Alois 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 December 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 Twp.; grandchildren: Heath Phillips, Heather Moyer, Stephanie DiVittore, Matthew Hill, Robert J. Groegler, Jennifer Groegler; seven great-grandchildren.

Service: Family and friends are invited to his viewing 10-11am Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Connell Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 1418 Main Street, Hellertown followed by a prayer service at 11am. The interment will follow with Military Honors at Union Cemetery of Hellertown. Online condolences can be made at connellfalk.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the Hellertown Historical Society, 150 West Walnut Street, Hellertown, PA 18055.

Arrangements are by the Connell Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Hellertown