Vernon K. “Vern” Klinestiver

On April 4, 1975, at Tidioute United Methodist Church, he married the love of his life, Judith (Thomas), who preceded him in death.

Our dad loved adventure. One night he took his family and a few cohorts into the Opera House before it was torn down. He loved the history of the building and wanted to see it one last time. He loved photography and took several pictures of the frescoes that were on the walls. He would take pictures of anything he thought was interesting from old houses, trains, unique tombstones, and nature. He developed them himself and turned them into beautiful pictures.

Our dad was a local historian. He could talk about the town for hours and knew all about the different buildings and businesses. He gave a presentation to the Tidioute Area Development Association about the Economites and Hutterites. He had an expansive knowledge of Utopian societies.

He was involved in the 4-H entomology and wildlife group. He took participants to the Great Insect Fair in State College, PA and to a Harrisburg school to display their insect collections. He also took them to Letchworth State Park to observe the giant dragonfly population.

He loved trains and would take many trips to watch them leave the platform. He was an avid birdwatcher and always stocked the bird feeder and the hummingbird feeder with nectar. He fed crows crackers with peanut butter.

He loved to watch thunder and lightning storms with our mom and would drive to Davy Hill to get a spectacular view. He drove our mom everywhere and they loved being in their MG.

He worked at then owned Klinestiver Sporting Goods, which also ran the local school buses. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones and friends.

He is survived by four daughters: Audra Niles of Warren, PA; Traci Duncan of Muncy, PA; Angela Schott and her husband Jason of Warren; and Bailey Kellermann, her husband Paul, and their friend Anya of Julian, PA. Three grandchildren: Evan Duncan and fiancÈe Sonja Maclees, Owen Schott, and Addison Schott, all of Warren. Two great grandchildren, Declan and Evabelle also of Warren. His sister Sandy Sly and her husband Denny of Tidioute. And several nieces and nephews.

The family will be holding a celebration of life for both Vernon and Judy at 330 Main Street, Tidioute, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 12 PM to 4 PM. Light refreshments will be provided.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman J. Wimer Funeral Home of Tionesta. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tidioute Area Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 122, Tidioute, PA 16351.

Messages of sympathy may be left at www.wimer funeralhome.com.