Lewis Edward Russler

Lewis Edward Russler, 81, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016, at his Burnham home after a long battle with cancer and COPD.  He was surrounded by his loving family and a very special friend. 

Born July 3, 1935, in Belleville, he was the son of the late Martha (Burlew) and Preston Russler.

His wife, Barbara Jane (Krick) Russler, whom he married on April 20, 1957, survives, along with two sons, Dennis M. Russler and wife, Donna, of Lewistown and Dwayne L. Russler and wife, Tamara, of Centreville, Va.; grandchildren, Hannah and Rylee, step-grandson, Chad Guy; sisters, Doris E. Garver, of Lewistown, and Janice L. Shambach and husband, Robert, of McClure; and  nieces and nephews, Cheryl Aumiller, Barbara Kratzer, Debra Rice, Robin Shambach, Thomas Garver, Richard Garver and Robert P. Shambach.

Lewis graduated from Burnham-Derry High School, class of 1953.

He served in the Army from 1958 to 1960 during the post-Korean conflict.

After his time in the military, he worked at Nellis Industries in McClure and was later employed by Standard Steel as a machine operator, retiring in 1997.  

Lewis was a member of the Holy Communion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Yeagertown.

He was assistant scout master for Troop 15 and member of the Order of the Arrow, Loyal Order of Moose FC 143, Yeagertown Lions Club, and life member of the Yeagertown Fire Co.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and was a loyal Penn State fan.  He was always eager to help others and would go out of his way to offer any assistance needed.  Lewis cherished time spent with his family and adored his grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Weds., July 20, at Holy Communion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 132 N. Main St., Yeagertown, with Rev. Philip C. Tundel officiating.

A viewing will be held from 9:30 until the time of service at the church.

Interment will take place in the Holy Communion Lutheran Cemetery, Yeagertown, with military honors by VFW Post 7011, Lewistown.

Memorial contributions may be made to:  Holy Communion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 132 N. Main St., Yeagertown, PA 17099.

Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, 108 First Ave., Burnham, is in charge of arrangements.

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