All Obituaries

Roy M. Walkama, 95, of Erie, died Sunday, January 12, 2020 at UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA.   He was born in Ironwood, MI, only son of the late E. Mathias and Hilma (Peltohakka) Walkama.   Roy graduated from the Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, MI. Following high school, with America at war, Roy enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was deployed overseas with the 15th  Air Force, 461st Bomb Group in the B-24 Liberator, “All American” as a ball turret...

William M. Diehl, 75, of Girard, died Sunday, January 12, 2020 at UPMC Hamot, following a fall at his home.  He was born August 31, 1944 in Erie, a son of Alice F. (Mensing) Diehl of Girard and the late Mondell J. Diehl.  Bill graduated from McDowell High School in 1962. Following high school he went to work at Parker White Metal (Now PHB Die Cast), where he worked for over 30 years in the maintenance department, retiring in 2009 as an Electrician Maintenance man.   He...

Carmelo Herrera, 71 of Lake City, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at UPMC Hamot.  He was born August 1, 1948 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, a son of Antonia Colon.  As a young boy of seven years old, Carmelo arrived in the Bronx, New York from Puerto Rico. He also lived in Brooklyn where he was employed in a variety of businesses. Carmelo later settled in Erie in 1990 and has resided in Lake City and Girard areas since.  He had been employed most recently at Presque...

Beverly English-Heidler, 90, of Girard, died, Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Pleasant Ridge Manor.  She was born August 3, 1929 in Erie, a daughter of the late John and Adelaide (Benton) Ritchie. Beverly graduated from Fairview High School. Following high school she worked at various manufacturing facilities in the area and had most recently been employed at Marx Toy's in Girard as an Assembler, retiring from there.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her...

Allen B. Keefer, 90 of Girard, died Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Fairview Manor.  He was  born December 17, 1929 in Brookville, son of the late Boyd G. and Ethel L. Morey Keefer.  Allen was raised and educated in Erie attending Strong Vincent High School. He enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict where he served in Africa, Cuba, and Newfoundland in the See Bees. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his discharge he...

Kenneth M. “Kenny” Bender, 64 of Girard, died Tuesday December 31, 2019 at his lifelong home in Girard.  He was born in Erie, November 29, 1955, a son of the late Charles and Anna M. (Surovick) Bender.  Ken graduated from the Rice Avenue Union High School in 1973. While in high school he assisted the Yellow Jacket football team as Manager.   Immediately following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served with the Naval Mobile Construction...

Paul D. Semon, 67 of Erie and formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, died Monday, December 23, 2019 at LECOM Senior Living in Erie.  He was born July 26, 1952, a son of the late Franklin D. and Celstia P. (Mesch) Semon.  Paul graduated from Wheatfield High School, Niagara Falls, NY in 1969. Following high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served with the 6920th Security Group in Misowa, Japan. He served eighteen months at Karamursel Common Defense in Turkey. Upon his...

D. Garth Hetz, age 81, passed away in his sleep on December 21, 2019.  He was born in his parents’ home on Water Street in Fairview on October 2, 1938, the first born and only son of Clifford Burton Hetz and Estella Mae Lamb Hetz.  Garth was the grandson of Frank C. Hetz, the founder of Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, Inc., the family’s business established in 1911. Garth developed a strong work ethic while growing up working in the fields with the crews planting and...

Shirley Joann (Tucker) Kaufer, 81, of Albion, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 9, 2019.  She was born September 26, 1938 in Albion, a daughter of the late Lyle Z. and Blanche (Mosier) Tucker.  Shirley graduated from the Albion High School in 1956. She and her husband David purchased Kaufer's Gas and Appliance in 1960, which became known as Kaufer's Furniture and Appliance and Kaufer Associates, In. She and her husband operated this business together for 46 years...

Darl R. Young, 88 of Lake City, died Monday, December 23, 2019 at Fairview Manor.  He was born April 4, 1931, in Sunnyside, PA, Jefferson County, a son of the late Alfred L. and Elizabeth F. (Adams) Young.   Darl graduated from West Springfield High School in 1948. Following high school, he was inducted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was deployed to Korea, serving with I Company, 19th Infantry Regiment. He was awarded the National Defense Service...