Stefan Lawrence Briner, 43, of Julian, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Clearfield, doing what he loved, riding. Born on June 4, 1981, in State College, he was the son of the late Larry S. Briner and Susan M. Hammond Briner, who survives at her home.
Stefan was a 1999 graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School. He had been working as a Heavy Equipment Operator for HRI for the last 18 years.
In addition to his mother, Susan, he is survived by his wife, Jessica (Stem) Briner, and their children, Hunter Gates, Hannah Briner, and Barrett Briner, all of Julian, his girlfriend, LeeAnn Sanner, and her daughter, Ashlynn, of Julian, two sisters, Janine Briner Thompson (Matthew) of Aston, and Kristen Briner Scully (Rob) of Garnet Valley, and sister-in-law, Nichole Briner of Port Matilda. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, all of which he loved immensely: Cody, Carly, Robert, and Emma.
In addition to his father, he was predeceased by a brother, Mark R. Briner, on May 5, 2018.
Stefan was an avid outdoorsman. He loved riding all recreational vehicles, especially his side by side. He was often cruising trails with his special group of friends. He loved to go hunting and cutting wood, referring to his truck as “Wood Eddie.” He was thrilled to share his passion for the outdoors with his children any chance he got, forging a bond through these shared hobbies that Hunter, Hannah and Barrett will carry on throughout their lives. He found himself affectionately being looked at as a Dad to far more than just his three children; throughout the years, their friends fondly looked up to him and he was proud of all of his “extended family.” He leaves behind countless memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.
Family and friends will be received on Monday, June 17, 2024, from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 PM, at the funeral home, with Pastor Samuel Reese officiating. Burial services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Stefan’s children being the most important people in his life, the Briner family established a trust account for his children. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to this account through First National Bank to The Stefan L. Briner Children’s Benefit Fund, established and managed by his sisters, Janine and Kristen Briner.