John L. Beschler, 86, Clearfield and formerly of Philipsburg died Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 at the Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Clearfield.
Born Jan. 13, 1929 in Tyrone, he was the son of the late John and Stella (Ross) Beschler. He married the former Nettie I. Swope on April 12, 1988 in Winchester, Va. She survives at home.
Mr. Beschler was a member of the New Life Center in Philipsburg. He was also a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.
He had volunteered as a DJ during the early to mid-1990’s for a number of “hymn time” programs on WPHB Radio in Philipsburg.
He was employed as a railroad electrician for the former Pennsylvania Railroad/Conrail at the Juniata shops in Altoona until his retirement. He was a graduate of the Tyrone High School.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Susan Shoffner.
Mr. Beschler is survived by two daughters, Christine Zeppenfeld and her husband, Sterling of Trenton, NJ and Susan Zimmerman and her husband, David of Philipsburg and two step-daughters, Donna Mitulski and her husband, Allan of Erie and Cindy Lansberry and her husband, Tom Neiring of Charleston, SC.
He is survived by three sons, Steve Beschler of Duncansville, Tim Beschler and his wife, Brenda of Ebensburg and Mark Beschler and his wife, Dana of Pittsburgh and four step-sons, Dave Shoffner and his wife, Luann of Madera, Tom Shoffner and his wife, Kim of Erie and Dale Shoffner and his companion, Wendy Kelly and Michael Shoffner and his wife, Jennifer, all of Philipsburg.
He is survived by one sister, Beverly Spiller and her husband, Don of LaPort, Texas; two brothers, Samuel Beschler and his wife, Gerry of Tyrone and Edwin Beschler and his wife, Fern of Jamaica Plain, Mass. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg, with the Rev. John T. Dill officiating. Burial will be at the Philipsburg Cemetery in Philipsburg.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Friends may sign the guestbook at beezerheathfh.com.
