Mark A. Krchelich, 60, of Clearfield and formerly of Perry, MO, died peacefully in his sleep Friday, Aug. 9, 2013 at Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield following a brief illness. He will be fondly remembered by family and friends for his generous spirit.
He was born July 16, 1953, in Altoona to Carmela (Pozzi) of Clearfield and the late John Krchelich. Following graduation from the Clearfield High School in 1971, he attended Edinboro University and then graduated from Penn College of Technology in Williamsport in 1974 with a degree in HVAC.
He worked for Harbison Walker Refractories from 1974-1984 on its industrial building crew and later as a maintenance supervisor at their Vandalia, MO facility. From 1984 through 2004, he owned and operated Mark Krchelich Plumbing and Heating Company, providing commercial and residential services around the Perry, MO area.
He was named Businessman of the Year for the Perry Chamber of Commerce in 1990. While in Perry, he was active in the community, supporting American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Mark Twain Rodeo Association, Liberty Community Association, Perry’s Fourth of July Celebration and Perry Elementary School.
He was an active member of St. William Catholic Church in Perry and served as Parish Council President. He also faithfully supported the upkeep and improvements for the St. Paul Church and Cemetery at Center.
He returned to Clearfield in 2006 and worked in the plumbing and heating industry. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting, and spending time at Camp Kilroy, where he was a member.
He is survived by a son, John Krchelich and his wife, Kristin of Clarinda, Iowa; a daughter, Mary Easter and her husband, Cheston of Princeton, MO; and his former wife, Belinda of Perry, MO.
In addition to his mother, he’s survived by a brother, David and his companion, Mona Sen of Schenevus, NY; two sisters, Barbara Collar and her companion, Paul Bojalad of Clearfield and Angela McKnight and her husband, David of Philipsburg; and nieces and nephews, Kelly Karwowski, Matthew, Andrew and Philip Moore, Jacinta Collar and her husband, Ernie Ickes, Danielle and Aaron McKnight; and a great-niece, Layla Moore and great-nephew, Eli Ickes.
A memorial mass will be said at 10 a.m. Aug. 31 at the St. Francis Catholic Church, with Msgr. H. Desmond McGee Jr. officiating. A graveside service and burial will take place at 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Center, MO.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. William Catholic Church, P.O. Box 339, Perry, MO 63462, or St. Paul Cemetery Association, c/o Judy Couch, 300 S. Smith St., Center, MO 63436.
The Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, is in charge of arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.