Jarrett Anthony Bukolt, 25, passed away on April 17, 2026, leaving behind a family and community who loved him deeply.
Born at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Jarrett grew up with a quiet strength and a thoughtful, observant nature. He graduated from Carthage Area High School in 2018. Bright, compassionate, and endlessly curious, he had a deep love for animals and a natural ability to connect with them. Those who knew him remember his sense of humor, his kindness, quick wit, and tender smile.
Jarrett enjoyed working on his car, perfectly tuning it for performance, going to the gun range and recently took up hunting with his father.
Jarrett is survived by his mother, Melissa Bukolt Ellsaesser and her wife Laura, his father, Jeffrey Bukolt and his stepmother, Heather Dawson, his siblings, Zachary Bukolt (and nephew Donald), McKenna Bukolt, Ava Bukolt, Tobin Bukolt, Lila Dawson, Gage Dawson, paternal grandmother Martha Bukolt, maternal grandmother Mary Johnston, aunt Christine Moyer, and cousins Paige and Ainsley Moyer, who will forever hold him in their hearts.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Donald Bukolt.
His family hopes he will be remembered for the love he gave, the quiet brilliance he carried, and the tenderness he brought into the world.
A public viewing will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. Funeral services will begin at 12:30 PM, at the funeral home, with Pastor Doug Conway officiating. An additional viewing will be held after the service from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Burial services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com