Helen Gessner

Helen E. Gessner, 89, of Forest Hill Rd., Mifflinburg, entered into rest at 11:54 p.m., Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at her daughter’s home.

She was born March 5, 1931, in Buffalo Township, a daughter of the late David and Erma (Eddinger) Oberlin.  On June 24, 1950, in the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mifflinburg, she married Harold W. Gessner, who preceded her in death in August 22, 1985.

Helen was a 1949 graduate of Mifflinburg High School.

She was a hard-working lady.  Helen dedicated over 20 years of her life running the former family business, Gessner’s Meats, Lewisburg, where she always had a smile on her face and loved talking to customers.

Earlier in life, she was employed at Royal Imprints, Lewisburg, Huntington Throwing Mill, Mifflinburg, and was a waitress at the Caroline’s Restaurant, Lewisburg.

Helen was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mifflinburg, where she assisted with church dinners.

In her spare time, Helen enjoyed attending public sales, and going to McDonald’s for morning coffee with her family and friends.

She opened her door to anyone who needed a place to stay.

Helen’s family was very important to her and was always ready to give out hugs.  She will truly be missed.

Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Ray and Linda Gessner of Mifflinburg, and Scott and Luci Gessner of Mifflinburg; two daughters and one son-in-law, Janet and Michael Shoemaker of Mifflinburg, and Judy Swank and her boyfriend Elwood Smith of Mifflinburg; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Oren and Pat Oberlin of Lewisburg, and James Oberlin of Mifflinburg; one sister and brother-in-law, Freda and Ray Walter of Mifflinburg; one brother-in-law, Roger Fahmer of South Carolina; three sisters-in-law, Ruth Gessner of Mifflinburg, Pat Gessner of Lewisburg, and Emma Gessner of Northumberland; nine grandchildren and their spouses, Chad and Shelby Gessner, Traci and Deken Kline, Shawn and Sam Shoemaker, Amy and Neil Moyer, Tim Shoemaker, Stefanie Swank, Angyla Swank, Jeff Gessner, and Jamie Gessner; 15 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Peggy Sue Gessner; one son-in-law, Dan Swank; one granddaughter, Lisa Ann Gessner; one grandson, Bryan Swank; two brothers, Ray Oberlin and Ernie Oberlin; one sister-in-law, Martha Oberlin; and three brothers-in-law, Ernie Gessner, Luther Gessner, and Vernon Gessner.

Family and friends are welcome to a viewing from 11 a.m. to noon, Monday, January 18th, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 Market St., Mifflinburg.  The funeral service will be private.

Private burial will be in the Mifflinburg Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 Market St., Mifflinburg, PA 17844.

Funeral arrangements are by Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Rd., Mifflinburg.