Devon N. (Deacon) Bergholtz

Devon (Deacon) N. Bergholtz, 84 of 334 Ross Drive, Saegertown was called home by his Savior, surrounded by loved ones and his Pastor Kelly Nelson on Saturday January 28, 2012.

He was born August 25, 1927 in Franklinville, New York the oldest son of Norbert F. Bergholtz and Omega D. Frost Bergholtz McDowell.

During World War II, he served his country in the Merchant Marines & U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Apollo a submarine tender, being honorably discharged in 1945.

He married the former Imogene Wilson in Maryland on September 11, 1946. He and his wife moved to the Meadville area in 1947. Along with his wife of 65 years, he is survived by a son, Russell J. Bergholtz and his fiancée, Beth Mosier of Saegertown; a daughter, Nancy Jean Dearborn of Erie, PA; four granddaughters: Shannon Shutika of Hanover, PA, Jennifer Smithy of Corry, Kristi Bergholtz and Rachel White both of Saegertown; two great-granddaughters, Nya Jane and Sara Olivia; six great-grandsons, James, Tyler, Calvin, Corbin, Cole and Neil; two sisters, Naoma McDowell of Port Allegany, PA (who has since passed on April 12, 2012) and Joyce Husband of Hatboro, PA; two brothers,  Gary Bergholtz and his wife Mary Ann of Destin, FL and Norbert Bergholtz and his wife Betty of Blue Bell, PA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Devon N. Bergholtz Jr. and three brothers in-law, DeForest McDowell, Thomas Husband and Robert Wilson.

He worked at the American Viscose Co. and United Natural Gas Co. (National Fuel Gas). He served as staff representative for District 50 of the United Mine Workers and later the United Steelworkers of America, retiring in 1987. He was a member of United Steelworkers of America Local 1905, SOAR (Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees), the Crawford County Amateur Radio Society (KB3CAU) and he also did weather watches.  He was a member of the Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church, Saegertown where he had served on church council and as an usher. He was a Life Member of the B.P.O. Elk’s Lodge #219 of Meadville, the Saegertown American Legion Post #205, a charter member of the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC and a Honorary Life Member of Hayfield Central Hose Co. #1 V.F.D.

He had served as a past President and Campaign Chairman of the Western Crawford County United Way, Past President of the Crawford County Labor Union Council, Past Chairman of the AFL-CIO Tri-County Labor Committee, and as a member of AARP.  He had served on the Boards for the Salvation Army and CATA (Crawford Area Transportation Authority).  He also had served as a Committee Member for Boy Scout Troop #254 when his son was a young scout.

In 2004 he was presented the Patriot’s Day Award by the Washington Trail District of the French Creek Council, BSA.

He played center for the semi-pro football team, the Meadville Zippers.  He was a life-long Steelers football fan. He enjoyed his family, church, enjoyed sitting and talking with his Pastor and his beloved dog, Shadow.  He was an avid hunter for many years, especially enjoying deer hunting.

The memorial service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church, 358 Euclid Avenue, Saegertown with the Rev. Kelly Nelson, Pastor officiating and military honors provided by VFW Post #2006.

A luncheon will follow at Elk Lodge 219, Meadville.

The family suggests memorials be made to Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 640, Saegertown, PA 16433.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.

Memories and condolences may be shared at waidfuneralhome.net.