August 16, 1922 - January 11, 2021
Daniel F. Yoder, 98, of Mountain Road, McAlisterville, went home to heaven on Monday, January 11, 2021 at Locust Grove Retirement Village in Mifflin.
He was born August 16, 1922 in Allensville, the oldest son of the late Daniel L. and Elsie L. (Yoder) Yoder. On April 15, 1950, he married his wife of 67 years, M. Lois (Diffenderfer) Yoder, who preceded him in death on July 2, 2017.
He is survived by his children: Dennis & wife Sharon Yoder of McAlisterville; Stanley Yoder of McAlisterville; Karen & husband Fina Williams of Mifflintown; and Andrea & husband Barry Messimer of McAlisterville; 6 grandchildren, Dennis Yoder, Jr. & wife Michelle of Mifflinburg; Michelle & husband Robert Kratzer of Richfield; Jennifer & husband Matthew Fornwalt of Mifflintown; Melanie & husband Daryl King of Port Royal; Edward & wife Caitlin Messimer of McAlisterville; and Derek & wife Katrina Messimer of McAlisterville; a step-grandson, Melvin Smith of McAlisterville; 14 great-grandchildren, 8 step great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren and 2 step great-great grandchildren.
He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph K. & wife Beverly Yoder of Allensville, a sister-in-law, Jane (Peachey) Diffenderfer of Reedsville; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Marlin D. and wife Dorothy Yoder, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John ‘Jack’ and wife Goldie Diffenderfer, Janice & husband Harold Bowser and James Diffenderfer; a great grandson, Dennis Yoder, III; 2 step grandchildren, Bobbie Smith and R. Scott Smith and a step-great grandson Jeffrey Smith.
Daniel was a 1939 graduate of Belleville High School and was the last living member of that class. He served during WWII from 1942-45 as a CPL in the Army Air Corps in the European Theatre during the Battle of the Bulge as a radio operator.
He retired from farming in 1984 and then worked part-time for 26 years at Weis Markets in Mifflintown, where he was known as the ‘little soup man’ because he stocked the soup isle. Dan was an avid reader, he enjoyed watching and feeding the birds, making wine, and he was an excellent baker, keeping his family and friends supplied with moon pies, apple pies and cookies. He loved to travel and took many trips around the US and Canada, as well as three trips to Europe with his good friends Reno & Gail Nipple. On his first trip, he found the family he stayed with during WWII in Belgium and has been in contact with them ever since. He had many stories to tell of his time during the war and growing up in Allensville and Big Valley. He was the oldest living member on both sides of his family tree.
Dan enjoyed hunting trips to Maine with his brothers and to Potter County with the ‘Blue Bus Gang’. He also liked visits from the ‘Weis Gang’, neighbors, and dearly loved spending time with his family.
He was a member of East Salem United Methodist Church.
His services will be private and at the convenience of the family at Allensville Presbyterian Cemetery with Pastor Dave McElwee officiating.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to: East Salem United Methodist Church, 7398 Route 235, Mifflintown, PA 17059.
Arrangements are under the care of Henderson Funeral Home, Belleville. Online condolences may be offered at www.hendersonfuneralhomes.net.
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