Obituary of Iral T. Feighner "Smokey" , 67

On Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, Iral "Smokey" Feighner, 67, of Bellefonte, ended his four-year epic and courageous battle of complications suffered from Guillan-Barre Disease. Iral yielded his mortal body and his soul ascended to be with his God. Iral kept an unyielding trust in God and a positive outlook throughout his illness.

Iral was born on July 29, 1942 in Spangler, a son of the late Irvin J. Feighner and Vivian Stoltz Feighner, who survives at home. On Feb. 2, 1963, he married Carol Bodenschatz, who preceded him in death on June 22, 2009. Iral is survived by four daughters and two sons, Christopher Feighner, of Bellefonte, Catherine Shirk, of Bellefonte, Beverly Masullo (Bill), of Bellefonte, Charles Feighner, of Bellefonte, Carol Rockey (Jeff), of Centre Hall and Jeanie Pitts, of Bellefonte. He is also survived by a sister, Vivian Galovich (David), of Hastings; and a brother, Thomas Feighner (Jean), of Northern Cambria. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Cheyenne and Chance Feighner, Clinton and Jacob Shirk, Brittany and Antonia Masullo, Matt Barndt and Devon Feighner and Sara and Zack Rockey. Iral was preceded in death by his infant son, Iral.

He was a graduate of Northern Cambria High School and also Pennsylvania Technology College in Williamsport. Iral retired from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, where he worked as a draftsman. He also did surveying. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and a member of the Bellefonte chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Iral and his wife served as foster parents for many years. Quick to lend a hand on any motor or engine, Iral's knowledge knew no limits and his friendship no bounds. He loved to tinker with his tractors at his small farm, Mary's Acres, lovingly referred to as "Green Acres" by his family. He spent many hours out in his garage; but, his true passion was passing time with his grandchildren – bouncing one on a knee, taking a ride in the truck for an ice cream or (Heaven forbid!) – attending his favorite outing – auctions. As his family will attest, Iral gathered an eclectic collection of treasures at these auctions over the years. The tall, soft spoken draftsman and "tinkerer" will surely be missed by his family and friends.

Public visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, with a wake service at 8 p.m., and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 at Wetzler Funeral Service Inc., 206 N. Spring St., Bellefonte, with Deacon Thomas Boldin officiating. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Bellefonte, with the Rev. Thomas Tyler as celebrant. Burial will follow in Zion Union Cemetery, Walker Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Catholic School, 134 E. Bishop St., Bellefonte, PA 16823 or to the Centre County Children and Youth Services, Foster Care Fund, Willowbank Office Building, 420 Holmes St., Bellefonte, PA 16823.