Fred R. (Jack) Harpster, 91, of State College, died Saturday, October 27, 2007, at Greenhills Village in State College.
He was born September 7, 1916, at Pennsylvania Furnace, a son of the late Harry H. “Pete” and Ethel Inhoof Harpster.
On June 4, 1938, in Cumberland, Maryland, he married the former Betty Cupp, who preceded him in death on April 24, 1998.
He is survived by several nieces and nephews, Terry Ellenberger and his wife Sherry of Warriors Mark, Ronnie Ellenberger of Colorado, Connie and Wayne Harrison of White, GA, Mearle and Betsy Barto of Pennsylvania Furnace, and Theresa Ellenberger of Warriors Mark.
Mr. Harpster attended Marengo and Ferguson Township Schools.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from April 13, 1943 until January 2, 1946. He served with the 64th Bomb Group, 39th Squadron 313th Wing, earning the rank of Sergeant. His service included the Air Offensive in Japan, the Eastern Mandates, and the Western Pacific. He was awarded an American Theater Ribbon, a World War II Victory Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and an Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars.
Fred worked at Penn State University in gardening and landscaping from 1937 to 1973. After his retirement from Penn State, he worked part time for State College Parks and Recreation Authority from 1973-1978; and worked as a transport driver for various auto dealerships in the area.
He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 206 in Bellefonte, and V.F.W. Post 321 in State College. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing, especially his trips to Canada. He also enjoyed his trips to the Atlantic City Casinos.
Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Ross United Methodist Church, Marengo, PA 16877.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.
