Sponsored Sponsored content Alois ‘Al’ L. Groegler, 102, of Hellertown (Obituary Brought to You by Heintzelman Funeral Home)

Alois ‘Al’ L. Groegler

Alois “Al” L. Groegler, 102, of Hellertown passed away Friday, May 8, 2026 at St. Luke’s University Hospital, Fountain Hill. He was the husband of the late Erika M. (Bernstein) Groegler, who died Nov. 4, 2019. The two had been married for 73 years. Al was born in Bethlehem to the late Hedwig Groegler. He dedicated many years of his life to the steel industry as a Scarfer in the Press and Forge Department at the former Bethlehem Steel, where he worked diligently for 42 years until retiring. Al served in the United States Army 3rd Infantry Division as Private 1st Class in the mortar platoon. During World War II, Al fought his way through Northern Africa to Naples and Rome, Italy, and into invasions at Anzio and Southern France, where he was wounded by German grenade shrapnel. After recovery, Al’s unit fought into Germany, even reaching the wine cellars at opponent headquarters at Berchtesgaden. His service then followed into Salzburg, Austria, being the first United States unit to raise a flag there during the war. Al served as military police in Germany after the end of the war, returning home Dec. 30, 1945. Al received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal for his service. Al was a member of the Hellertown Historical Society.

SURVIVORS

Children: June B. Phillips of Newfoundland, Erika I. (Earl) Hill of Hellertown, Robert A. (Barbara) Groegler of Bethlehem Township; grandchildren: Heath Phillips, Heather Moyer, Stephanie DiVittore, Matthew Hill, Robert J. Groegler, Jennifer Groegler; seven great-grandchildren.

SERVICES

Family and friends are invited to his viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Connell Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 1418 Main St., Hellertown. The viewing will be followed by a prayer service at 11 a.m. The interment with military honors will follow at Union Cemetery of Hellertown. Online condolences can be shared at Connellfalk.com. Arrangements are by the Connell Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Hellertown.

CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Hellertown Historical Society, 150 W. Walnut St., Hellertown, PA 18055.