- Date Of Birth: December 1, 1930
- Date Of Death: April 5, 2020
- State: Pennsylvania
Elwood L. “Woody” Rehm, 89, of Bethlehem went to be with his Savior and Lord on April 5, 2020. Woody had bravely battled through many health concerns throughout recent years. He was loved and admired by many. He was the son of the late William and Agnes (Buckingham) Rehm.
Born at the start of the Great Depression, Woody learned the value of hard work, determination, and gratefulness, which was obvious to every person who knew and loved him. Woody graduated from Liberty High School in 1949. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. After his service, he married the love of his life, Phoebe (Trythall) Rehm who preceded him in death in 1985. The couple reared five children.
Elwood was a printer for the Bethlehem Steel Corp for over 35 years. Upon retirement, Woody worked as a courier for Lehigh Valley Cardiology Associates for another 20 years. Even though he was semi-retired, Woody approached his part-time work as if it was his career. He forged bonds of friendship that lasted years after retiring full time.
As a young man, Elwood played basketball, baseball, and football. He was an undersized athlete with the heart of a lion. Always keen on competition, Woody played slow pitch softball into his seventies and played Dart Baseball with the Bethlehem Inter-Church Dart Baseball League. He was an avid follower of Lehigh Athletics.
Woody served as a faithful lay person at CrossPoint (Calvary Wesleyan) Church for over fifty years holding various positions and teaching a variety of Sunday School classes. Each person he ministered to had a special place in his heart and prayers. When he was in his 60’s throughout his early 80’s, Woody often ministered to the “older residents” at Cedarbrook Fountain Hill. Elwood ran his race with such integrity and excellence that the impact of his life will be felt for generations to come.
Survivors: Woody is survived by five children, Roger W. and Kimberley (Shannon) Rehm of Bethlehem, Bruce E. and Tracey (Berger) Rehm of Milton, Pa, Brian L. Rehm of Lewisburg, Pamela J. and Kevin Sommons of Howell NJ, and Sharon J. and Thomas Gilbert of Allentown, thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by siblings Gertrude Rehm, Gladys Woolever, William Rehm, Joseph Rehm, Beatrice Merwine, Robert Rehm, Marleah Christman, and daughter-in-law Lynn Rehm.
