John Wahna, 95, of Smithmill, PA died Sunday, October 10, 2010 at Tyrone Hospital.
Born on February 5, 1915 in Colver, PA, he was a son of the late Michael and Anna (Sturak) Wahna.
On October 4, 1942, he was married to Eva Strongosky Biddle who preceded him in death on March 6, 2010.
At 18 years old, he worked as a Coal Miner in the Ebensburg Coal Mine. He was then drafted for World War II at 27 years old and after his military service, worked as an apprentice at the Hommer Lumber Yard. After his apprenticeship, he worked for a number of contractors in the area, including Jack Frost, as a Finish Carpenter, retiring in 1979.
Mr. Wahna faithfully served our country in the US Army, from September 1942 to November 1945 obtaining the rank of Corporal. While serving, he was awarded the American Campagin Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He also served aboard the HMT Mauretania during his military service.
He enjoyed reading and keeping up on current events, gardening, inventing new innovations, and trying to make them succeed.
Being a gifted carpenter, he, along with his wife, built their own home from the ground up over an extended period of time, using their own available resources, in Smithmill, next to his wife's homestead.
Surviving are one daughter, Karen Wahna Davidsen (Garry) of Smithmill; one step-daughter, Patricia Biddle Byers (Jeff) of Mahaffey; one step-son, Donald Biddle (Veronica Simpson) of Cabot; two brothers, Nick and Pete Wahna; two sisters, Anna Ball and Helen Ball; four grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Belish, and two brothers, Mike and George Wahna.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, October, 13, 2010 from 6-8 PM and from 12:30 until the time of Funeral Services on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College.
Funeral Services will be held from the funeral home on Thursday, October 14, 2010, beginning at 1:30 PM, with the Reverend Dennis Lee McCracken officiating. Burial will follow at Centre County Memorial Park, State College.
Memorial Contributions in John's memory may be made to Janesville United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 29, Smithmill, PA 16680, or to a charity of ones choice.
A guestbook can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.