Russel "Cabbage" Laverne Heydt

Born in West Reading, PA, Russel was the last surviving child of Annie L. (Keller) and Elmer F. Heydt. He graduated from Boyertown High School, Class of 1954, and went on to build a long and reliable working career. For more than 30 years, he was employed by the Boyertown Casket Company in the Paint Mixing and Metal Finishing Departments until the business closed. He then joined Quigley Motors, working in Sales and Building Maintenance until retiring in 2020.

Russel’s interest in cars extended beyond his work. In the 1960s, he and his brother-in-law formed J & H Welding, building race cars - a project that fueled his lifelong appreciation for auto racing. It was at a racetrack where he met Marion, setting the course for the life they would share together.

He enjoyed following NASCAR and was a dedicated Philadelphia Phillies fan. Sports played a steady role in his life, and he spent many seasons playing fast pitch baseball for Bechtelsville.

Russel was a member of Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Bally, PA. He was a member of multiple area fire companies, including Bally Fire Company, Liberty Fire Company, Friendship Hook and Ladder Fire Company, and he was a life member of the Bechtelsville Fire Company. In addition, he was a member of the Pike Township Sportsman Association.

Russel is survived by his loving children: Christine M., widow of Gregory Miller; Lori A., wife of Joseph H. Gunther; Michael L., husband of Kathy Heydt; and Lisa K. Swartz. He is also survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his siblings: Elsie Fronheiser, Lester K. Heydt, Martina Cox, Helen Conrad, and Thelma Yerger.

A viewing will be held for family and friends at Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home, Inc., 111 North Reading Avenue, Boyertown, PA, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.

The service will follow at 10:00 AM.

Burial will take place at Most Blessed Sacrament Church Cemetery in Bally, PA.