J. Merle Stutzman, 82, Fleetwood, went home to Jesus, Saturday, December 25, 2021, in Penn State Health - Saint Joseph Medical Center, Bern Township.  He was the loving husband of E. Lorraine (Rice) Stutzman.  They were married August 8, 1964.  Born in Sellersville, he was a son of the late James G., Sr., and Edith (Gross) Stutzman.  

Merle was a devout Christian that loved the Lord with all of his heart.  He loved sharing his faith with others and often shared scripture verses that were hidden in his heart, he was in God's word daily.  Merle served in many ways at his church including Sunday school superintendent, Eastern Mission Board, bible study teacher, small group leader, and was involved in Agape Prayer Ministry.  He also helped start Gateway Christian School and was on their school board.  He served on many mission trips overseas.

Merle was a dairy and crop farmer for over 25 years.

Merle was known for his infectious smile.  He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, playing games (he was very competitive), watching  and following baseball, antiquing, and bird watching.  He enjoyed his life here on earth with his loved ones, before he was called home by his heavenly Father.

Merle is survived by his wife of 57 years, E. Lorraine, and children: Cynthia D. (Stutzman), wife of Michael A. Shoup, Morgantown; Keith B., husband of Theresa L. (Dadey) Stutzman, Reading; Merlin D., husband of Deborah J. (Rudolph) Stutzman, Fleetwood; and Duane N., husband of Tricia M. (Augustine) Stutzman, Erie.  There are also twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.  Merle is also survived by a sister, Lorraine (Stutzman), wife of Benjamin Myers, Mechanicsburg. In addition to his parents, Merle was predeceased by five brothers and three sisters: Mildred, Mary Ellen, James, Jeane, Kenneth, Marlowe, Donald, and Dale.

Funeral services to celebrate Merle's life will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in Hopewell Church, 2286 Hopewell Road, Elverson, PA, with The Rev. Curt Malizzi, officiating.  Interment in Hopewell Church Cemetery, Elverson.  Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday, December 30, 2021, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, and again on Friday, December 31, 2021, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the church.

The family requests contributions be considered in lieu of flowers to: Good Shepherd Community Church, PO Box 272, Reamstown, PA 17567, in the memo please write "Friends of Kenya" which helps with The Lord's Sanctuary Christian Academy, in Kenya or  to Andrew Wommack Ministries, 1 Innovation Way, Woodland Park, CO  80863.

Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ludwickfh.com