Clifford E. Berkstresser

Clifford Elwyn Berkstresser 88 of Harrisonville, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Altoona Hospital Emergency Room with his loving family at his bedside.

Born January 16, 1933 at Everett Hospital he was the son of the late Ralph E. Berkstresser Sr. and Ada Maye (Knepper) Berkstresser.  

He graduated from Hustontown High School and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Shippensburg State Teachers College and a Masters of Education from Penn State University.  

He lived all of his life in Fulton County and grew up attending the Fairview United Methodist Church serving as trustee.  It was here he praised a loving and faithful God and enjoyed singing his favorite hymn “Amazing Grace”.

He dedicated his time and energy to the Forbes Road High School with 44 years of service as Guidance counselor and teacher of Physics and other sciences, Principal for three years and girls’ basketball coach with an undefeated season in 1963-1964.  The years as an educator gave him an opportunity to form relationships, share his wit, and the appreciation of pursuing knowledge that would last a lifetime.  

He treasured time with family and friends including taking his family on wagon rides through his beloved pines.  He loved nature identifying trees, and recognizing bird calls and calling in owls and quail.  He enjoyed working on his farm, reading, watching wildlife videos, playing chess and continuing to learn.   He was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Eagles, and Penn State Football.  His family treasures memories including his love of singing songs from “How Great Thou Art” and “Camelot” to “Old Rattler” and “Grandmas Lye soap”. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Julia (Memmi) Berkstresser and their three daughters Maria L. Novick and her husband Steven, Amy J. Simonds and her husband Mark, and Julie Maye; Grandchildren Cory and Emily Novick, Matthew and Sydney Simonds.  Brother Neil L. Berkstresser and Sister Nina J. Geesaman and her husband Ken; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Ralph E. Berkstresser Jr., Ronald W. Berkstresser, Archie D. Bergstresser and his sisters LaRue M. Shaw and Jean L. Cline.  

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic services were private and at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life for Clifford E. Berkstresser will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of the M. R. Brown Funeral Home, Hustontown, PA.

Online condolences and further information may be obtained at www.mrbrownfh.com.

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