Woodruff, Kenneth N. , 95, Johnstown, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on November 2, 2018 at 1:44pm at Arbutus Park Manor while fully engulfed in the love of his family. Born August 13, 1923 to Emma (Lockard) and Elmer Woodruff. Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife Leatrice “Pete” (Parkins), April 7, 2000, and his brother Carl Woodruff.
Pete and Kenny had five children: Kenneth Wayne and wife Sharon (Holmes) of Olean, NY who have two daughters, Kesha Steighner (husband Adam), of Olean, NY with two children and Shawna Kakolewski (husband Dan), of Watertown, NY who have five children. Rodney and wife Beverly (Carter), of Centerville, VA who have three daughters, Elizabeth Stoudt (husband Rob), of Elverson, PA who have two children, Sharon Borodulin (husband Pavel), of Severn MD who have soon-to-be three children and Stephanie Rubenstein (husband Jordan), of Wharton, NJ who have two children. Karen Smatlak (husband Tim), of Johnstown who have three daughters, Jessica Sparks (husband Dave), of Oxford, OH have Tyler the great granddog, Monica Liao (husband Morris), of Wexford, PA, who have three children and Karissa Spencer (husband Bill), of Glen Campbell, PA who have two children.
David and wife Melissa (Slone), of Fairfax Station, VA who have two sons Chancen and Dawson. Gary and wife Becky (Bender) of Johnstown who have three children, Christopher and wife Jessica (Clark), of Windber, PA who have two children. Ryan and Amanda (Fettro), of Johnstown are the parents of soon-to-be three children and Amanda Woodruff of Johnstown who has a son.
Kenny retired from Bethlehem Steel after 36 years, many of those years he was assigned to the General Office. He was an avid bowler. He often golfed in Virginia and Myrtle Beach and he was a long time Member of Oak Brook Golf Club where he enjoyed many rounds of golf with Ron Miller and Jim Andrews.
Ken was a member of the hole-in-one club and was still golfing at age 91. Over the years, he was manager of the Geistown Lions Little League teams, the Cubs, the Leopards and the Executives. He umpired in various area baseball leagues including assignments to AAABA games.
Ken was very active in the Johnstown Christian and Missionary Alliance Church for virtually his lifetime. He was Sunday School Superintendent, Church Treasurer, Elder, Sunday School teacher, Building Committee Chairperson and he received a lifetime achievement award from the Alliance District Office for his years of excellence in service to the Lord’s work. Ken spent his summers at the Jersey shore with his children, grandchildren and his great grandchildren.
Ken and his family traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. He also enjoyed spending his winters in Avon Park, FL with his two sisters, Mondi Knipple and Wahnita Learn. Ken was drafted into the U.S. Army on February 22, 1943 for service to his country in World War II.
He was assigned to the Yankee Division but he learned he was eligible for a new program called Army Specialized Training Program (A.S.T.P. ) where he received additional education at The Citadel at Charlestown, SC, Alfred University at Hornell, NY and City College NYC. He was assigned to the 94th Infantry Division, Company K, 376th Regiment.
The 94th later became known as Patton’s Tip of the Spear in the Allies’ effort to respond to Hitler’s Bulge in the Allies’ Line on the way to finally conquer Germany and end the War. During those days he earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Cluster. He was later elected President of the 94th Infantry Association.
Friends will be received from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday, November 6 at the Geisel Funeral Home located at 736 Bedford Street, Johnstown. The funeral service will be at the Johnstown Christian and Missionary Alliance Church located at 100 Arbutus Ave on Wednesday November 7 with viewing at 9:00 am to 10:00 am, service at 10:00 am conducted by Pastor Terry Knipple and prayer by Pastor James Knipple, nephews of Kenneth. Interment with military honors at Grandview Cemetery will follow the service.
Honors by Conemaugh Valley Detachment # 287 Marine Corps League. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mahaffey Camp and Conference Center, 1559 Mahaffey-Grampian Highway, PO Box, Mahaffey, PA 15757-0277. Website www.
mahaffeycamp.com. Follow “Considering Donation” link.
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