Gary L. Kembel

Gary L. Kembel, 70, of Main St., Klingerstown, went home to be with his Lord, Wednesday afternoon January 20th 2016 in Klingerstown. Born in Pottsville, May 18, 1945, he was the son of the late Lee and Alverta Ressler Kembel. He was a graduate of Tri Valley High School, class of 1963, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving with the U.S. Army, attaining the rank Specialist 4 in the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Gary was a machinist for the TRW Company of Harrisburg, and lastly as a floor care specialist for the Susquehanna Lutheran Village, Millersburg, until his retirement. He was a member of the Tri Valley Bible Church, Valley View, the Gratz V.F.W., Post 2385, the Valley View American Legion, Post 0575, and the Fidler Run Fishing Club. Gary was a loving husband, father and grandfather, always enjoying time with his family, especially going to flee markets and collecting antiques. His passions were fishing and gardening. He seldom missed the Gratz auction and enjoyed family trips to Knoebels. He loved to laugh and play pranks on others. Gary fished for trout all year long and would end most trips eating at a restaurant. His staple diet consisted of pizza, hoagies and ice cream. He enjoyed Gods creation and the sport of catching the big one that sometimes got away. At times, he fished the Clarks and back Stoney once a week. He fished daily in all types of weather ranging from sun to rain and even snow if he could get to the creek. There was always a fish story to tell, like the fish that was that big it bit the whole line off hook and all. Often he would show pictures of native trout that he caught and released, Brookies being the type most prized. He always had an ongoing competition with son Greg and best friend Dennis to see who could catch the most trout in a day and then in a season. Many hours a day would be devoted to fishing and finding the honey hole that held all the fish. He often walked the farm and wooded area where he lived, trying to predict the severity of winter by signs in food supply, height of bees nests and the stripes on the wooly worm. He also took pride in his many gardens which consisted of many types of vegetables including huge prize winning watermelons. He would often play basketball for hours on end with his 3 sons and daughter and any other challengers. He usually won every game until growing tired, resulting in the loss of his hot touch to hit the basket from anywhere on the court. He devoted much time to his youngest grandchildren Andrew and Rebekah. They often played, read, and took walks together. They were very dear to him. He held many discussions of the last days and prophecy in the Bible with son Donald and most people he met. As a member of the Tri-Valley Bible Church, he attended its functions numerous times a week. His faith was in the blood of Jesus, which was shed on the cross to cleanse and make him whole. His trust was placed in Jesus as his savior. He believed he would gain entrance into heaven at the time of death or in the rapture, whichever came first. John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. I Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. According to his belief he went to be with the Lord on his passing from this physical world into the spiritual realm. He will be missed by all who's lives he touched. Proceeded him in death was infant sister Gail Diane Kembel. Survivors: Wife: Ruth Klinger Kembel, married 47 years Daughter: Mary Jane wife of James Barnes, Barry Township Son: Greg Kembel, Klingerstown Son: Donald Kembel and his wife Kristina, Millersburg Son: Ivan Kembel, Klingerstown Sister: Judy wife of Levi Miller, Valley View Sister: Janie wife of Steve Hatter, Hegins Grandchildren: Andrew and Rebekah Kembel, Fantasia Barnes, and Matthew Snyder Nieces and Nephews Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service, Friday, 12 Noon, at the Tri Valley Bible Church, Valley View. Officiating will be Rev. Dennis O’Brien, pastor. Interment with military honors will follow at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Visitation with family will begin in the church 11 AM till service. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Tri-Valley Bible Church. Sacramento, PA 17968

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