Obituaries for Perry County for the weeks preceding June 22.
HELEN M. VOGELSONG
Helen M. (Zimmerman) Vogelsong, 88, passed to her heavenly home peacefully on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Up until the end, she maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, joy and love for God, family and friends.
She married Lester L. Vogelsong in February 1952 and moved into the farmhouse on Wertzville Road, Carlisle, where she lived for more than 72 years. Despite working hard on the farm and raising nine of their own children and babysitting many, many others, she managed to pursue a career at Highmark Blue Shield, where she was a claims adjuster for more than 30 years.
She loved her church and country and was devoted to her family. She embodied the best of qualities — unconditional love, strength of spirit, radiant joy, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her family and friends. To know her was to know Jesus.
She endured many hardships along her life’s journey, but through them all taught others what it looked like to truly trust God and do hard things. She didn’t always like the circ*mstances she needed to walk through, but trusted in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty to get her through.
She forever will be an inspiration and guiding light to her family and loved ones. Her legacy and love will be etched on the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to know her this side of heaven.
Surviving are three children, Bradley J. Vogelsong and Lester L. Vogelsong Jr., both of Carlisle, and Rose M., married to Joseph Block, of College Grove, Tenn.; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and extended family and caring friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by six children, Vickie L. Crone, Robert L. Vogelsong, Kenneth E. Vogelsong, Barbara A. Vogelsong, Sharon K. Cree and Shirley A. Deiter; and a grandson, Keith A. Crone.
A service was held April 25 in Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Enola, with the Rev. John F. Overman officiating. Burial was in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery (Old Stone Church Cemetery), Enola.
Michael J. Shalonis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Marysville, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Zion United Methodist Church, 4685 Mt. Zion Drive, Enola 17025.
SARA J. GUSLER
Sara Jane Gusler of New Bloomfield was born Aug. 27, 1949, and passed peacefully from this world on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
Sara was born and raised in Perry County. She was a 1967 graduate of West Perry High School. After graduation, she went to work at Polyclinic Hospital before taking a job with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a clerical typist. Over the decades, she worked her way up to a board secretary for the Barber and Cosmetology boards. After retiring from the state, she was employed with the Perry Health Center, Loysville.
She had many talents and hobbies — oil painting, RV camping with her husband, spending time with her family, friends and pets. Her passion was for animal care and shelters.
She was an amazing mother and wife and friend to many, with one of the kindest hearts and sweetest souls in the world. Her happiest times were spent with her children and their families.
Surviving are her beloved husband, Roy Gusler Jr.; a son, Brian Sulpizio (Danielle); stepdaughter, Jennifer Lauver (Christian); stepson, Roy Gusler (Kimberly); a sister Nancy Schumaur; seven grandchildren, Scarlett, Sante, Maeva, Daymon, Levi, Gage and Jade; and friends and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Betty Bowers; a brother, Robert A. Bowers; and a stepdaughter, Melissa Simmons.
A graveside service was held June 19 in Bloomfield with her sister-in-law Sharon Graham officiating.
Boyer Family Funeral Home, New Bloomfield handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Perry County Animal Rescue, 379 Sugar Run Road, Millerstown 17062.
KAREN T.J. GARMAN
Karen T.J. Garman, 84, of Blain went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
She was born Dec. 8, 1939, in Toronto, Canada, to Herman and Margaret (Stennett) Christiansen.
She was a 1961 graduate of Grace Hospital in Toronto, a member of the Church of the Living Christ, Loysville, and enjoyed sewing and gardening.
Surviving are a sister, Ingrid Irwin of Canada; three children, Andrew Garman, Mark (Wendy) Garman and Karena (Michael) Kell of Blain; six grandchildren, Zachary Robinson, Allison Garman, Eliam (Chloe) Kell, Christian Garman, Izac (Ravyn) Kell and Kaleb Kell; and two great-grandchildren, Mercedes Garman and Nevaeh Torres.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Culver.
A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday June 29, in her church, 2401 Fort Robinson Road, Loysville.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her church’s mission fund, P.O. Box 180, Loysville 17047.
KAREN F. THOMAS
Karen F. Thomas, 70, of Elliottsburg gained her angel wings on Friday, June 7, 2024.
