Willard L. Nearhoof, 71, of Altoona, died Sunday July 18, 2010, at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
He was born Feb. 26, 1939 in Julian, a son of Kyle B. and Mabel B. (Williams) Nearhoof. On Jan. 3, 1959, at the Grazierville United Methodist Church, he married Rosalie Ann Markel.
Surviving are his wife, a daughter, Melanie Ekdahl and husband, Douglas, of Stormstown; two sons, Duke and wife, Penny, of Runville, Scott, of Lititz, seven grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and a sister, Cindy Shaffer, of Richfield. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Biddle and two sisters, Veta Nearhoof and Stella Blaine.
He was a U.S. Air Force veteran serving two tours of duty in Vietnam, retiring in 1977 as a Senior Master Sergeant following 21 years military service. He was awarded two bronze stars. Following his military service, Mr. Nearhoof was employed at Cerro Metal, Bellefonte as superintendent of the large rod department, retiring in 1997 following 20 years service. Willie was an accomplished musician and skilled in various instruments. He enjoyed camping, traveling in his RV and flying model airplanes.
Funeral services will be held Thursday July 22, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Feller Memorial Home with Rev. Chester Marshall officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m.