Edward Gerald Koncle

Reflections on the Life of Ed Koncle

Edward Gerald Koncle, known to all as “Ed,” passed away peacefully at the age of 80 years and 249 days on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Palmyra.

Ed was born on Wednesday, December 1, 1937 to the late Dr. Gerald E. and Laura A. (Mantz) Koncle in Brodheadsville. At the age of 3, the family grew to include his sister, Edith Mae.

Ed was a devout Christian, steadfast in his mission to fulfill God’s purpose for him. Through his faith and as a boy scout and son of a general practice doctor and nurse, Ed learned the values of integrity, humility, compassion and servant leadership at an early age.  

As a young boy, he enjoyed spending time with his dog, a mixed collie named Rin Tin Tin, and listening to a variety of music and radio programs. Especially memorable to Ed was listening with his parents to radio updates about World War II. Ed spent countless hours riding his bike with his dear friend, Lee, playing with model tractors and construction equipment, model railroading with his dad, and fishing with his Uncles Leon and Jim.

The family moved to the small town of Sheridan, now known as Newmanstown, where Ed became actively involved in agriculture through 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA). He owned a Tennessee Walking Horse named Lady, raised chickens and sheep, and was a beekeeper. Eventually, he served as president of his high school’s chapter of FFA and the Lebanon County Beekeepers Association. He spent summers in the Poconos, working with his Uncle Ray as well as on a neighboring farm making hay and de-tasseling corn.

He also developed a passion for photography – especially appreciating the artistry created through black and white film and focusing on capturing the beauty of nature in nearly every picture he took.

Upon graduating from high school, Ed studied for a year at the National Agricultural College in Doylestown, now known as Delaware Valley University, which prepared him for a 53-year distinguished career in agricultural sales. Some of his notable professional accomplishments include: past member of the Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture (PASA); Agway, Inc. enterprise sales and service award for outstanding accomplishments in the agricultural industry; and past president of the Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council and recipient of the Council’s highest award for outstanding contributions to Pennsylvania’s forage and livestock industry and conservation farming.

When Ed reached the age of 40, he was diagnosed with an advanced stage of kidney disease. On August 17, 1992, he received the selfless gift of a kidney, which he cherished and lovingly nurtured for 26 years. He served as an inspiration to kidney patients and others facing major health challenges, and was a charter member of the Penn State Hershey Medical Center Mentorship Program for kidney transplant patients.  Ed was quick to acknowledge the tremendous care and expertise of his healthcare providers at Hershey Medical Center and, over the past few months, all associated with the Butterfly Team of Hospice of Central Pennsylvania. While many might view a serious health issue as a major limitation, Ed acknowledged others who had it far worse than himself and would simply say, “This, too, shall pass.”  

Throughout his life, Ed cultivated deep and lasting relationships with nearly everyone he met. He treasured these friendships and was always eager to lend a hand, offer advice, share a story or simply listen.

Nothing meant more to Ed than his family. On November 24, 1962, Ed married the love of his life, Karen. Their love story exemplifies the eternal commitment they made to each other nearly 56 years ago at the very altar where Ed’s funeral service is taking place.

In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by his daughters, Kelly J., wife of, Christopher M. Miller, of Germantown, WI, and Kathryn L., wife of Terry M. Moudy, of Zionsville, PA, and his beloved grandchildren, Mack, Alex, Ryan and Austin.

His memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 10, 2018 at the First Evangelical Congregational Church, 55 West Main Street, Palmyra, PA  17078.  A viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.  Private interment will take place at the convenience of the family in St. John’s Evangelical Congregational Church Cemetery, Annville. Arrangements have been entrusted with the Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA  17078, 717-838-9211.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s honor to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania or the Kidney Foundation of Central PA.

Memories and condolences may be shared at: www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

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