Russel David Yoder

Russel David Yoder, 83, of Hyde Park, died March 5, 2019 at Tower Health – Reading Hospital,
West Reading.
He was the husband of Laura Laydeen (Avery) Yoder, to whom he was married for 60 years.
Born October 31, 1935 in Allentown, Lehigh County, he was a son of the late Russell Alvin and
Joy Blank (Williams) Yoder.
As a young man, Russel was very active in the Boy Scouts, achieving Eagle Scout, and he
received the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s honor society.
Russel was a 1954 graduate of Parkland High School, Allentown, where he lettered in track; and
he was a 1958 graduate of Kutztown State Teacher’s College. He was active in the College
Choir. He also received a master’s equivalency from Lehigh University.
A proud veteran, Russel served eight years in the United States Navy Reserve, being honorably
discharged as a Petty Officer, Second Class.
He was employed as a science teacher for 36 years, starting his career at Emmaus School
District, where he taught for 1 year, before teaching in the Muhlenberg School District for 35
years, where he retired from in 1993. He taught at Riverview Elementary, South Temple
Elementary, C.E. Cole Middle School, and the Muhlenberg Middle School. A committed
educator, he was known for his science displays and his work with the Science Fair. Russel
inspired many students to enter science-related fields.
Russel was President of the PSEA Muhlenberg Education Association for 11 years, as well as the
Eastern Region PSEA, and Parliamentarian of Berks County PSEA after he retired. He was also
an active member of the PA Science Teachers Association, where he received the Honor Roll of
Fellows Award for his support of the annual convention.
Russel also served on the Board of Directors of the Reading Berks School Employees Credit
Union for a number of years
A member of the Muhlenberg Lion’s Club, he served as President and Treasurer for several
terms; he was also Treasurer of the Muhlenberg Ambulance Association for several years.
Russel was a longtime member of Alsace Lutheran Church, Muhlenberg Township, where he
served on the Church Council.
A Master Mason of St. John’s Lodge #435, Wyomissing, Russel was a member of both Scottish
and York Rite Bodies. He was also active in Rajah Shrine and a member of the Provost Guard
Unit of Rajah Shrine, where he was also President.
Russel served as treasurer of Senior Club of Laureldale, where he was a member for many years.
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He enjoyed fishing, painting, music, and spending time at the shore. Russel was a member of the
South End Gun Club of Reading.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his two children: David R. Yoder, husband of Mary A.
Graybill of Carlisle and Deborah L. (Yoder) Boughter of S. Heidelberg Township.
In addition, he is survived by his brother, Bruce D. Yoder of Topton.
A viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes &
Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale.
Services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Laureldale Chapel at Laureldale Cemetery, 4631
Pottsville Pike, Muhlenberg Township, to be followed by burial in the cemetery.
Friends are invited to both events. The family welcomes flowers, as well as donations in
Russel’s memory to the Alsace Lutheran Church.
For online condolences, visit
www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com
 

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