Paul A. Rishel, 73, of rural Centre Hall, died Thursday, February 2, 2006 at his residence.
He was born February 26, 1932 in Millheim, a son of the late Andrew and Madaline Houser Rishel.
On June 11, 1953, he married Mary Jane Rimmey who preceded him in death on October 18, 2000. He and his wife Jane thoroughly enjoyed their home on the hill, affectionately dubbed their "Jerusalem."
He is survived by two sisters, Ruth E. and Sandra E. Rishel both of rural Centre Hall; one brother Charles E. Rishel of rural Centre Hall; three sisters-in-law, Goldie Ilgen of Colorado Springs, CO, Martha Ralston of Suwanee, GA and Lois Rimmey of Venetia, PA; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ralph and Clara Rimmey of rural Centre Hall; eighteen nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.
Mr. Rishel attended a one room school in Potter Township at Tusseysink and graduated from Centre Hall-Potter High School in 1948. He earned a bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University in 1952.
He worked for Atlas Powder Company Contract and Volunteer Ordnance Works, from September 1952 to April 1956. From 1956 to 1958 he served in the U. S. Army as a First Lieutenant with the Medical Service Corps. He then went to work for Linden Labs until 1978 when he became a co-owner of C. W. Dickey Associates until 1984. He then founded Par Sonics, a manufacturing company of ultrasonic devices, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2000.
He was a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Tusseyville, where he served as a deacon and elder. He was also active in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery Association in Tusseyville, having worked extensively in record keeping and updating for the association. He also had a deep interest in genealogy.
Memorial services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel United Church of Christ, C/O Eric Myer, 214 Sinking Creek Road, Spring Mills, PA 16875, or to the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery Association, C/O Samuel Grove, 317 Airport Road, Centre Hall, PA 16828
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com