William (Bill) E. Schachern, 63, of Huntingdon and State College, died Saturday, September 22, 2007, at his State College residence.
He was born March 25, 1944 in Rochester, PA, a son of Erma Miller Schachern Stewart who survives in Monaca, PA and the late William E. Schachern Sr.
He was married to the former Gisela Falk who preceded him in death on December 29, 1997.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by one daughter, Monika G. Schachern of Las Vegas, NV; one son, Karl C. Schachern and his wife Barbara, and their son Christian, of Mauston, WI; one sister, Patricia Schachern of Maple Grove, MN; two brothers, David Stewart of Elbow Lake, MN, and Timothy Stewart of Monaca, PA. He is also survived by his companion and best friend, Nancy Mayer of Pleasant Gap.
He served in the U. S. Army and Army Reserves from October 12, 1963, to September 25, 1965, earning a Berlin Army of Occupation Medal and a citation as an M-14 rifle sharpshooter.
Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and later a Master of Science degree in Veterinary Science from Penn State University.
Earlier in his life, Mr. Schachern worked as a lab technician at Centre Community Hospital, at the Brittany Restaurant, and as an insurance agent for several companies. Most recently he was employed as a corrections officer at Smithfield State Correctional Institution at Huntingdon, earning the rank of sergeant. He was also working with a partner developing a business to be known as Stamm Uniform Supply.
Bill was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in State College and the V. F. W. in State College.
He especially enjoyed kayaking, woodworking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife preservation.
A memorial service for Bill will be held at 1:30 p. m. Thursday, September 27, 2007, at Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St., State College, PA, with the Reverend P. Stevens Lynn officiating. Friends will be received in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the memorial service. A committal service with military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, September 28, 2007, at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Helping Hands Hero Miles program, at Miles for Heores, American Airlines Aadvantage, Dept. P. O. box 6196688, DFW Airport, Texas, 75261-9688.
A guestbook can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com