Donald L. Talhelm (1932 – 2024)
Donald L. Talhelm, 92, of Collingswood, N.J., and formerly of Hellertown, Pa., died Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024.
He was born in Williamstown, Pa., on Sept. 14, 1932 to the late Daniel S. and Ruth G (Weidel) Talhelm. He was married to Shirley (Byerly) Talhelm in 1953. She predeceased him, passing on Aug. 3, 2014. He worked as a professor of Electrical Engineering at Lehigh University for 35 years, retiring in 1995. He graduated from Lehigh with BSEE and MS degrees. Prior to attending Lehigh, he served his country honorably during the Korean War in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, earning the rank of Electronics Technician First Class. He often talked proudly of his cruise aboard the USS Atka on their expedition to Antarctica. He was a Life Senior Member of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), twice winning the Outstanding Branch Counselor Award. The IEEE Lehigh Valley Section Leadership Award for continuing leadership and mentoring was created and named in his honor. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, National Honor Society and Tau Beta Pi, National Engineering Honor Society. He was also a member of the Williamstown American Legion Post 239. He was a member of Mountainview Moravian Church in Hellertown, where he served on the Board of Trustees, as Financial Secretary and Superintendent of the Sunday school.
SURVIVORS
He is survived by his two children: Karen L. Knauer (Paul) of Haddonfield, N.J., Kevin P. Talhelm (Jennifer) of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.; grandchildren: Chris Knauer (Emma), Paige Talhelm, Sam Talhelm and Jack Talhelm; great-grandchildren: Joanna and Juliet Knauer. In addition, he is survived by his sisters: Alma Pennell and Carol Wetzel (Jack). He was predeceased by brothers: John and Robert Talhelm; sisters: Ada and Barbara.
SERVICES
Services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 at Mountainview Moravian Church, 331 Constitution Ave., Hellertown at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Hellertown. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are by the Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Hellertown. Condolences may be shared online at HeintzelmanCares.com.
CONTRIBUTIONS
In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to Lehigh University, Talhelm Knauer Scholarship Fund.
