William J. Gernerd, 80, passed away during the early morning hours of Sunday, October 19 ^th , 2014. Born on October 3, 1934, Bill entered this world in Quakertown, PA and shortly thereafter, moved with his parents, Henry J. and Ellen L. (Harte) Gernerd, to Fogelsville where he lived for his whole life. He graduated from Parkland School District, but not without making his mark. Described in his high school yearbook as the "tall, dark, Sheik of Araby," he was an accomplished trumpeter as well as a state champion in long jump, holding the record in 1952. He provided service to his country, enlisting in the Army. During this service, he married the former Nana-Marie Pessina in 1957. Together, Bill and Nana-Marie have spent the last 56 years. While stationed in Wurzburg, Germany, their son, Douglas, was born. Four years later, their daughter, Karen, followed. As Bill began his family life in Fogelsville, his true spirit and love of community evolved. He served as a Fogelsville Volunteer Firefighter for 36 years, spending 18 of them as Fire Chief. He was a founding member of the Lehigh County Fire Chief's Association, presiding as President, a founding member of the Lehigh County Fire School, where he also served as an instructor, President of the Lehigh County Fireman's Association, Vice President of the Fogelsville Volunteer Social Club, and many other affiliations too numerous to name. He was Lehigh County's Fire Marshal and the Chief of Lehigh County's Civil Defense as well as a member of the Lehigh County Local Emergency Planning Committee. Equally as numerous were the awards he received such as the Parkland Jaycees Man of the Year in 1975, all of which are testaments to the time, energy and countless hours he spent devoted to volunteer service. Bill was a lifetime member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Fogelsville. He began his professional career at WKAP in 1959 as a newsman. Bill then wrote for the Evening Chronicle and the Morning Call, covering both city and county news. He also authored many funny poems, stories and tales and was editor of the book, Fogelsville, Yesteryear and Today. While he cherished the years he spent in the communications industry, he finished his career as Upper Macungie's first Chief Fire Inspector and Emergency Management Coordinator until he retired. Service to his community was the hallmark of Bill Gernerd's life; Möge er in Frieden ruhen!

Survivors: Wife, Nana-Marie (Pessina) Gernerd of Fogelsville; son, Douglas W. and wife, Cheri of Lehigh Twp.; daughter, Karen M. Beerer, wife of James Beerer of Durham; grandchildren: Jamie I. Gieraga and husband Kris; Adam Gernerd; Evan Ochs and husband Matt; John Rice, Kelsey and Kendall Beerer; great-grandchildren: Caiden and Dominik; and Ava; his cat, Cinnamon; many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful, supportive sister- and brothers-in-law.  He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Ellen, his sister, Patricia A. Rader, his in-laws, Reno and Claire Pessina.

Services: 11 A.M., Saturday, October 25, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1028 Church Street, Fogelsville, with the Rev. Nelson Quinones officiating. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:30 on Friday, October 24, at Keller Funeral Homes, Inc., 1018 Church St., Fogelsville and Saturday, from 10 to 11 A.M. in the Church.  Entombment will be at Grandview Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  Online Condolences may be offered to the family at www.KellerFuneralHomes.com

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Church or the Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Team, c/o Keller Funeral Homes, Inc., PO Box 52, Fogelsville, 18051.