Obituary – Jerry R. Frankenburger
Jerry R. Frankenburger, 78, of Mill Creek, PA passed away on October 3, 2024, at his home from pancreatic cancer. He was born August 27,1946 in Williamsburg, Kentucky. He was the son of Robert Frankenburger and Mildred Freeman, both preceded him in death.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Frankenburger, whom he married in 1988. They enjoyed fishing, spending time with family, and quiet nights at home. Jerry graduated from Renovo High School in 1964. He was a proud Vietnam vet. He joined the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam from 1965-1968. He was part of the Army Security Agency 509 Radio Research Group at Davis Station where he was a linguist.
In his retirement, he traveled to Vietnam three times to visit it in peacetime. In the 1970s and early 1980s he worked as a welder building boxcars at Berwick Forge and Fabrication in Renovo, PA. He then went on to work at SCI Huntingdon as a prison guard retiring as a sergeant. Jerry enjoyed many things, such as watching the assortment of wildlife that came into his yard, especially the birds. He had many hobbies that occupied him in retirement and could often be found in his shed tinkering with one project or another, including crafting jewelry and woodworking. He liked going to his Army Security Agency reunions and reminiscing/visiting with former fellow service members.
What he enjoyed most were his trips to Alaska to see his family. He would spend time with his family there, go fishing for halibut, and pan for gold. His children and grandchildren brought out a whimsical and humorous side of him, which was a delightful contrast to his usual stoicism. He was always known as “Buddy” among the youth of the family, for his friendly and playful attitude towards them, and the warmth he exuded around them was felt by everyone.
In addition to his wife of 36 years, Deborah, he is survived by Children, Lydia Frankenburger of Anchorage; AK, Melissa Frankenburger of Renovo; Ashley (Agata) Frankenburger of Anchorage, AK; Adam(Jen) McClain of Huntingdon; and KT (Cindy) McClain of York; Grandchildren, Amber (Alex) Camacho of Sierra Vista, AZ; Jena (Vincent) Kruzick of Soldotna, AK; Sasha Fantaskey of Renovo; Ebonee Spriggs of Aurora, CO; Jaelyn Cozzi of Renovo; Bryce Frankenburger of Anchorage; Cora Frankenburger of Anchorage; and Kree Pelkey of Oklahoma; Great-grandchildren:, Wren Peterson of South Lake Tahoe, CA; Cecelia Shaffer of Renovo; Mya Dorman of Renovo; River Kruzick of Soldotna, AK; Zyon Kruzick of Soldotna, AK; Drake Dorman of Renovo; Ruby Kruzick of Soldotna, AK; Xoey Ballard of Stillwater, OK; and Piper Pelkey of Stillwater, OK. He is also survived by brother Robert Frankenburger of North Bend; sister, Jeanne Smith of South Carolina; and brother, Warren Young of Ohio.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Scott Frankenburger.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Heath-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 61 E. Shirley St., Mount Union, “Honored Provider of Veterans Funeral Care™.”
Condolences may be made at AndersonFamilyFuneralHomes.com.
