Biography

Rev. Paul L. Reaser, 102, of 215 Fryling Road, Northumberland, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 27, 2010, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, L. Joy and Ron Mertz, where he had been living for the past 11 years.

Rev. Paul Reaser was born on February 6, 1908 in Gettysburg, Pa to the late Clayton and Anna (Klepper) Reaser. In 1937, he married the former Jean Gardner of Gardners, Pa., who was also a musician. They were married for 61 years until she passed away in 1998.

He graduated from Gettysburg College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg. Pastor Reaser served as pastor at Lutheran churches in Milton, Kulpmont, Altoona, Washington, D.C., York, Gettysburg, Mifflinburg and Harrisburg between the years of 1933 until 1977. In 1957 his alma mater, Gettysburg College, conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. He also served as interim chaplain at Susquehanna University and was supply preaching until he was 99.

While attending Gettysburg High School he played in a band called the Novelty Serenaders. When in his 20s, he played and traveled with the Happy Hines and His Orchestra. He continued his interest in music throughout life and led the singing at Life Long Learning at Susquehanna University until he turned 100.

Rev. Paul Reaser was an active member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Shamokin Dam where he regularly sang in the choir. He preached there to celebrate his 100th birthday. He took every opportunity to witness to his faith through acts of kindness and support for the church, God’s people and various outreach ministries. Pastor Reaser was known for his ready smile, good sense of humor, his kindness and friendliness, and moreover for his love for God, the church, his family and friends.

Rev. Paul Reaser is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Clayton and Sue Reaser of Westport, NY; Joel and Susan Reaser of Gainesville, VA; Philip and Donna Reaser of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Carola and Rev. Robert Rohrbaugh of Pine Grove Mills, Pa. and L. Joy and Ron Mertz of Northumberland, Pa.; 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Pastor Reaser was preceded in death by his two brothers and four sisters.

Rev. Paul Reaser will be buried beside his wife Jean at the Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg.

A memorial service to celebrate his life is planned for Saturday, August, 28, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Shamokin Dam.

Memorial Contributions in Pastor Reaser’s memory can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Gideon’s International, or to Gettysburg College to be designated as a Paul L. Reaser Memorial Gift.

Life Celebration Service

Saturday August 28, 2010, 2:00 PM at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Shamokin Dam, PA
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