Gerald Frederick Selders, 86, of State College, PA,
passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 6, 2023,
surrounded by family at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Born August 18, 1936, in Fairview, MD, he was the
son of the late Hubert Frederick and Edna Virginia
Nestor Selders. On August 22, 1959, he married the love
of his life Carolyn Wertman, who survives. In
addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by his
sons, Mark T. Selders and wife, Christine, of Port
Matilda and Kevin R. Selders and wife, Melissa, of Lock
Haven; five grandchildren, Jarilyn Walz and partner,
Alexander Newberry, Alexis DeShong and husband, Kyle,
Rachel Schilling and husband, Chad, Jonathan Johnson Jr.
and wife, Eliana, and Brayden Selders. He is also
survived by a sister, Huberta Shade and husband, Wayne,
of Berkeley Springs, WV and sister-in-law, Carol Selders
of Martinsburg, WV. He was preceded in death by his
infant daughter, Cynthia Selders and brother, Richard
Selders.
Gerald was a 1955 graduate of Berkeley Springs
High School. After graduation, he served in the Naval
Reserves from 1955-1959 in Cumberland, MD, followed by
serving with the Air Force National Guard from 1959-1963
in Martinsburg, WV.
During his enlistment with the Navy and Air
Force, he began a career in Drafting and Design for
aircraft, vending products, road side sound barriers and
ballistics. Prior to his retirement in 1999, he was the
Supervisor of Drafting and Design of the Garfield Thomas
Water Tunnel at Penn State University. Gerald was a
member of the Masonic Lodge #700 in State College where
he served as Treasurer, Secretary and Worshipful Master.
He also belonged to the Optimist Club of State College,
Coudersport Consistory 32nd degree, Jaffa Shrine in
Altoona, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, GFWC Booster Club and
was a lifetime member of the NRA-Golden Eagles. He
served as Derby Director for the Central PA Soapbox
Derby, focusing on design and construction of derby
cars. He was a member of the Pleasant Gap United
Methodist Church where he had served as Sunday school
teacher and on various committees.
Gerald loved attending the Centre County Grange
Fair, trips to Maine and the beach with his family and
friends. He especially enjoyed visiting Ireland and
Alaska with Carolyn. He was an active Booster for the
GFWC and enjoyed supporting his wife at her conventions.
Gerald was an avid fan and supporter of PSU Sports, and
regularly attended games and events. Above all he loved
making memories with his children and grandchildren.
Gerald deeply loved his family and his Lord and Savior.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.,
Friday, August 11, 2023, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S.
Atherton St., State College. Funeral service will be Saturday, August 12,
2023, at the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church, 179
South Main Street, Pleasant Gap, PA at 12:00 p.m. with
visitation at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Service
will be officiated by retired Pastor Thomas Osif.
Memorial contributions in remembrance of Gerald
may be made to the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church
Food Bank. Arrangements are under the care of Koch
Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be
entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on
Facebook.
Obituary from www.kochfuneralhome.com.
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