John Wayne “Mudman” Foltz, formerly of Aaronsburg, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Wynwood House in Boalsburg. He was 71. Born April 8, 1953, in Bellefonte, John was a son of the late Ray C. and Edna P. “Keister” Foltz.
John was a 1971 graduate of Penns Valley Area High School. He had been employed as a mason at Penn State University, retiring in 2007 with 25 years of service. John had an infectious giggle that lit up any room. He made friends everywhere he went. There was never a stranger in his presence. He greatly enjoyed cooking, canning and butchering. John was famous for his Hose House peppers that he made and sold after he retired from Penn State. As his pepper business grew, he spent more and more time at the Snyder County Produce Auction, eventually becoming assistant to the auctioneer.
He loved to find good deals at the auction and many of his Penns Valley family and friends would look forward to his deliveries or even joining him for a day at the auction. In early fall, John had a group of buddies from work that would gather annually to make his famous sauerkraut. Hundreds and hundreds of heads of cabbage were shredded each time, enough for everyone to take some home. John also greatly enjoyed NASCAR racing. Every year for many years, John and his buddies would go to Richmond for a weekend of camping at the races. He treasured those memories and all the mischief and laughter.
Every year on Veterans Day, John would make oyster stew for the Post #444 American Legion in Millheim where he was a longtime member. John was also a long-time member of the Millheim Fireman’s Club and the Union County Sportsman’s Club. John was the last founding member of the R&R gun club in Poe Valley, helping build the camp that still has active members today. John will be greatly missed.
John is survived by sons, Aaron M. Foltz of Millheim, Brandon R. Foltz of Centre Hall, and stepson, Tim C. Hosterman (Tammy) of Millheim; five siblings, Bernice A. Beaton (Russell) of Spring Mills, Lucille E. Brown of Coburn, Diane E. Musser of Spring Mills, Richard E Foltz, Sr. of Woodward and Suzanne R. Foltz of Spring Mills. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Nora Foltz of New Mexico, his stepbrother, Rob P. Knapik (Christine) of Pennsylvania Furnace, four grandchildren, Angela M. Foltz, Tucker C. Hosterman, Jonathan P. Foltz and Seth D. Foltz and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by one brother Carl L. “Son” Foltz, one daughter-in-law, Sara M. Foltz and two brothers in law, Robert L. Brown and Dale G. Musser.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Steven R. Neff Funeral Home in Millheim. The funeral will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11:00 am with Pastor Michael Covalt officiating. John will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of John may be given to Western PA School for the Deaf. Checks should be made out to “WPSD” and mailed to Western PA School for the Deaf, attn Development Office, 300 East Swissvale Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 or you can donate online at https://www.wpsd.org/support-us/ways to give/