George E. Kemmer

George E. Kemmer, 84, of 709 Theresia Street, St. Marys, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk.

He was born June 27, 1939, in Emporium.  He was the son of the late William “Boots” Kemmer and Mary “Elvie” Reed Kemmer Hollobaugh.  When George was six years old, his father passed away and he was fortunate to find the care and affection of a second father, the late William “Arnold” Hollobaugh.  George was a lifelong resident of the area and was employed by Stackpole/Carbone for forty-five years.  After his retirement from Carbone, he spent his winters working at Asmac until March of this year.

On December 30, 1961, in the Sacred Heart Church, George married Bonnie Thompson, who survives.  They were blessed to share 62 years of marriage.

In addition to his loving wife, Bonnie, George is survived by his daughter, Candy Lanzel and her husband John of St. Marys; four grandchildren: Brad Kemmer (Amanda), Brandon Kemmer (Melissa), Brett Lanzel (Callie), and Bryce Lanzel (Rylie); eight great-grandchildren: Connor, Cadence, Chloe, Caine, Ian, Landon, RJ, and Cash; his sister, Nancy Haberberger of St. Marys; his brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Sharon Thompson; and by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by three brothers-in-law: Bill Rigard, Willie “Junie” Haberberger, and Walter “Crimp” Thompson.

George was a hard-working man and always desired to stay busy with something.  He was content tinkering and fixing most anything.  He volunteered his time at the recycling center and valued the relationships that he developed there.  He enjoyed spending time camping with his wife and family and up until just last year he could be seen traveling around the region on his motorcycle.  There was nothing more important to George however, than spending time with his family of whom he loved very much.  He will be remembered for his jokester ways with lots of colorful stories from everyone.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Church on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 10:00AM with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, Pastor, celebrating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 E. Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to the Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.