Thursday, March 28, 2024

Obituary of Burce Siegenthaler PhD, 93

Name of Deceased Burce Siegenthaler PhD
Age 93
Date of Death 01/20/2015
Date of Birth 08/29/1921
Funeral Home Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral & Cremation Services

Bruce M. Siegenthaler, 93, of State College, died Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at Foxdale Village in State College.

He was born August 29, 1921 at Fremont, Ohio, a son of the late Melvin Francis and Ethel Irene Krieilick Siegenthaler.

On April 7, 1947, he married Shirley Edna Hanscen who survives in State College.

He is survived by three sons Robert B. (Jeanne) of State College, Thomas H. and Peter H. (Linda) of Centre Hall; five grandchildren, Rebecca Freeman (Maurice), Jennifer Matyasovski (Michael), Eric, Ali and Robin Siegenthaler; four great grandchildren, Brooklynn, and Brielle Freeman, Adalynn and Wyatt Matyasovski and a cousin Linda Coutre.

Mr. Siegenthaler earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts and Mathematics at Bowling Green State University in 1944; and completed Special Training with U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. He went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Michigan in 1948. He then completed his Ph.D in Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Michigan in 1951.

A person of varied experiences he served in the Army Corps of Engineers from 1943 to1947 including active duty in the European and Pacific Theaters during World War II. From 1947 through 1951 he served as a Clinical Assistant; Teaching Fellow; Senior Clinician and Major Clinician with the National Speech Improvement Camp and the University of Michigan Speech Clinic. In 1953 he became the Professional Coordinator of the Harmony Hall Hearing Program holding that position through 1973. In 1951 – 1954, Dr. Siegenthaler served as an Assistant Professor, then as an Associate Professor from 1955 – 1960, and as a Professor in 1960 – 1971. He also served as Professor-in- Charge and Director of the Speech and Hearing Clinic from 1964 – 1979. During the period from 1975 – 1977 he served as a College of Education Faculty Council Member. His next position involved serving as Professor-in-Charge of Speech Pathology and Audiology from 1979 to 1985. During that period from 1981 to 1983 he also served as Professor-in–Charge of the Communication Disorders Program. He achieved the rank of Research Professor Emeritus in 1985 at the Pennsylvania State University. During his full and successful career, he served as an Audiology Consultant with the PA Bureau of Vocations Rehabilitation. Dr. Siegenthaler retired in 1985 as an Emeritus Research Professor at the Pennsylvania State University.

His professional organization memberships include the American Speech and Hearing Association; the National Rehabilitation Association; the Acoustical Society of America, the Pennsylvania Speech and Hearing Association, and the Academy of Rehabilitation Audiology and the International Society of Audiology.

Dr. Siegenthaler served as Chairman of the Committee on Professional Standards; Chairman of the Audiology Committee; and Chairman of the License Committee; and as Editor of the Pennsylvania Speech Annual. He held the position of Vice President of the Central PA Chapter of the Acoustical Society.

In keeping with his commitment to improve the quality of life for others; he worked with the Pennsylvania Society for Crippled Children and Adults Professional Advisory Committee; and served on the Board of directors for Centre County Easter Seal Society. In 1973 he filled the position of President of the Centre County Council for Human Services. He held various positions with the Centre County Home Health Agency. He worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Health Hearing Aid Advisory Committee. His other memberships included Grace Lutheran Church in State College.

Bruce was much more than an accomplished educator. He was a lifelong woodworker and partnered with his wife in many craft endeavors. In the early days of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, Dr. Siegenthaler was a frequent participant. Having a love for music, he was a devotee to Dixie Land Jazz, both locally and at various national venues.

Bruce loved and spoiled his grandchildren and was affectionately known as “Punka” in the Siegenthaler family. His humor and guidance will always be remembered by everyone who knew him.

Graveside committal services will be held at 10:30 a. m., Monday, January 26, 2015 at Centre County Memorial Park with full military honors. The Reverend P. Stevens Lynn will officiate.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 – 4 p. m., Monday, January 26, 2015, in the Darlington House Lounge at Foxdale Village, 500 E. Marylyn Ave. State College.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania, 824 Pike St., P. O. Box 811, Lemont, PA 16851.

An on line guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com