Gary R. Houseknecht

October 21, 1943 - September 9, 2016

Gary R. Houseknecht, 72, of Dushore, and formerly of Edkin Hill Rd., Muncy Valley, died Friday, September 9, 2016, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Born October 21, 1943 in Picture Rocks, he was a son of the late Oliver W. and Ava L. (Whitmoyer) Houseknecht. His wife of 37 years, the former Lois Marie Montague, preceded him in death on January 22, 2001. Gary retired in 1992 from the former Bethlehem Steel, after having worked there for over 17 years. He also enjoyed carpentry work, especially the years he spent working with Jerry Dunham and his construction crew. He was a member of the NRA, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and a Life Member of the North Mountain Sportsmen Association and Whitetails Unlimited. Gary was an avid hunter and outdoorsman who loved traveling the world in search of his next great mount. From the Midwest to Canada; to Alaska and Africa, there were no limitations to his true passion in life. Surviving are two daughters, Mary L. (Jack) McClintock of Muncy Valley, and Bette J. (Jason) Ambs of Dushore; two sons, Terry R. (Georgette) Houseknecht of Hughesville, and Gary W. (Deb) Houseknecht of Elysburg; a sister, Erla E. Campbell of Hughesville; a brother, Gerry L. "Benny" (Donna) Houseknecht of Hughesville; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Gary was preceded in death by a brother, William C. Houseknecht Sr. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, September 17, at McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter Street, Dushore, with Pastor Craig Livermore officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Hughesville. Friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The family will provide the flowers and suggest memorial contributions to the North Mountain Sportsmen Association, c/o Tom Robbins, 300 Champion Hill Rd., Muncy Valley, PA 17758. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.