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 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 1992. He was a member of SOAR (Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees).  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 and the Saegertown American Legion Post #205.

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.

Private family services will be held at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville with an Elks service, followed by the funeral service with Rev. Kelly Nelson, Pastor of Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church, officiating.

A public memorial service with military honors at the Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church will be announced later in the spring.

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

Memories and condolences may be shared at waidfuneralhome.net.