Fondly known as “Kit,” she resided for many years in Delaware County. She was born in Chester on Dec. 7, 1953, to the late Nicholas M. and Francis M. (Ronan) Mahler.
She graduated in 1971 from Ridley Township High School. In addition to raising an active family and running a household, she worked for Skypack, TNT, and finally USBanknote as a receptionist. She was a member of “Bird Nuts,” a parrot rescue, which sadly no longer exists. She was described by those who knew her well as a funny, independent thinking, empathetic, smart lady. She was a true friend.
Surviving are her devoted husband of 49 years, Allan S. Thomas; two children, Sadie Thomas of Darby Township and Jennifer Thomas of Elliottsburg; eight grandchildren, John Kasparian (Star) of Norfolk, Va., Joseph DeMarco, Destiny DeMarco and Leslie Orr, all of Elliottsburg, Dominic Roche of Paris Island, Liam, Elizabeth and Logan; a great-grandson, Alexander; and a sister, Elaine Williams (Paul) of Woodlyn.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, June 29 at Miseno’s Ristro Pub II, 598 W. High St., Carlisle. A gathering of friends and family will be from 1 to 2 p.m. The service will begin at 2 with chaplain Dorothy O’Melia officiating. There will be a pay-your-own-way meal following the service.
Nickel-Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Loysville, is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Perry County Animal Rescue, Inc., 379 Sugar Run Road, Millerstown 17062.
KEITH C. GINGRICH
Keith C. Gingrich, 68, of Elliottsburg passed peacefully on Monday, June 10, 2024.
He was a lifetime member of the Antique Auto Club of America, Hershey and Gettysburg Regions, and loved his old cars and time in the outdoors.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Suzanne Gingrich ,and his mother, Beverly Gingrich.
He was preceded in death by his father, J. Warren Gingrich.
A celebration of life will be scheduled in the near future.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to AACA, 800 W. Hershey Park Drive, Hershey 17033, or Blue Ridge Sportsman Club, P.O. Box 6282, Harrisburg 17112.
TIMOTHY R. MCCARTNEY
Timothy R. McCartney, 57, of Laurel Run Road, New Bloomfield, lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at his home.
He was born July 19, 1966, in Carlisle to Eugene and Norma (Trimmer) McCartney.
He was a 1984 graduate of Cumberland Valley High School and had been an employee of Fry Communications Inc. for 40 years. He was an outdoorsman, riding his motorcycle with his companion, Sharon. He loved spending time with his horses, plowing snow, plowing the fields, mowing hay, moving dirt with his skid-loader for friends who needed it, and enjoyed woodworking.
He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Surviving are his life-long companion, Sharon Thebes; two sons, David of Duncannon and Tison of New Bloomfield; a brother, Terrance of New Cumberland; a sister, Tanya of Dillsburg; two stepsons, Corey of New Bloomfield and Joshua of New Jersey; a stepdaughter, Amber of New Bloomfield; four grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 20, in Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg, with the Rev. David Sherman officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Boyer Family Funeral Home, New Bloomfield, is handling arrangements.
JANE S. CLOUSER
Jane S. Clouser of Duncannon went to be with her late husband, John, on Sunday, May 26, 2024. She will always be remembered for her kindness and compassion for others, her love of Perry County and America and her amazing memory of people and events.
She was born Feb. 12, 1930, in Harrisburg to Kenneth H. and Dorothy J. (Hartz) Sload.
She spent most of her life in Perry County, graduating from Duncannon High School in 1947 and marrying the John D. Clouser shortly thereafter.
She and her husband spent the next 15 years working together in all phases of her parents’ family restaurant, motel and service station business, The View, in Duncannon and she followed that experience with lengthy careers as a secretary at Susquenita Elementary School and in the Pennsylvania Senate working for former state Sen. William J. Moore. Outside of work, she was active with the church finance committee, Perry County Republican Party, Duncannon American Legion Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels. She also served as a Perry County Assistance Board member and as treasurer of the Duncannon Cemetery Association.
