Karl G. “Kettle” Schleicher, 72, of Orefield, died Friday, December 30, 2011 in the Inpatient Hospice Unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. He was the husband of Shirley A. (Trauch) Schleicher. The couple celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary last October 3.

Born in Allentown, December 9, 1939, Karl was the son of the late Gordon K. and Althea (Yenser) Schleicher. He was employed as a draftsman for Air Products & Chemical, Inc., in Trexlertown for 38 years before retiring in 2001. Active in the life of his church, Karl was a member of Jordan Evangelical Lutheran Church, Orefield, where he formerly served as Council President, Treasurer of the Sunday School and Hand-Bell Choir Member. He also bowled with the Jordaniers. He was a past President of Thrivent, Northern Lehigh Chapter and was a volunteer for the Lehigh County Meals on Wheels.

Survivors: In addition to his wife, Shirley; children, Keith K. Schleicher and his wife, Robbie, of Virginia, Kara L. Schleicher of Allentown, James C. Moyer and his wife, Debbie of Orefield, Cynthia L. Moyer of Effort, Scott A. Moyer of Orefield; sister, Patricia Smith and her husband, Melvin, of Bath; grandchildren, Ryan, Madeline, Adam, Zachary and Zoie.

Service: Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Jordan Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5103 Snowdrift Road, Orefield, with the Rev. Dr. Herbert H. Michel officiating. Family and friends may pay their respects from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville. Interment will follow the service in the adjacent parish cemetery.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and/or the Jordan Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.