s UCC, 15 S. Second St., Slatington.

Contributions may be made to Haas Scholarship Fund of St. John’s UCC, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc.