John M. Gudknecht, Jr.

REHOBOTH BEACH, DE – John M. Gudknecht, Jr., passed away Friday, May 17, 2013 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, DE. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth H. (Beck) Gudknecht. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens, 250 Chestnut Hill Rd., York with The Rev. Kathy Seitz-Bortner officiating. Full military rites will be provided by York County Veterans Honor Guard. Family and friends will meet at the entrance of the cemetery at 12:45 PM. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is in charge of arrangements. Born September 5, 1921 in Kenmore, OH a son of the late Ruth S. (Rice) and John M. Gudknecht, Sr., he retired as Chief of Maintenance at North Montgomery Co. Vocational Technical School. Mr. Gudknecht and his wife had previously owned and operated Gudknecht’s Grocery Store in Telford, PA for 12 years. While living in Telford, Mr. Gudknecht twice served as Mayor and spent time on Telford Borough Council over two decades. He was an active member and officer of Perkasie Kennel Club. While living in York, Mr. Gudknecht was a member of Pine Grove U.M. Church and while living in Delaware attended Groome U.M. Church in Lewes. He enjoyed woodworking and tending to his yard. He was a US Army veteran of WWII. Mr. Gudknecht is survived by a son, John M. Gudknecht, III and wife Ann of Rehoboth Beach; a grandson, John M. Gudknecht, IV and wife Amy of Wrightsville; and a brother, Robert E. and wife Ann Gudknecht of Cape May Courthouse, NJ. He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles “Chick” Gudknecht.