Jay G. Houseknecht

Jay G. Houseknecht, 62, of rural Benton (Jackson Township), died Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, surrounded by his family.

Born June 7, 1961 in Williamsport, he was a son of Lois June (Gardner) Houseknecht, of Montoursville and the late Robert K. Houseknecht.  He and his wife, Michele Verdone, would have celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary on August 25th. 

Jay was a 1979 graduate of Hughesville High School.  He was a long time employee of PPL/Talon Energy where he was a general foreman, retiring after 40 years of service.

He was a social member of the Benton V. F. W.  Jay was an avid hunter with his sons and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles.  He also enjoyed spending time in the woods, cutting and splitting firewood and was also known for raising white tail deer for 20 years.  He especially treasured the time that he spent with his grandchildren.  

Surviving, in addition to his mother, June, and wife, Michele, are two children:  Justin M. Houseknecht and his wife, Emily, of Hollidaysburg; Rylee A. Houseknecht, of Laflin; two grandchildren:  Madelyn and Benjamin Houseknecht; a step son, Michael Verdone, of Orangeville; three sisters:  Jane Kline and her  husband, Bill, of  Hughesville; Judy Kim, of Whitestown, Indiana; Joan Clipper and her husband, John, of Allentown as well as numerous nieces and nephews as well as an uncle, Dale Gardner and an aunt, Frances Bigger.

Along with his father, Robert, he was preceded in death by a son, Jamie G. Houseknecht, on April 3, 2010.

Graveside Services will be held Friday, May 24th, 2024 at 10 AM at Gordner's Cemetery, Unityville with Pastor Scott Lyons, Stillwater Christian Church, officiating.  A Viewing will be held Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 from 4 to 7 PM at the McMichael Funeral  Home, Inc., 4394 Red Rock  Road, Benton (State Route 487).   In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming an organ donor in Jay's memory, as he received a double lung  transplant in 2003.  

The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Houseknecht Family.  For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

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