Burdell Charles Houseknecht

Burdell Charles Houseknecht, 92, of 911 Chippewa Road, Muncy, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 27, 2010 at the Muncy Valley Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit.

Born December 19, 1917 in Hughesville, he was a son of the late Charles Irvin and Ida (Temple) Houseknecht. On March 25, 1951, he married the former Esther Leavy at the Muncy Baptist Church. Together they celebrated 51 years of marriage until her death on May 24, 2002.

At a young age Burdell assisted his father on the farm, and in 1942 he voluntarily joined the U.S. Army. During World War II he parachuted behind the fighting lines in Italy, France, Belgium and Germany. He was also stationed in England and helped liberate the death camp in Buchenwald, Germany. After spending 39 months in the service and achieving the rank of Corporal in the 826th Aviation Airborne Division, Burdell returned home in October 1945. Following the war he was employed at the former Modecraft and at Old Fort Nursery.

Burdell was a member of Muncy Baptist Church and the Edward J. Smith Post #3428 American Legion, Muncy. He was extremely fond of cats and had many during his lifetime. Burdell loved his grandchildren and talked about them frequently.

Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Mary Elaine and John Russell of Indianapolis, Ind.; two grandchildren, Justin and Farrah Shultz of Lakeland, FL; two caregivers; and many nieces and nephews, including Clyde Miller and Barbara Houseknecht.

The funeral was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at Grenoble’s, 121 S. Main St., Muncy. Officiating was his pastor, Rev. Scott Warren. Burial with full military honors followed in Muncy Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grenoblefuneralhome.com.