Rev. Dr. Leon C. Zinkler, 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor and educator died Monday, January 23 in Moravian Village, Bethlehem.
He was the husband of Barbara A. (Horn) Zinkler, currently a resident of Moravian Village, Bethlehem, raised in Upper Darby, PA near Philadelphia.
Born in Reading PA, he was the son of the late Leonard and Lucy (Heidner) Zinkler. In addition, he lived in Germany as a young child, but was raised most of his life in Sharon Hill PA, near Philadelphia.
Leon graduated from Temple University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies and Education. He received his Master of Divinity degree in Religion and Society from Drew University in 1961 and a Master of Science in Social Sciences and Education from Western Connecticut State University in 1967. He later received his Doctor of Ministry degree in Religion and Society from Drew University in 1990.
He began his ministry in 1957 as a student pastor serving many United Methodist Churches in New Jersey. He was ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1961 and served several congregations in New York, including Lake Mahopac Methodist Church from 1963 - 1967. He was then ordained a minister in the NE PA Synod of the Lutheran Church in 1967. He began his Lutheran service as the pastor of the Central Lutheran Church in Phoenixville, PA from 1967 - 1969, where he worked on the church merger with St. John's Lutheran Church, also in Phoenixville. Beginning 1969, he transitioned into church work as an intentional interim pastor and a consultant to numerous Lutheran and United Church of Christ congregations in transition, throughout NE PA, first serving Zion United Lutheran Church in Brodheadsville PA. He retired from the active ministry in 1999.
Leon was also a full-time sociology professor at East Stroudsburg University from 1969 until his retirement in 2002. While at ESU, he was a devoted ESU basketball and football supporter. He was a past president of the Pleasant Valley School Board and a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Nancy Frederick and her husband Jeff of Newtown Square, David Zinkler and his wife Lisa of Allentown and Carol Shibley of Albrightsville. Also six grandchildren, John Snyder and his wife Alana, Matthew Snyder, Kyle Zinkler, Kristin Zinkler, Eric Zinkler and Evan Shibley. Additionally, Leon is survived by two immediate cousins, George Zinkler of Florida and Marian Anderson of Delaware.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, January 28 at Zion United Lutheran Church, 1919 Route 209, Brodheadsville, PA with Rev. John Harding officiating. Burial will be in Buena Vista Cemetery behind the church. A viewing will also be held on Saturday at Zion United Lutheran Church from10:00 AM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made "in memory of Leon Zinkler" to either: NEPA Synod, The Lutheran Center, 2354 Grove Road, Allentown, PA 18109 or DVGRR (Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue), 60 Vera Cruz Road, Reinholds, PA 17569.
The Kresge Funeral Home, 1763 Route 209 Brodheadsville, is in charge of arrangements.

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