Frederick Henry Krommes, 96, resident of Luther Crest Retirement Community passed away on May 21st at Lehigh Valley Hospice in Allentown, PA.
Frederick (Fred) was born on December 18, 1926 to Frederica (Fritz) and William Krommes in Hazleton, PA. He had four siblings, William, Marguerite, Ruth and Joan.
After graduating from Hazleton High School, he worked at Lehigh Valley Coal Company as a clerk from 1944 through 1946 and then as a book-keeper at Gebhardt Billiard & Bowling Supply, Hazleton. He served in the U.S. Army, 1950-1952. He became a partner at Gebhardt's in 1954. The business outgrew two locations and is presently at Airport Road and E. Tremont Street in Allentown. He was a leader in the Billiard and Bowling community in Allentown and throughout the United States. In 1992, he was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame.
Fred married Shirley Marie Reisenweaver, February 13, 1953 and together they had five daughters, Cynthia Krommes, (John Stong), Beth Krommes, (David Rowell) Amy Krommes (Andrew Peavy), Laurie Blewitt, (Richard Blewitt) and Stephanie Hamilton, (Matt Hamilton). Shirley died unexpectedly in March of 1987. He married Kathryn C. Donchez in June 1988. Together there were now 10 children, including James Donchez, Joseph Donchez, Mary Jo Kuebler, David Donchez, Deborah Stetch and 23 grandchildren. Fred especially delighted in the gift of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Fred was very active in the Kiwanis Club of Allentown, NE as well as serving as Lt. Governor of Division 18 PA. He organized the Kiwanis Club of Southern Lehigh, the AKtion Club of Allentown Northeast and the Kids' Peace Key Club.
A member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Allentown for over sixty years, Fred served in a variety of leadership positions in the congregation.
Fred's funeral will be on Saturday, May 27, 2023 beginning at 11 am in the Luther Crest Chapel, 800 Hausman Road, Allentown, PA. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kiwanis Children's fund at www.kiwanis.org/childrens-fund/give. Condolences may be offered online by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are in the care of Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA.