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Stevens Family Funeral Homes, 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA (2026)

03/30/2026

Gerald Vincent Gonsman Jr.
Dec. 1, 1935 – March 27, 2026

Gerald Vincent Gonsman Jr., 90, Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, formerly of Altoona, died Friday at UPMC Altoona.
He was born in Altoona, son of the late Gerald Vincent Gonsman Sr. and Regie (Merritts) Gonsman.
He is survived by two sons, Vincent Gonsman (Jenny) of LaGrange, Ky., and Aaron Watson (Debbie) of Westfield; a daughter, Jennie Dieffenderfer (Scott) of Harrisburg; four grandchildren: David Gonsman (Sierra), Taylor Gonsman (Unity), Emilee Dieffenderfer and Aaron Dieffenderfer; two great-grandchildren, Amber Shay Gonsman and Jamie Gonsman; three brothers: Robert Gonsman of Duncansville, Patrick Gonsman of Hollidaysburg and William Luther in Florida; a sister, Rita Walls of New Alexandria; and several nieces and nephews.
Gerald was preceded in death by his stepmother, Rita (Porta) Luther Gonsman Sipes; his longtime companion, Margaret Watson; sisters, Gloria Williams and Helen Drawdy; and a brother, Thomas Luther.
He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict serving from 1954-57 and retired from Electric Cord Co. of Westfield as a mechanic with 30 years of service. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lakemont, and the Hollidaysburg American Legion.
Gerald enjoyed fishing and was a sports fan of his home state teams of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday March 31, 2026, at Plank, Stitt and Stevens Funeral Home, 421 Montgomery St., Hollidaysburg, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated for Gerald at 10 a.m. Wednesday April 1, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lakemont, Monsignor Michael Becker, celebrant. Committal with military honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Gerald’s memory to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Condolences may be made at stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or the Stevens Family Funeral Homes page.

03/30/2026

E. Katharine Campbell
Sept. 6, 1929 – March 27, 2026

E. Katharine Campbell, 96, Hollidaysburg, passed away Friday afternoon at Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg. She was born in Scotch Valley, daughter of the late Thurman and Rhoda Katharine (Isenberg) Hileman.
On May 20, 1961, she married David R. Campbell at Geeseytown Lutheran Church. He preceded her in death on December 30, 2023.
She is survived by two children: Nancy Carney of Hollidaysburg and Gary (Cindi) of York; two grandchildren, Clinton and Julie Carney; two step-grandchildren; and a great-grandson, Barrett.
She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Wayne Carney; and four brothers: Luther, Homer, John, and an infant brother.
Katharine was a 1947 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School. She retired as a teacher’s aide from the Hollidaysburg School District.
Katharine was a member of St. John’s Reformed Church, Hollidaysburg and enjoyed flowers, gardening, and quilting.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Interment will be in Presbyterian Cemetery, Hollidaysburg.
Arrangements are by Plank, Stitt & Stevens Funeral Home, 421 Montgomery St., Hollidaysburg.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

03/30/2026

Nancy Ann (Gutshall) Filler
May 21, 1940- March 28, 2026
Nancy A. Filler, 85, Altoona, passed away to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday at the Presbyterian Home in Hollidaysburg.
She was born at Mercy Hospital in Altoona, daughter of the late Arthur I. Gutshall and Thelma B. Walls.
Surviving is a stepsister, Janet Elway of Shepherdsville, Ky., along with her three sons: Matthew and (Janet) of Marysville, Ohio, William A. (Lisa) of Hollidaysburg and Scott (Lisa) of Altoona; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, William C. Filler, on Dec. 4, 2021; and her sister, Joanne Polischeck, on Dec. 30, 2020.
She was primarily a homemaker most of her life, but did demonstrate for Pepsi and worked nine years in two separate capacities at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center in Altoona. Growing up, she was a member of the Young Girls Choir at the First United Methodist Church. She grew up singing with her family around the piano. After her marriage, she became a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Altoona. In her younger years, Nancy was a neighborhood volunteer collecting for the American Cancer Society.
Nancy enjoyed the outdoors, the fall foliage and sunbathing. She had many fond memories of spending time at her father's home in East Freedom, which they called Whispering Pines. She enjoyed attending Altoona Curve Baseball games with her late husband. Her greatest joy was her children and as she put it, "My kids are my life." She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved family vacations and traveling with the family to the beach.
Friends will be received from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, with a private service for the family to follow, at E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, 2309 Broad Ave, Altoona.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions are made to Bethany Lutheran Church, 300 Third Ave., Altoona, PA 16602.
Condolences may be made at stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or the Stevens Family Funeral Homes page.

03/30/2026

Funerals have existed in nearly every culture throughout history because humans instinctively know we need ritual. We need moments that help us pause, honor, and begin to understand goodbye.

03/27/2026

You are allowed to move forward and still miss them. You are allowed to build new memories while keeping old ones safe. The heart is capable of holding both.

03/27/2026

Donald T. Merrill
January 28, 1947 – March 25, 2026
Donald T. Merrill, 79, Patton, passed away Wednesday evening at James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona.
Donald was born in Colver, son of the late Scott and Mae (Thomas) Merrill. On June 8, 1966, he married Janet L. Williamson.
Surviving is his loving wife of 59 years; a daughter, Dawn Merrill of Patton; a son, Darin S. Merrill (Katrina) of Patton; 3 grandchildren: Christopher Gerlesky (Anna), Garrett Merrill and Jonathan Merrill; a sister, Myrna Martin; and several nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by a son: Wade Merrill.
He was a 1965 graduate of Cambria Heights High School and was a US Airforce veteran of Vietnam, having been an air cargo specialist.
Donald was a retired coal miner and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, cooking and working on cars.
Friends will be received from 3 p.m. until a 7 p.m. funeral service with full military honors on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Stevens Funeral Home, 1004 N. Main Street, Patton, PA 16668 with Rev. Alice Tondora officiating.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Patton Presbyterian Church, 509 Magee Avenue, Patton, PA 16668 in Donald’s memory.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

03/25/2026

Judith Anne Marcinko
June 17, 1939-March 23, 2026

Judith Anne Marcinko, 86, of Lewes, Delaware, formerly of Altoona, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Monday, March 23, 2026.
She was born in Altoona, the daughter of the late Thomas A. and Mary E. (Gibbons) Irwin. Judith married Richard J. Marcinko, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by her four loving children: Richard M. Marcinko (Lisa), Robert T. Marcinko (Hillary), Lisa A. (Marcinko) Laposay, and Mary Lynne Marcinko (Scott Schoem); and seven grandchildren: Michaela, Sean, Jason, Lindsey, Cole, Elena, and Emma. She is also survived by her siblings, Thomas Irwin (Lenora), Michael Irwin (Gail), Mary Beth Corace (Paul), and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a graduate of Seton Hill College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Music.
Judith enjoyed playing the organ and piano, shopping, spending time with her grandchildren, and relaxing on the beach. She shared her love of music through her service as a church organist and piano teacher for many years. Most recently, she played the organ at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bridgeville, Delaware, where her music was a meaningful part of the congregation’s services.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, March 27, 2026 at Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
The arrangements for Judith’s service have been thoughtfully provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc.
In honor of her dedication and love for the church, the family kindly requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 21, Bridgeville, DE 19933, to support its ministry and community outreach.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

03/25/2026

Burial provides something many people find grounding — a place. Somewhere to visit, to talk, to sit, to remember. A physical reminder that love always has an address.

