Rev. Gerald “Jerry” H. Ihle, 91

March 07, 2024

Rev. Gerald “Jerry” H. Ihle, 91, of Lititz, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2024, while his beloved wife, Janet, held his hand. Jerry was born in Bethlehem, PA, and was the son of the late Herman and Helena Ihle. He grew up in Fountain Hill, a borough of Lehigh County. Jerry graduated from Fountain Hill High School, Moravian College, and the Theological School at Drew University.

Surviving are his three children G. Scott Ihle and his wife Nancy, Mark D. Ihle and his partner Lisa, and Jennifer D. Beidler and her husband Brett: his grandchildren, Matthew Ihle and his wife Nicole, Christian Arndt wife of David, Emma Stone wife of Ryan, and John Ihle; and his great grandchildren Nora, Benjamin, Braxton, Adalynne, Elliotte, Joshua and Reagan.

He was pastor of eight United Methodist churches in Eastern Pennsylvania for forty-three years including the following churches: Pomeroy; Elverson; Mount Carmel (St Peters); Emmanuel, Roxborough, Philadelphia; New Holland; Providence Avenue, Chester; Searles Memorial, Pottstown; and Chalfont in Bucks County. In retirement Jerry was Interim Senior Pastor at Central Methodist church in Linwood, New Jersey.

Jerry loved photography and enjoyed exhibiting his photos in libraries, hospitals, and churches. He and his wife loved to travel. Jerry was also the author of four books: See How Jesus Used Power, See How Jesus Handled Rejection, Who Does God Pray To?, and Awesome Wonders. Jerry and Janet promoted his books at 26 United Methodist Annual Conferences in different states.

At Jerry’s request all services are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Care Fund at Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at Conestoga House at Landis Homes, especially Lana and Olivia and to the staff at Hospice and Community Care for their loving and compassionate care of Jerry and Janet during Jerry’s final days.