Francis "Bob" Ehle

Francis “Bob” Ehle passed away on March 4, 2010, at Lancaster General Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Formerly of Emmaus, PA, he resided at Willow Valley Retirement Community, Lancaster, PA. Born in Riverton, NJ, on November 5, 1928 to Francis R. Ehle Sr. and Blanche Wallace Ehle. He was a sales representative for Campbell Soup Company before becoming owner/broker of F. R. Ehle Realty in 1971. He served as executive director of the Allentown Board of Realtors during 1976 and 1977. Ehle returned to the food brokerage business with James A. Weaver Co., retiring in 1990. Bob served as a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Allentown and for many years was an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society, having been a cancer survivor himself. Bob was a decorated Korean War Veteran, serving with the US Marine Corp from 1948-1952, including combat missions with the First Marine Division including both the Inchon Landing and Chosin Reservoir battles. But most importantly, Bob was a loving husband and dedicated father. For many years he enjoyed hunting, surf-fishing, golf, and various outdoor pursuits. Later in life his activities changed to bowling and table tennis. He will be remembered by all for his quick smile and always happy demeanor. The world would be hard-pressed to find a kinder and gentler man. He will be deeply missed by not only his family but many life-long friends.

Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Adrienne (Dickerson) Ehle; son, Robert of Orefield, PA and his wife, Nancy; daughter, Linda of Harrisburg, PA and her husband, Ronn Wheeler; son, David, of Bend, OR and his wife Marianne Pyott; sister, Allice Hallstrom of Eugene, OR; and six grandchildren including Abigail & Jacob Wheeler, Daniel & Allyson Ehle and Emma and Owen Ehle-Pyott, to which he was affectionately known as “Poppy”.

A Memorial Celebration honoring Bob’s life will be held on Friday, March 19 at 11:00 AM at the Willow Valley Retirement Community, Manor North, Johnson Auditorium, 600 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA. The family will visit with friends at the auditorium from 9:30AM until the time of the service. Private interment in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to either Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, www.semperfifund.org.