John L. “Jack” Gahres

DALMATIA • John L. Gahres, 82, of Dalmatia, passed away Dec. 14, 2020, at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. He was born at Geisinger Hospital in Danville, July 30, 1938, son of the late John and Margaret Gahres. He is survived by his wife Rita, daughter Jayne, son-in-law Jim, and two grandchildren Connor and Kristin. He also is survived by his two sisters Marlene Smeltz and Yvonne Diehl, their spouses Will Smeltz and Jim Diehl, brother-in-law Steve Witmer and sister-in-law Ann Hoover, and many more nieces and nephews, who were close to his heart. “Jack” graduated from Mahanoy Joint High School in 1956, a varsity track and football player. He then graduated from Shippensburg University in 1960, where he played football as well. That same year he married Rita Witmer. A lifelong supporter of the Blue and White, he belonged to the Penn State Nittany Lion Club and the Greater Susquehanna Valley Penn State Club, traveling to Happy Valley to cheer on the wrestling and football teams whenever he could. It is safe to say that there were very few Penn State football games that he missed – WE ARE! In 1960 he also began work at the East Malta Dairy, which he helped manage for years. He also managed Nelson’s Express Trucking until he started his own business, Millersburg Ice and Beverage. A spiritual man, he sang in the choir, was an adult teacher and consistory member of his beloved St. Luke’s United Church of Christ. Jack was an original member of Millersburg Jaycees, Millersburg Masons and Millersburg Tall Cedars of Lebanon, serving as Grand Tall Cedar in 1972 and Supreme Director and Supreme Scribe for the national chapter of Masons. An avid golfer, he loved going out on the course with friends, but one of his greatest joys was visiting Atlanta, Ga., to watch his grandson Connor play football (a passion that carried over to numerous cherished memories of traveling to Penn State bowl games with “Meme and Dado”) and his granddaughter Kristin ride in equestrian competitions. He and Rita traveled the world; some of his most memorable stops were to Ireland, Hawaii and their annual snowbird trips to Florida with friends. But perhaps one of his favorites was an unforgettable trip to Alaska that he treated his family to for his 50th wedding anniversary. Jack always had a kind word, smile and his patented thumbs up to all whom he met. A man of faith, family and conviction, he will be deeply missed by his loved ones, friends, community members and all who knew him. A celebration of life is pending, likely to take place in the spring of 2021 so that friends and family can safely gather. In lieu of flowers or condolences, donations can be made in Jack’s memory to St. Luke’s United Church of Christ and to the Millersburg Tall Cedars of Lebanon. St. Luke’s Malta United Church of Christ: 837 Mahantongo Creek Rd., Dalmatia, PA 17017. Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America: PO Box 263 Millersburg, PA 17061 “Good show” young man, we love you always. Hoover-Boyer Funeral Home, Ltd, Millersburg, is handling the arrangements. To sign the guestbook, go to minnichfun eral.com Paid by funeral home