The Rev. Russell L.J. Heintzelman, 93, of Fellowship Community, Whitehall, formerly of Slatington, died Oct. 28, 2024, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

He was the husband of the late Corinne M. (Miller) Heintzelman who died July 22.

Born Feb. 26, 1931, in Heidelberg Township, he was the son of the late Fred A. and Iva (Schleicher) Heintzelman.

A 1948 graduate of Slatington High School, he was a 1952 graduate of Pennsylvania State College.

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

In 1958, he graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary affiliated with the United Church of Christ denomination.

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, Slatedale on June 22, 1958.

He accepted his first assignment at the Deep Creek Charge, which included Friedens UCC, Hegins, Christ UCC, Fountain, St. Paul’s UCC, Sacramento, and St. John’s UCC, Ashland, from 1958-63.

He then served Solomon’s UCC, Macungie, from 1963-68.

He then served the Heidelberg Charge which included Heidelberg UCC, Heidelberg Township, and Ebenezer UCC, New Tripoli, from 1968-88.

His final assignment was St. John’s UCC, Slatington, from 1988-98, where he was honored by being named pastor emeritus upon his official retirement.

His survivors include sons Michael E. Heintzelman of Germansville, David T. Heintzelman of Slatington, and Stephen M. Heintzelman of Bethlehem; granddaughters Amanda N. and Carley B. Heintzelman; and five great-grandchildren.

His memorial service will be 12:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at St. John’s UCC, 15 S. Second St., Slatington.

The Rev. James W. LeVan and the Rev. Henry A. Distler will officiate.

Family and friends may pay their respects 6:30-8 p.m. Friday at Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville.

Interment at Slatedale Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at heintzelmancares.com.

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