Pearl M. (Rhein) Kreichbaum

                                                                                     
 Pearl M. Kreichbaum, of Pine Grove, passed away on July 18, 2021, at her home, surrounded by family, six days before her 96th birthday.

Born on July 24, 1925, in Pleasant Valley, she was the only child of the late Harry and Ella Moyer Rhein.  

Pearl was a 1943 graduate of Pine Grove High School.  In 2018 she was the recipient of the school's Humanitarian Award presented by the Alumni Association.  She furthered her education at the Braun School of Music in Pottsville and Lebanon Valley College.  She was a member of the former Pine Grove Business & Professional Women's Club. 

As a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove, Pearl served variously over the years as Organist, Choir Director, Treasurer, Sunday School teacher and Council Member. 

 Music was an important aspect of her life.  Pearl was a private instructor of piano, organ and marimba.  She started teaching in 1943 and taught well into 2019.  In 1960 she founded and directed the Pine Grove Marimba Players and was a member of the Pine Grove Community Band for 30 years, at times serving as Interim Director.         

Pearl was a founding member of the Pinegrove Historical Society, where she served on the Board of Trustees.  She was the author and compiler of more than 20 books related to the history of Pine Grove. She was instrumental in having the Irving Train Station relocated from Outwood to the grounds of the Historical Society, in memory of her husband.   
 
Pearl was an avid collector of candles, including some relating to every season and holiday and some from around the world.  
    
Her Husband of 58 years, Alvanus E. Kreichbaum preceded her in death on February 29, 2004.  

     Surviving are daughters Gail, wife of Kenneth Wolfe of Muir; Molan Chun Goldstein, wife of Alan; and Judi  Chun Vause, wife of Stephen; grandsons, Neil Wolfe, husband of Stephanie; Allen Wolfe, husband of Helene; great-grandchildren, Darian Booth, Aidan Booth, Piper Wolfe, Hunter Wolfe and Matthew Abode; nephew, Kenneth Ditzler; nieces, Nancy Clauser and Joyce Ginder.  

  There will be a visitation on Monday, July 26, at 10:00, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00, both at St. John's Lutheran Church, with SALM John Ziegler and Rev. William Kreichbaum officiating.   Interment will be in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials be sent to either the St. John's Lutheran Church, 222 S. Tulpehocken St. Pine Grove, PA 17963; the Pine Grove Council of Churches Church School, c/o Cathy Nagle, 527 Dad Burnham's Road, Schuylkill Haven, Pa., 17972; the Irving Train Station Endowment Fund, c/oPinegrove Historical Society, P. O. Box 65, Pine Grove, Pa. 17963; or to the Hospice of Central Pa., 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, Pa. 17110, in her memory. 

    The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online to the family at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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