Jan-Christian Johannes Windbiel, 32

Jan Christian Johannes Windbiel, 32, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026 in Boyertown.

Born on July 13, 1993, in Wynnewood, PA, Jan was the beloved first son of Jerry Windbiel and the late Lisa Ann (Kerr) Merritt.

Jan grew up in Boyertown, Pennsylvania and spent part of his childhood in Germany. He had a passion for the culinary arts from a very young age. After graduating from Boyertown High School, he relocated to Salzburg, Austria where he acquired an apprenticeship at Hotel Sacher. It was there he completed his training through the Sacher School of Excellence and WIFI Salzburg. Following that, Jan proudly worked under a two Michelin star chef at Tantris Restaurant in Munich, Germany. In 2021, Jan decided to move home to be closer to his family. After returning to the US, Jan became the Head Chef at Fork & Ale in Douglassville where he led a kitchen team and used his creativity and masterful skills along with fresh locally grown ingredients to create an exquisite menu for their customers. In his free time, he enjoyed foraging edible plants and mushrooms for dishes he made for his family. Jan was very artistic and creative outside the kitchen. He also had a deep love for all types of music and was a gifted singer and a clarinetist.

Surviving along with his father Jerry, is his brother Alex Windbiel; sister Julia Conrad, wife of Corbin; sister Lilly Merritt; sister Gwendolin Windbiel; and brother Lovis Windbiel; grandparents James D. Kerr Sr., Gerhard Windbiel, and Leonie Windbiel; and stepfather Craig Merritt. He is predeceased by his mother Lisa Ann Merritt; grandmother Dale M. Kerr; and grandmother Lisalotte Windbiel.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 11:00AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center (1020 E. Philadelphia Ave, Gilbertsville, PA 19525) with Mother Sandra Etemad officiating. Burial will be held privately by the family following the service. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 6:00PM-8:00PM at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 9:00AM-11:00AM at the funeral home.

Add My Condolences

I had the pleasure of knowing Jan as a talented young clarinetist in my concert band at Boyertown Middle School West. He was always kind to those around him, and he is responsible for one particularly remarkable memory. The Boyertown High School Music department was on a performance tour to the Czech Republic and Austria, and we happened to be performing in Salzburg. I was enjoying a performance by the students, and all of the sudden I hear "hey Mr. Jordan!" and Jan is standing right next to me! I was shocked to see a familiar face halfway around the world, and thrilled to learn about his experience at the Hotel Sacher. My deepest condolences to the family, and he will certainly be remembered.

~ Mike Jordan
4/16/2026 2:40:19 PM

There are no right words to express this tragic loss. My heart aches for the family as they navigate through yet another death. Please know you have my deepest sympathy.

~ Janet Romanelli
4/15/2026 4:30:25 PM

What can I say except thank you. Jan, you taught me so much in the short time we worked together. I observed you always working hard, moving around non stop with always a small sweat on your brow. You were intelligent and kind, humble and passionate, and you never lost your temper when under pressure. You were a leader, and more, a friend/mentor. Thank you for everything you did for me, my family and our Fork and Ale family. To Jan’s family, I am so terribly sorry for your tragic loss, and please know that Jan touched us all with his creativity and kindness. He was absolutely one in a million. I love you Jan, thank you for everything you have ever done for all of us. Rest easy Chef.

~ Garit Decker Austin, TX
4/15/2026 4:17:36 PM

Praying for God's comfort and peace Julia and her whole family.

~ Judy Conrad
4/15/2026 1:28:52 PM

We lost a truly vibrant soul in Jan-Jan. Whether he was commanding a busy kitchen or bridging cultures with his fluency in German, he approached life with a rare kind of energy and happiness. I can still hear his laugh. I have a great respect for the man he grew to be, and I will miss him immensely. Sending my deepest condolences to his grandfathers Jim Kerr and Gerhard Windbiel, his dad Jerry, step-dad Craig, his little sister Julia, step-sister Lily and his little brother Alex. May we all hold onto the memories of his kindness, joyful demeanor and his talent as we navigate through this profound loss.

Love always - Uncle Anthony (Anthony Nero)

~ Anthony Nero Harleysville, PA
4/13/2026 9:57:09 AM

I am really sorry for your sudden loss and absolutely gutted. I met Jan through Alex back in high school, and your whole family—Jan, Alex, Julia, and Lisa; your extended family Aunt La; Dale, James… everyone —You always made me feel like one of your own. That meant a lot to me then and still does now. I know you’ve all been through so much. Thinking of you guys and I’m here for you, no matter what.

~ Will Yerger Jim Thorpe, PA
4/13/2026 8:32:33 AM

To Alex and family are hearts and prayers go out to you all! We loved Jan and know he is in a better place now.

~ Laura and Bob Harrison
4/13/2026 7:45:17 AM

Dear Julia,!
We are deeply heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of your brother our beloved nephew and cousin Jan.
Please know that our thoughts are with you and your Family .
Doris and Helmut, Florian and Lisa

~ Helga Theodora Klausner Seekirchen am Wallersee, Salzburg
4/13/2026 7:22:18 AM

Dear Julia, dear Sirs,
I am very sorry for the loss of your Child, Brother and Friend.
My thoughts are with you and the family.

~ Artur Wlodarczyk
4/13/2026 6:19:14 AM

All worldly things are but a springtime dream. Think of death as a homecoming. We will never forget you!

~ Stefan & Renata Klausner
4/13/2026 4:48:56 AM

My sincere condolences.

~ Stefan Verholen Lambsborn, Rheinland Pfalz
4/13/2026 3:34:46 AM

Dear Julia,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Tamara

~ Tamara Berger Taufkirch,
4/13/2026 3:06:45 AM

Dear Julia,

We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.

With love
Matthias and Grace

~ Matthias Passendorfer
4/13/2026 2:41:31 AM

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

~ Karen Verholen
4/13/2026 2:33:09 AM