Arthur Bergantz Kyper, 75, of State College, died Friday, April 9, 2010.
Born December 28, 1934, in Huntingdon, PA, he was a son of the late John Clifton and Nettie Frances (Bergantz) Kyper.
On September 28, 1958, in Lansford, ND, he married Eloise Marie Bjerkan who survives at home.
Arthur was a 1953 graduate of Huntingdon High School, where he played football and ran track. He attended the Minot State College in Minot, ND., and was also a Staff Sergeant during the Korean Conflict.
He was the former owner and manager of Centre County Memorial Park from August 1973 - February 1994. During his ownership, he had the Garden and Chapel mausoleums built, installed the lawn crypt section, and contributed to the establishment of the Eloise B. Kyper Funeral Home.
Because of his patriotism and the love of the American Flag, the Avenue of Flags and Veterans Memorial are now prominent features at the Memorial Park.
He previously worked in cemetery sales, serving a five state area (1964-1973). Prior to that, he owned and operated a dairy farm in Huntingdon.
Art was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Boalsburg, where he was a former council member. He was also a member of the Elks Club of State College and a former member of the State College Kiwanis, where he was often referred to as "Pancake Man", because of his enthusiastic ticket selling for their fund raiser.
Along with his wife, he is survived by a son Dan (Jan); a daughter, Diana Rice (Sam); and eight grandchildren, Dominque "Nikki", Samuel "Eddie", Troy, Davion, Ross, Jeremy, James, and John.
On Sunday, April 11, 2010, his grandson, Krushun Rice, unexpectedly went to join Art in eternity.
In addition to his parents and grandson, he was preceded in death by his three brothers; Ray E., J. Frederick, and James H. Kyper.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College. Funeral Services will be held, beginning at 1 PM, Thursday, April 15, 2010, at the funeral home, with the Reverend Brent Book officiating. Entombment will follow at Centre County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church, 305 N. Church Street, Boalsburg, PA 16827 or the Alzheimer's Association, 3544 N, Progress Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com