In other community service, she spent countless hours volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, American Red Cross water safety instructor, Susquenita band booster and PTA member. In those roles, she was described as a special person who positively influenced many young women’s lives. She made the world a better place and will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
Surviving are three children, Kenneth E. Clouser (Dianne) of New Bloomfield, Linda C. Kutz (David) of Marysville and Michael S. Clouser (Connie) of Duncannon; five grandchildren, Heather (Larry), Timothy (Aimee), Jordan Nicole (Dan), Alexandra (Daniel), Amanda (Ray); two stepgrandchildren, Bradley (Kate) and Matthew (Brady Leigh); six great-grandchildren, Frederick, Zachary, William, Emma, Adelaide and Victoria; two stepgreat-grandchildren, Eleanor and Jonathan; and cousins, nephews and nieces.
A celebration of life service will be held at Duncannon Otterbein United Methodist Church, 327 Newport Road, Duncannon, at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 29. The family will greet guests in the church fellowship hall following the service for light refreshments. A private burial will be in Duncannon Cemetery.
Ronald C.L. Smith Funeral Home, Duncannon, is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Duncannon Otterbein United Methodist Church, 327 Newport Road, Duncannon 17020, or Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg 17110.
RICHARD E. GRAU
Richard E. “Dick” Grau, 94, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
He was born April 6, 1930, in Harrisburg to Cora Mae and William Paul Grau.
He graduated from John Harris High School in 1949 and soon after joined the Air Force, serving 31 months in the Pacific in radio maintenance during the Korean War (including TDY in the Marshall Islands — buck sergeant). He was proud of his service for his country and thankful for the educational opportunities it provided for him. More importantly, he was grateful to have met Jesus as his Savior through attendance at a church in the islands. Following honorable discharge, he entered undergraduate studies at Shippensburg State Teachers College (now Shippensburg University). It was there he met his future wife. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in 1958, and later earned a master of education degree from Temple University. He taught at East Pennsboro High School for 27 years, followed by a position of payroll supervisor for Rohrer Bus Service for nine years. He also painted houses for many summers during his teaching career.
He taught the AARP driver safety program for 15 years and was a volunteer with Released Time/Bible Adventures. He also held numerous positions in the local Christian and Missionary Alliance churches he attended. While living in Marysville, he and his family joined with others to help establish the New Buffalo Alliance church.
He loved the Lord. He also enjoyed traveling (especially driving), collecting license plates, Penn State football, attending his grandchildren’s school and sports events, gardening and sharing his tomatoes with friends and neighbors.
Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Bonnie Stum Grau; two daughters, Brenda Leininger (husband Steve) of Mechanicsburg and Barbara Kruth (husband Paul) of York; four grandchildren, Madelyn (husband Tristin) Gleason, Laura, Elliott and Maxwell Kruth; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters, as well as two infant brothers.
A service was held June 6 in York Alliance Church with the Rev. Tim Shuey officiating. A graveside service was held in Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill.
Etzweiler Funeral Home, York, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to York Alliance Church (with “Gabon Airplane” in the memo), 501 Rathton Road, York 17403, Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg 17110, or Chapel Pointe, 770 S. Hanover St., Carlisle 17013.
LEROY M. BECK SR.
Leroy M. Beck Sr., 91, of Duncannon passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at his home in Wheatfield Twp.
He was born Thursday, Dec. 22, 1932, in Wheatfield Twp, to David W. and Viola J. (Bookwalter) Beck.
A veteran, he proudly served with the Navy. He retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, General Services, as a carpenter.
Surviving are his wife, Treva A. (Feltman) Beck; three children, Pamela J., married to Dean Rudy, of New Bloomfield, Leroy M. Beck Jr., married to Carol, of Duncannon, and Kenneth B., married to Barbara Beck, of Camp Hill; five grandchildren, Jody Beck, Keith Rudy, married to Dawn, Kevin Rudy, married to Alena, Amanda Beck, and Justin Beck, married to Amanda; several great-grandchildren; a few great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and caring friends.
He also will be lovingly missed by a special nephew, Bruce Shellenberger (who was born on Leroy’s 14th birthday); two “Friday Friends,” Mick and Jackie Maguire; four dedicated helpers, Keith and Dawn Rudy, Dale Rudy and Mary Lou Yeager; and all of the aides, nurses and assistants with Homeland Hospice.
Interment, with military honors, was in Union Cemetery, Duncannon.
Michael J. Shalonis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Marysville, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be to Roseglen United Methodist Church, 722 New Bloomfield Road, Duncannon 17020, or plant a tree as a living memorial (www.arborday.org or www.shalonisfuneralhome.com.
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