03/24/2026

John R. Balliet, Sr.
September 8, 1957-March 23, 2026

John R. Balliet, Sr., 68, of Portage, formerly of Altoona, passed away Monday at UPMC Altoona following an extended illness. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late John A. and Mary (Brogden) Balliet.
John is survived by his son, John R. Balliet, Jr. (Kelly) of Altoona and four daughters: Nichole Smith (Bryan) of Monongahela, Christa Henderson (Frank) of Tempe, AZ, Erin Balliet (Cory) of Monongahela and Denyel Barnhill (Jeremy) of Altoona; fifteen grandchildren: Madison, Thea, Angel, Andie, Paityn, Cooper, Ava, Kyla, Tatum, Tegan, Tinsly, Jett, Lexi, Keaton and Kade; a brother, Raymond Balliet and sister, Mary Dively (Michael) both of Altoona; and his longtime girlfriend, Peggy Miller.
He was preceded in death by two brothers: Mickey Balliet and Gary Frye.
John was a 1976 graduate of Altoona Area High School and had been a HVAC tech for many years, working with a number of local companies.
He enjoyed going to flea markets and bargain hunting but, John especially loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life from 2-4 pm on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Bavarian Aid Society, 112 S 13th St., Altoona, PA 16602.
Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

03/23/2026

When families gather after a loss, something extraordinary happens. Generations connect. Old stories resurface. Laughter sneaks in between tears. Healing often begins right there.

03/23/2026

William Charles Harshberger
5/11/50 – 3/21/26

William Charles Harshberger passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 21, with his loving family by his side. He was born May 11, 1950 in Pitcairn, PA, son of William Lee and Dorothy (Thompson) Harshberger.
He married Linda Ann Thompson on June 16, 1973, at East End United Methodist Church, Altoona.
Survived by his loving wife of 52 years, a son Adam Charles Harshberger; a granddaughter Caitlin Rose Harshberger (fiancée Josh Merritts), a sister Debra L. (Tom) Saylor; a brother-in-law Terry (Dodie) Thompson, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many cousins.
Bill was predeceased by his 17 year old son Alan Lee Harshberger on May 28, 2000; his parents; his sister Donna Lee Bates; and his mother-in-law Anna Mae Thompson.
Bill was a 1968 graduate of Altoona Area High School, and after graduation he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He served as an Infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Division in Vietnam (1970-71).
Bill, also known as “Charlie” was a General Foreman for Conrail at the Juniata Locomotive Shops, and retired after 31 years of service. He also worked at the AASD for several years following his railroad career.
He was a member and Secretary of the General Foreman’s Association, member of the Bavarian Aid Society, East End UM Church, and a longstanding member and Board of Directors of East Branch Hunting and Fishing Camp in Huntingdon County.
Bill enjoyed boating on Raystown Lake (including Friday PM “safety meetings” with his lake buddies); the outdoors and hunting; and spending time with his family and good friends (the Valley Boys Tim Tyler, Carl Lutz, and the late Mike Fatigante) and his Conrail friendships. He loved his Country, and was a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins, along with the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Having been loved and respected by his family and all who knew him well, he will be tremendously missed. Always the first to lend a helping hand or bring laughter, his absence will leave a void. But we know the Captain and the youngest of his first mates have finally been reunited on a distant shore. May smooth waters and blue skies be theirs as they catch up on all the time together that they lost. Until we meet again, Bill.
Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602. A funeral service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Stevens Memorial Chapel by Pastor Dale Parker.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be sent to the Western PA Wounded Warriors, Inc. at PO Box 9, Eighty-Four, PA 15330 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

03/22/2026

Jeanette M. “Jan” Leonard
April 8, 1942 – March 20, 2026

Jeanette M. “Jan” Leonard, 83, Maple Heights Health and Rehab Center Ebensburg, passed away Friday at UPMC Altoona.
Jan was born in Colver, daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine (Saltsgiver) Hollen. She had 6 siblings: Joseph, Wilber, Northy, Georgia, Loretta, and Nellie.
She is survived by three sons: Carl Bennett (Vikki) of Carrolltown, Ed Leonard (Mary Anne) of Patton and John Leonard (Dawn) of Patton; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; a granddaughter Juanita McGary who was her caregiver and caregiver, Ashlynn McCullough.
Jan was preceded in death by sons: Paul Leonard and Tim Bennett.
She was a graduate of Penns Manor Highs School and worked in the kitchen at the Carrolltown Fireman’s Social Hall and Old Farm Inn.
Jan was a member of Patton Trinity Methodist Church.
She enjoyed crafts, gardening, and spending time with her kids and grandkids.
Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are by Stevens Funeral Home, Inc., Patton, PA
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

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