John Herald Heltzel, of Cochranton, died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in his residence after an extended battle with lung disease. He was 72.

Born Nov. 14, 1943 in Meadville, he was a son of Herald and Alice McConnell Heltzel.

John graduated in 1962 from Cochranton High School and was a member of the 1961 District 10 champion basketball team.

He was a lifelong dairy farmer, worked for Cabot Oil and Gas Co. as a land manager and notary, was a substitute mail carrier and also worked for Price Real Estate.

John was a member of Milledgeville Presbyterian Church and attended Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church.

For 45 years he was the director of the Cochranton Co-Op, was a past school director for French Creek Township, president of the Milledgeville Cemetery Association, member of the Greenville Elks and the Mercer County Woodlands Association, and was a certified tree farmer.

He was a steward of woodlands and enjoyed hunting, kayaking, biking, traveling, farm history and being with family and friends.

John was one with a dry sense of humor and a quick wit. You could tell he was up to something with a twinkle in his eye and a twitch in his lip.

He was always willing to listen to and help others and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Kathleen L. Heltzel, whom he married on Oct. 7, 1989; a daughter, Susan Heltzel and her fiance Brad Calloway, Exton, Pa.; Susan’s mother, Shirley Heltzel, Saegertown, a stepdaughter, Courtney Croley and her fiance Morten Soerensen, Livermore, Calif. and a stepson, J. Raymond Powell, Grove City; a brother, James Heltzel, Mercer and five grandchildren, Eden and India Slater and Jordan, Jacob and Jonah Powell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Bette and Fred Lassalle; and dear friends, Horace and Marie Hart.
The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Dr. William Fee and his wife Joyce as well as SouthernCare Hospice for their devoted and loving care during John’s illness.

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at DICKSON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 123 S. Franklin St., Cochranton.

The Funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday in Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church, 3461 Sandy Lake Road, Sandy Lake, with the Rev. Elizabeth Creekpaum officiating.

Interment will be held at Cochranton Cemetery.