Paul Leon (Poke) Heitzenrater, 72

June 28, 2012

Paul Leon (Poke) Heitzenrater, 72, of Annapolis, Md., and Punxsutawney, died Monday, June 25, 2012, at home.

He was born April 20, 1940, in Punxsutawney, a son of the late Vaughn H. and Ethel J. (Bodenhorn) Heitzenrater

Dec. 20, 1965, he married Ruth Ann (Whitesell) Heitzenrater, who survives.

Mr. Heitzenrater graduated in 1958 from the Punxsutawney Area High School.

During high school, he worked for Fleck’s Beverages.

After graduation, he worked at Freas Brothers Garage before joining the U.S. Navy in 1959. 

He served in the U.S. Navy until 1965 with a tour of duty in Sakata, Japan, as a member of the U.S. Naval Security Group.

He was employed for more than 30 years in the electronics field.

Upon his retirement in 1999, he was the quality assurance manager for Alliant Techsystems.

Mr. Heitzenrater was a member of the NRA and enjoyed hunting and playing horseshoes with friends and relatives.

In addition to his wife, surviving relatives include a daughter, Julie Heitzenrater and fiancé Martin Wilkinson of Pittsburgh; and a brother, Charles E. Heitzenrater and wife Betty of Erie.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Wanda M. Freas of Cheektowaga, N.Y.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, July 6, 2012, at the Grace United Methodist Church, 61 Hillcrest Dr., Punxsutawney, Pa. 15767.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/index.