Gerard Andrew Wuenschel, Sr.

WUENSCHEL

Gerard Andrew, Sr.

Age 97, of Pleasant Hills, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2024.

"Gerard was born in Mount Oliver, PA on September 20, 1926 to Theodore Wuenschel and Margaret (Wuerl) Wuenschel. He resided in Mount Oliver for most of his life, until age 92. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Deana (Best) Wuenschel, his 9 children, Gerard, Jr., Dana (Ken) Olup, Jane, Laura, Roger (Christina), Ann, Adam, Rev. William Wuenschel, and Amanda (Glenn) Knoebel, his 9 Grandchildren, Erica Wuenschel, Brianna (Steven Hart) Wuenschel, Sarah Wuenschel, Abby Wuenschel, Victoria Olup, Zackery Wuenschel, Emily Olup, Andrew (Kae VanFossen) Wuenschel and Eve Knoebel and one great-grandchild, Christopher Rodriguez. Gerard is proceeded in death by his parents and 8 siblings, Fr. Ludger, Marie Levie Lauterbach, Fr. George, Sr. Romaine, Regis, Walter "Sales" Winchel, Paul and Cyril.

Gerard was drafted to serve in WWII in March 1945, when he was a Senior in high school, at 18 years old. He proudly served in the Army as a Medical Technician. From 1958 - 1963, he studied philosophy in both Hays, Kansas and Washington, D.C. studying to become a priest. Ultimately, he decided the priesthood was not his path. He met Deana Best in July 1966. They were married on June 10, 1967. In September 1966, Gerard started his career for the State of Pennsylvania as a Counselor and then Supervisor in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, where he worked until his retirement in 1989.

Gerard and his family spent most of their lives together attending church and being involved within the church community both at St. Joe’s and later at Holy Angels. Gerard was a proud member of many Church related committees and groups. He belonged to the Holy Name Society, was a Lector, Lay Minister and CCD Teacher, a member of the Parish Council and sang on the church choir for more than 50 years. He also sang on the Mendelssohn Choir for 10 years as well as the Diocesan Choir for 19 years. Many people requested for him to sing Ave Maria and other songs at both weddings and funerals.

Gerard and Deana and their children spent their years together vacationing in the mountains in Tylersburg, PA. In 1976, Gerard and Deana took a bus trip with their 6 children to Texas and Arizona and in 1985, they drove to Texas with their 9 children. After his retirement, Gerard enjoyed many side jobs, such as working at Farnsworth Funeral Home in Mount Oliver, Page Dairy Mart in the South Side and Heyl Florists. Gerard’s greatest joy in life was being a husband, Dad and PapPap. He was a friend to many people and touched countless lives with his kindness, compassion, and singing. He was driven by his faith and through his faith he influenced and changed many lives."

Friends received SATURDAY 2 - 4 and 6 - 8, and on SUNDAY 2 - 6:30 p.m., with vigil prayers at 6:30 p.m at TIMOTHY K. SLATER Funeral Services, Inc. (412-381-3337) 425 Brownsville Road (Mt. Oliver), 15210. Mass of Christian Burial will be MONDAY, Holy Angels Catholic Church (Blessed Trinity Parish), 408 Baldwin Road, Hays, PA, 11:30 a.m. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH.   Interment following at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 2:30 p.m.

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