Ernie Guldner was an honest and trustworthy man who loved his wife, family, and community.

So were the words used to describe Guldner, as spoken from several of those who knew him best, during a funeral service Wednesday morning at Ben Salem United Church of Christ in Lehighton.

Family, friends, and firefighters from various fire companies gathered to mourn the loss of Guldner, 76, of Bowmanstown, who passed away Saturday evening in his residence after a courageous battle with kidney disease, which left him on dialysis.

A very active firefighter, he was chief of the Bowmanstown and Andreas Volunteer fire companies for a combined total of 27 years.

He was a life member of the Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Co., the Bowmanstown Rod & Gun Club, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Co. and the Lehighton American Legion. He was a life member and former president of the Andreas Sporting Club, and a charter member of the Bowmanstown/Parryville Lions Club, and was a former president of the Palmerton Ambulance & drove for Penn Mahoning Ambulance.

He was actively involved with the Bowmanstown Fire Police, where he served as captain and lieutenant. He volunteered with the Carbon County Fire Police and held a membership in the Four-County Fireman's Association.

He worked for over four years to assist with the implementation of 911 in the Carbon County area.

See Thursday's Times News for the complete story.