Earl Herbert Dautrich

Earl Herbert Dautrich, 66, of Exeter Township, passed away on November 4^th, 2021, at 1:58 p.m. in the Reading Hospital where he was a patient since October 30th.

He was the eldest child of Mary E. (Gelsinger) Dautrich and the late William J. Dautrich.  Earl was a life-long resident of Exeter Township.  He was both a worker and most recently President and co-owner of the 4^th generation Glen Alsace Farms Produce family business along with his brother “Jake”, having last worked on Friday, October 29^th, 2021.

Earl loved the produce business and was very proud of his heritage and family.  From a young age, Earl could be found side by side with his Dad, as he was taught the many aspects of the business.  As it turned out, Earl became the right-hand assistant to his grandfather, J. Herbert Dautrich, who took particular interest in grooming Earl’s capabilities and ended up teaching him the in’s and out’s of servicing the customer.  Earl could be found any day of the week doing exactly that.  The customer always came first!!

Part of the business required interacting with farmers and growers, which Earl particularly loved, especially when it came to sourcing good potato growers.  He worked diligently to grow these many aspects of the business and valued any farming input he could gather from the Gelsinger side of the family.  Earl was all about family and produce.

Earl was a 1973 graduate of Exeter Township High School.  He is also a life-long member of Zion’s (Spies) Evangelical Reformed Church.

In addition to his Mother, Earl is survived by sisters, Dianne M., wife of Craig Lutz, Lower Heidelberg Township; Fay A., wife of Craig Knabb, Alsace Township; and Katie L. Dautrich, partner of Phil Langerholc, Lancaster; and brother Jacob W. Dautrich, husband of Judy (Groff), Oley Township.

Earl is also survived by his nieces, Jenna, wife of Kyle Crills, Denver, PA; Julie Dautrich, York; and his step-nephews, Justin, husband of Emily, Phoenixville; and Tyler Knabb, husband of Laura; and many cousins and extended family.

Viewing from Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Ave., Shillington, on Thursday, November 11^th, 2021, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Additional viewing on Saturday, November 13^th, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., followed by his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Zion’s (Spies) Evangelical Reformed Church, 318 Spies Church Road, (Alsace Twp.), Reading, PA  19606.  Rev. Merrill Marisseau will officiate.  Interment will follow in Spies Zion Cemetery.  Friends & family are welcome to attend a luncheon in memory of Earl, following the graveside service (approximately 12:30 PM) at Schmeck’s Villa, 4581 Boyertown Pike, (Jacksonwald), Reading, PA 19606. Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to the Zion’s Spies Endowment Fund at the above address. www.kleefuneralhome.com