IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Jon R.

Jon R. Pichelman Profile Photo

Pichelman

May 23, 1940 — Jul 21, 2025

Obituary

Jon R. Pichelman, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully at his home on July 21, 2025, with his beloved wife Dottie by his side. As he often remarked in his final days, "I lived a good life," and indeed Jon's life was one filled with love and a deep commitment to family, faith, and nature.

Born on May 23, 1940, in Duluth, Minnesota, Jon was the son of the late Ina (Soderquist) and Herbert Pichelman. He grew up on his family's farm in Saginaw, where he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and reverence for the natural world. Along with his siblings-Lyle, Karen, and Frank-Jon spent countless hours fishing in the lakes of Minnesota, a pastime he would enjoy throughout his life. Jon enjoyed music and learned to play the accordion when he was around 10 years old. His love of music remained with him, and it was a ongoing source of joy and comfort.

Jon's high school years were spent in a very rural community, with a graduating class of just
eight students. Despite the school's small size, he enjoyed playing on the basketball team. For
his senior yearbook, he chose the personal quote: "Time is but the stream I go fishing in."

After graduating, Jon attended the University of Minnesota for two years before enrolling in
business school, where he became a certified court stenographer. At the age of 23, he packed
up and drove to Philadelphia, where he found not only the promise of good work but also the
love of his life. It was there, on 38th & Walnut streets, that Jon met Dottie, who was
immediately charmed by his genuine personality, shy demeanor and good looks. They married
in 1964 and spent 61 years building a beautiful life together.

For seven years, while in his 20s, Jon served his country as a Private in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Jon's professional career spanned over five decades. For 30 years, he was a highly respected
Court Reporter in Montgomery County, where he was known for his dedication, skill, and
progressive approach to his work. After retiring, he continued to work freelance jobs for various
attorneys and townships for another 20 years.

Jon and Dottie raised three beloved children-Cindy, Lori, and Jon Jr.-in a historic farmhouse
built in 1729, nestled in the countryside outside Royersford, PA. Jon was a dedicated father and
grandfather, nurturing his family with love, patience, and wisdom. He was a kind, gentle (yet
strong) man with a great sense of humor, often expressed in his lighthearted pranks.

A longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Royersford for 55 years, Jon served numerous
roles, including on the grounds and finance committees, hosting church picnics, and playing on
the church's basketball and baseball teams. Alongside Dottie, he also led the Youth Group for
years. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life. His quiet, calm presence radiated peace
to those around him.

In addition to his professional and spiritual life, Jon had many activities and hobbies. He loved
spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing, hiking, hunting, or playing golf. He had a
remarkable knack for fixing things and took great pride in solving problems - whether repairing
something around the house or tackling a tricky puzzle. He taught himself how to play the
guitar while in his 70s and continued to learn new accordion music up to his final days. He
enjoyed lively, and often boisterous, rounds of karaoke at home with his adult kids and
grandchildren. Jon also enjoyed playing cards and bocce, bringing his whole heart to anything
he did.

Jon is survived by his wife, Dottie (Kershetsky); children Cindy (Jim) Butler, Lori (Mark) Salopek,
and Jon Jr. (Beatrice Franchitti) Pichelman; grandchildren Ryan, Brent, Kenny, Erik, and Julia;
great-granddaughter Brielle; and his siblings, Lyle (Wanda) Pichelman, Karen (Charlie) Marx, and
Franklin (Peggy) Pichelman. He is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews, and numerous
grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ina Pichelman, as well as by several
cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and his in-laws, Albert and Margaret (Gilmore) Kershetsky. He
was also preceded in death by his beloved sisters and brother-in-laws, Maggie and Junie Mogish
and Sharon and Leon Bernardyn.

Jon's life was marked by a deep love for his family, integrity, faith, and an abiding appreciation
of nature. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. As God promises everlasting
life, Jon is now reunited with his loved ones in eternal peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Jon's life at Grace Lutheran Church, Sixth Avenue
and Main Street, Royersford, PA, on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m.
to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. In honor of Jon's life, any
memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Royersford, in support of their
ministries to 'Love others as you have been loved.'

Arrangements are being handled by Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home. Online condolences
may be offered to the family at www.RoyersfordHome.com
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

August
9

Saturday

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Memorial Service

August
9

Saturday

12:00 - 1:00 pm

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