Bernard "Bernie" Kilhoffer

Bernard G."Bernie"  Kilhoffer , 85, of 343 S. Ridge Road, St. Marys, and formerly of Ridgway, died on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Elk Haven Nursing Home following a short illness.

He was born on August 20, 1928, a son of the late Bernard and Lucille Flegal Kilhoffer.

On June 27, 1953 in Sacred Heart Church, he married Kathryn "Katie" Wicks Kilhoffer, who survives.

Bernie was a member of Queen of the World Church.  He graduated from St. Leo's School, and served in the US Army during the Korean War.  He retired from Keystone Carbon Company after more than 30 years of service.  From the time he was young, Bernie played the trumpet.  He played for several school bands and also played with Tom Dorsey during the Big Band Era.  He had owned and operated a laundromat in Ridgway for more than 10 years, and also had a washer/dryer repair service for more than 20 years.  He was a member of the Ridgway Legion and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of more than 61 years, he is survived by a daughter,
Catherine (Keith "Duke") Nesbitt, of St. Marys; 2 sons, Bernard "Butch" Kilhoffer and Richard "Rick" (Ellie) Kilhoffer both of Ridgway and by 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunt and uncle who raised him, Irene and Louis Kilhoffer, his 2 step-fathers, Harold Shields and Arthur Streets, a brother, Louis Kilhoffer and a step-brother, Donald Shields.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Bernard G. Kilhoffer will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at 10:00 AM at Queen of the World Church, Queens Road, St. Marys, with Fr. Richard Allen, Pastor, as celebrant.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail.

Interment will be in the St. Leo's Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elk Haven Nursing Home Activity Fund or to the Community Nurses.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com