Our Heritage
Since 1895, the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home has been an institution in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where the name has become the hallmark for dignified, distinctive, helpful service during a family's most poignant moments. Established by J.S. Burkholder in 1895, its reputation and experience have come down through four generations, including two father and son teams.
After the death of the founder in 1926, the
business was conducted by his widow, Elizabeth Burkholder, and their son Robert
L. Burkholder, a respected leader in many areas of community life. His death in
1951 again made changes necessary and Harry Mike Weber, who had been associated
with him, became the managing partner under an arrangement in which the
surviving members of the Burkholder family shared.
Weber acquired the
business in 1971 and conducted it under the name of his predecessors and in the
traditions he and they had so firmly established. When he died in 1976, his
wife Mary K. Weber, and their son, Michael A. Weber, a graduate of East
Stroudsburg State College and Simmons College of Mortuary Science, became the
owners. In 2012, after several years of discussion and study, Michael sold his
interest to his hand-picked successor, Carl F. Schmoyer III, who is a fifth
generation Lehigh County licensed funeral director.
Today, J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home is the only funeral establishment in Allentown selected for membership in the Selected Independent Funeral Homes. This means that it accepts the highest standards of good funeral practice; gives full effect to the role of the clergy; respects all faiths, creeds, and customs; assures those it serves the right of personal choice and decision-making in funeral arrangements; makes funerals available in as wide a range of price categories as necessary to meet the needs of all segments of the community; and applies a standard of complete honesty in all dealings.
-
Sonya R. Siegfried Supervisor
After attending West Virginia University, Sonya received her Mortuary Science Degree from Northampton Community College in 1986 and was promoted to General Manager in 1997. Sonya was recently promoted to Supervisor in 2018. She serves on the board of the Allentown Symphony Association, as well as the Lehigh County Historical Society where she is a former President. She is a member of The Society of the Arts (SOTA) where she serves on the Admissions Committee, Program Committee, Curatorial Committee, and the Luncheon with the Authors Committee. She is a member of the Allentown Art Museum, and it's Kress Society. She is a former board member of the Lehigh Conference of Churches where she currently serves on the Soup Kitchen Committee. She is also serving on the Institutional Advancement Committee and the Institute on Aging Gala Committee for Phoebe Home. Sonya is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Allentown where is she is a former elder and trustee, and currently serves as an usher. She is a member of Lehigh Country Club and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Sonya and her husband, Todd, are the proud parents of three dogs, Angus, Coco, and Kasey.
-
Matthew G. Brand General Manager
Mr. Brand received his Associates Degree at Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ, and his Mortuary Science Degree from Northampton Community College in 1990. He joined the Burkholder staff in 1990 and was appointed Assistant Manager in 1998. Mr. Brand was recently promoted to General Manager in 2018. Matthew is an active member of the Allentown/Kuhnsville Lions Club where he currently serves as 2nd Vice-President. He and his wife, Lisa are members of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. They are the parents of two sons, Matthew and Bailey.
-
Todd D. Siegfried Licensed Funeral Director
After receiving his Mortuary Science Degree from Northampton Community College in 1986, Mr. Siegfried joined Burkholder's in 1991. He specializes in technical preparations and restorative art. Todd is a member of Allentown Kiwanis Club where he is currently serving as President. He is also Allentown Kiwanis Club's Foundation Board Vice-President. Todd is a 32nd degree Mason, where he is a member of Porter Lodge #284, Catasauqua, and a member of Valley of Allentown, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Consistory of Allentown. In addition, he is a member of Shriners of North America (Rajah Shrine), Blandon, Hillbilly Degree-Clan #9 of Allentown, and National Wild Turkey Federation. Todd is a member of the Allentown Art Museum, and it's Kress Society. He is a member of the Allentown Symphony Association, as well as the Lehigh County Historical Society. He currently serves on the board of the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Allentown. Todd is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Allentown where he is presently serving as a Deacon and usher. He is a member of Fullerton Fire Company #1. For over 25 years, Todd has portrayed Santa Claus for various local non-profit organizations in the Lehigh Valley.
-
Michael A. Weber Chairman Emeritus
Fourth generation succeeding his late father Harry "Mike" in 1976, Michael is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University and Simmons College of Mortuary Science. He is now Chairman Emeritus as of 2018 after 42 years of service. Michael serves on the board of the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Allentown, and the Lehigh County Agricultural Society. He is a 32nd degree Mason with Jordan Lodge #673, Allentown, and Valley of Allentown, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Consistory of Allentown. Michael is a member of Shriners of North America (Rajah Shrine), Blandon, Hillbilly Degree-Clan #9 of Allentown, and Royal Order of Jesters Allentown Court #128. In addition, he is on the Phoebe Ministries President's Council. He is a member of Hogan's Social Club of Allentown, and the Mercantile Club of Emmaus. He is a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Michael is the father of three children, Jennifer, Andrew, and Chantelle, and grandfather of six.
