John E. Gautsch

John E. Gautsch, 75, of 7 Center Ave., Muncy, died Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at the Muncy Valley Hospital Emergency Room.

Born January 7, 1935, in Montgomery, he was raised by his late Grammy DeWald and his mother, Dorothy (DeWald) Gottschall, who survives.

On July 5, 1957, he married his wife of 53 years, the former Roberta J. “Bobby” Artley.

A 1955 graduate of Montgomery High School, he served in the U.S. Army. John worked as a sheet metal worker at the former Sprout Waldron in Muncy until retiring in 1998 after 43 years of service.

He was a member of Sprout’s Quarter Century Club and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge # 171, Milton. For over 20 years, he worked with the Lycoming County Fair. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on wood and metal projects for various people, and also enjoyed hunting.

John could often be found in the kitchen baking some of his favorite dishes, especially apple pies, sugar cookies, whoopee pies and fruit cakes. Those who knew him well appreciated his reputation as a prankster and looked forward to socializing with him at McDonald’s.

He attended Muncy Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are one son, David C. Gautsch of Montoursville; two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda S. and Richard Schnelle of Muncy and Diane K. and Robert Stutzman of Greensburg; one stepbrother and stepsister-in-law, Kenneth and Darla Gottschall of Muncy; and three grandchildren, Kalyn and Derek Stutzman of Greensburg and Megan Schnelle of Muncy.

In addition to his Grammy DeWald, he was predeceased by his stepfather, Arthur Gottschall.

The funeral was held at noon on Saturday at Grenoble’s, 121 S. Main St., Muncy. Officiating was Rev. Scott Warren, pastor of Muncy Baptist Church. Burial followed in Muncy Cemetery.

Friends were received on Saturday from 10 to noon at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at HYPERLINK ““http://www.grenoblefuneralhome.com”>www.grenoblefuneralhome.com“ www.grenoblefuneralhome.com.