1924
Elmer
2011
Elmer Gnagi
January 15, 1924 — November 28, 2011
Elmer R. Gnagi, 87, of East Springfield, died Monday, November 28, 2011. He was born in McKean, the son of the late John and Emma (Schafle) Gnagi.
Elmer owned and operated his own farm in McKean. He was also employed as a heavy equipment operator for Bill Heidt & Sons, S. J. Groves, Trumbull Construction, Mekis Construction, and McKean Township. In addition, he constructed many homes in McKean and Lake City.
He was a U.S. Army veteran and a former member of the Edinboro VFW. At age 80 he took up beekeeping as a hobby and joined the Northwest PA Beekeepers Association.
Ever the farmer, he annually produced a large garden and proudly shared its bounty with family, friends, acquaintances, and the Second Harvest Food Bank. For several years he also raised beef cattle and chickens.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Gertie Gnagi Myers, and three brothers, Howard, John, and Richard Gnagi.
Survivors include three daughters: Judy (Floyd) Lawrence, Erie; Joyce (Robert) Adams, Cambridge Springs; and Linda Boldizar, Brandon, Florida; seven grandchildren: Christopher Brozell, Pamela (Michael) Zaycosky, David (Carol) Billings, Michael (Robin) Billings, Jeffrey Gebhardt, Gregg (Carrie) Gebhardt, and Shannon Gebhardt; and eight great-grandchildren: Joshua, Daniel, and Benjamin Porter, John Zaycosky, Jamie and Samantha Billings, and Timothy and Steven Billings. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Elmer chose to celebrate his full life while he was alive. In 2006 and again in 2009, he hosted festive parties attended by hundreds of friends and family members.
According to his wishes, private burial took place in the Sterrettania Cemetery at the convenience of the immediate family. The Glunt Funeral Home, Edinboro was entrusted with arrangements.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, 1507 Grimm Drive, Erie, PA 16501.
Elmer owned and operated his own farm in McKean. He was also employed as a heavy equipment operator for Bill Heidt & Sons, S. J. Groves, Trumbull Construction, Mekis Construction, and McKean Township. In addition, he constructed many homes in McKean and Lake City.
He was a U.S. Army veteran and a former member of the Edinboro VFW. At age 80 he took up beekeeping as a hobby and joined the Northwest PA Beekeepers Association.
Ever the farmer, he annually produced a large garden and proudly shared its bounty with family, friends, acquaintances, and the Second Harvest Food Bank. For several years he also raised beef cattle and chickens.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Gertie Gnagi Myers, and three brothers, Howard, John, and Richard Gnagi.
Survivors include three daughters: Judy (Floyd) Lawrence, Erie; Joyce (Robert) Adams, Cambridge Springs; and Linda Boldizar, Brandon, Florida; seven grandchildren: Christopher Brozell, Pamela (Michael) Zaycosky, David (Carol) Billings, Michael (Robin) Billings, Jeffrey Gebhardt, Gregg (Carrie) Gebhardt, and Shannon Gebhardt; and eight great-grandchildren: Joshua, Daniel, and Benjamin Porter, John Zaycosky, Jamie and Samantha Billings, and Timothy and Steven Billings. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Elmer chose to celebrate his full life while he was alive. In 2006 and again in 2009, he hosted festive parties attended by hundreds of friends and family members.
According to his wishes, private burial took place in the Sterrettania Cemetery at the convenience of the immediate family. The Glunt Funeral Home, Edinboro was entrusted with arrangements.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, 1507 Grimm Drive, Erie, PA 16501.
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