Karl J. Auchter

Karl J. Auchter, 86, formerly of Reading, and most currently of Lancaster, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. He was a son of George A. and Anna (Parks) Auchter. Karl was a 1948 graduate of Central Catholic High School, and he completed advanced underwriting courses for his job in the life insurance field. Karl’s life included humble service. Karl served in the Notre Dame Holy Cross Brothers from 1948 to 1954, and had a great passion for the Notre Dame football team. Karl was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Europe from 1954-1956, and used that time both to serve his country and to travel through Germany, Austria, and Italy. Following his retirement from Prudential Life Insurance, Karl provided business support to St. Peter’s Church in Reading, PA, and spent time serving on the grand jury in Philadelphia, PA.
Karl’s life centered on immediate and extended family, and providing support to the elderly both as a Eucharistic Minister and a visitor. Karl spoke fondly of boyhood days spent with his siblings at his family’s bungalow on the Schuylkill River, and family gatherings as an adult at his brother’s cabin at Lake Hauto. Throughout his life, Karl found enjoyment in growing crazy huge tomatoes and other vegetables, tending to his flower gardens, and pursuing an art hobby that included lath art and oil painting. Karl loved journaling about his travels and experiences, and he collected inspirational messages. One is appropriate for us too in this moment:

REMEMBER:
A smile is a light in
the window of the face
which shows
the heart is home.
(Author Unknown)

Karl is survived by three daughters from his previous marriage to Patricia Auchter: Theresa Auchter Byers spouse of Brent; Michele Auchter spouse of Eric Oesterle: and Annette Auchter spouse of Chuck Lambert. Six grandchildren, John, Catherine, Jacob, Rylea, Julia and Krista. Two brothers: James L Auchter, spouse of Margaret of Reading, and Bernard V. Auchter spouse of Maureen of Bethesda. Karl was pre-deceased by his brothers George A. Auchter spouse of Rita, Msgr. John A. Auchter, and two sisters, Josephine Frederick spouse of Joseph, and Louise Auchter. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Catharine of Siena Church chapel, 2427 Perkiomen Ave., Reading PA, on Monday, December 19, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are asked to gather at the Lutz Funeral Home, 2100 Perkiomen Ave, Mt. Penn, on Sunday December 18, between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com.