John W. Ellenberger, 90, of rural Centre Hall, died Friday, May 19, 2006, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center in State College.
He was born February 27, 1916 in Worth Twp., Centre County, the only living child of Harry and Blanche Griffin Ellenberger.
John graduated from Port Matilda High School in 1934.
He farmed most of his life and worked in the construction industry as a carpenter.
On October 1, 1939, he married Lois A. Wise who survives at home.
He is also survived by two daughters, Valerie Jane Gray and her husband Charles of Harrisburg, PA and Susan Elizabeth Hosterman of Centre Hall; one son Samuel T. Ellenberger of Centre Hall; five grandchildren, Samuel and Nathan Gray, Chip and Joseph Hosterman, and Jessica Ellenberger Bates; and 7 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Christopher Lee and Trina Jo Hosterman.
Mr. Ellenberger was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Farmers Mills where he served as a Sunday School teacher and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Old Fort Lodge #537 in Centre Hall, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon; and the Nittany Antique Machinery Association. John was widely known for his tenor voice, his wisdom, quick wit and humor. He also sang in various other community choirs and with the Penns Valley Men's Chorus. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and hunting. He also enjoyed sky watching both for the beauty of the sky and for weather information. He was an avid observer of wildlife. Visitation will be from 1:00 p. m. to 2:00 p. m. Tuesday, May 23, 2006, at St. John's Union Church in Farmers Mills. The funeral will be at 2:15 p. m. at the church with the Rev. N. Gregory Van Dyke officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Union Cemetery in Farmers Mills.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, C/O Rev. N. Gregory Van Dyke, 3851 Penns Valley Road, Spring Mills, PA 16875.
A guest book can be signed at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.