Fern E. Moist Sr.

   Fern E. Moist Sr., 85, of McVeytown, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

   Born February 26, 1938 in Ryde, he was a son of the late F. Ray and Elva (Harshbarger) Hesser.  His devoted wife of 51 years, Hope (Topper) Moist, preceded him in death on April 19, 2009.

   Also preceding him in death were an infant daughter, Marjorie Moist, and an infant great granddaughter, Makenna Moist.

   Surviving are:  five children, Fern Moist Jr. of McVeytown, Raymond Moist and wife Nancy of Orlando, Florida, Darwin Moist of Burnham, Karen Gabel and husband John of Newport, Barbara Berryman and husband Kevin of Lewistown; seven grandchildren, Miranda Moist, Matthew (Michelle) Moist, Meghan (Garrett) Franklin, Derek (Cindi) Smith, Creig Smith, Emily (Xavier) Maslowski, Alicia Berryman; five great grandchildren, Asalee Uglow, Madeline and Maxwell Moist; Nolan and Grady Franklin.

   Also surviving are three siblings, Frederick (Gladys) Hesser of Lewistown, Frank (Roxanne) Hesser of Lewistown, Sarah (John) Allison of Reedsville; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

   Fern was a 1956 graduate of Rothrock High School and enlisted in the Army Reserves.

   Early in life he worked on local farms that led to his first job as a milk truck driver for Royal Dairy in Lewistown.  He also worked in the foundry at Ford New Holland, retiring in 2000.

   Fern was a member of the Pine Glen Church of the Brethren and the Home Builders Sunday School Class.  He enjoyed reading and studying the Bible, teaching Sunday School for several years.

   He and his wife loved to travel and enjoyed many road trips throughout their marriage.

   Fern was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and devout Christian.  He loved spending time with his family and attending sporting and school events to show his support.  An avid Pirates fan, he enjoyed going to Altoona Curve games with his church friends.  He always had a huge garden and shared his harvest with family and neighbors.

   A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at the Pine Glen Church of the Brethren with Pastor Connie Maclay officiating.  Interment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Mattawana.

   A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 at Harshbarger Funeral Home, 3 South Market St., McVeytown; and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the church.

   The family will provide all flowers.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Pine Glen Church of the Brethren, 61 Pine Glen Rd., Lewistown, PA  17044; or to Susan G. Komen, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX  75380 (online at www.komen.org).

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