Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

Kenneth R. Bretz

Kenneth R. Bretz, 85, of Myerstown, PA, formerly of Manheim, died Monday evening, January 21, 2013 at StoneRidge Retirement Living in Myerstown. Born in Lebanon, PA, he was the son of the late Stewart and Bertha Mann Bretz. He was the husband of Lucille Feeman Bretz who died in 2009.Mr. Bretz was employed as an assembler in the plastics department by the former Raybestos in Manheim for 13 years. He was also employed as an open house host by Witman Auctioneers. Ken was a life member of the First Aid and Safety Patrol in Lebanon where he was an ambulance driver for more than 20 years.

His commitment to service and helping others was recognized when he received the Manheim Division Community Service Award in 1970. In addition to singing and talking with others, he enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles.He is survived by four children, Dennis A., husband of Linda Crone Bretz, of Lebanon, Larry D., husband of Janet Poliwaski Bretz, of Lebanon, Cindy A. Ditzler of Palmyra, PA, and Lisa A., wife of Richard Witmer, of New Holland, PA; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and three siblings, Maybelle Rhodes of Lancaster, PA, Gloria Kreider, and William Bretz, both of Florida. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Frances M. "Peggy" ­Winters and Joanne "Susie" Mahaffey, and several siblings.Appreciation is extended to Paula Swope for the care and companionship she ­provided to Ken for the last three years.Services are private. There is no viewing. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made in his memory to First Aid and Safety Patrol, Inc., 254 South 11th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042. To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit: spencefuneralservices.com