Victor Garzel

Victor J. Garzel, 86, of Austin died Sunday (April 22, 2007) at the Elk Regional Health Center in St. Marys.

Born on Jan. 20, 1921 in Rochester, N.Y., he was the son of John and Mary Malak Garzel. On May 29, 1948 in Emporium, he married Shirley Earle, who survives.

Mr. Garzel was a Navy veteran of World War II, having served on a PT Boat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. He was discharged in 1945 as a gunner's mate first class. He was a farmer and was employed for 18 years with Pierce Glass Company in Port Allegany, retiring in 1985.

Mr. Garzel was a member of the Austin VFW Post 7810, American Legion Post 192 of Coudersport, and was a training instructor for the Pa. Game Commission. He was an avid hunter, golfer and was a member of the Coudersport Golf Club. In his retirement years, he was well known for his leatherwork. His crosses that have been distributed throughout the world.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are three sons: John Victor (Judy) Garzel of Fogelsville, Greg (Cindy) Garzel of Austin, and Randy (Daphne) Garzel of Port Allegany; one daughter, Terry McFarland of St. Augustine, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two sisters, Helen Wilson of Canandaigua, N.Y., and Rosie Steinwachs of Rochester, N.Y., and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Adam Garzel; and a sister, Evelyn Peck.

Funeral services were held at the Fickinger Funeral Home, Coudersport, with the Rev. John Baney, pastor of the Austin United Methodist Church, officiating. Military rites were accorded at the cemetery by members of the Potter County Honor Guard. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Austin.

Memorial donations may be made to Austin Community That Cares, c/o Kathy Brooks, P.O. Box 414, Austin PA 16720, or to the Austin Dam Memorial Assn., P.O. Box 495, Austin, PA 16720.