Obituaries/Viewings
Jerome E. Steis | 83
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Jerome E. “Jerry” Steis, 83, of 1090 Windfall Road, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk, with his family by his side.
He was born April 30, 1941, in St. Marys, son of the late Harry J. and Ruby Smith Steis. He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1959, where he was the class president. He continued his studies at Clarion University, earning his Bachelor’s Degree and later earned his Master’s Degree in Education at Penn State University. Jerry had an impact on many young lives teaching for the St. Marys Area School District, where he ultimately retired in 2002.
On June 19, 1965, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Timothy celebrating, Jerry married Mary A. Gausman, who survives. They were blessed to share 59 years of marriage.
In addition to his loving wife, Jerry is survived by a daughter, Paula (Jeff) Lechner of St. Marys; two sons: David Steis (Leslie Schmitt) of St. Marys and Robert (Rhea) Steis of Fort Wayne, IN; five grandsons: Jeremy (Ayanna) Lechner, Kyle (Savanna) Lechner, Jacob (Gabby) Lechner, Kaleb (Kelsey) Lechner, and Jonny Steis (Melody Neubert); two great-grandchildren: Kai and Asa Lechner, and looking forward to the birth of another one in December; a sister, Ruby Kirkland of Kersey; many nieces and nephews as well as honorary daughter, Tammie and grandson, Tamrat Snyder.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters: Florabelle Feldbauer and Sandra Walker; and two brothers: Harry Steis and Eugene Steis.
Jerry was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, president of the Jaycees, president of the St. Marys Area Teachers Association, and a past governor of the St. Marys Moose Lodge. Teaching was his passion and hoped to touch his student’s lives in a positive way. During his teaching career he was also the principal of the St. Mary’s Parish Religious Education program for twenty years. He had an amazing sense of humor. He enjoyed watching football, especially the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers, camping, and travelling. There was nothing more special to him than his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 12:00PM with Rev. Thomas Curry, O.S.B., celebrating.
There will be no visitation.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Penn Highlands Community Nurses Memorial Fund, 757 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to the St. Marys Ambulance Services, 773 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.
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Dear Steis family, you have my deepest condolences. Mr. Steis was a wonderful math teacher and always had a smile on his face. I struggled with math and he was always patient and kind and helped me through each problem and told me to never give up trying even if you do not get the correct answer the first time. RIP Mr. Steis.
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Dear Mary, Paula, Jeremy, Jake, Kaleb and Kyle,
You have my most sincere sympathy on the passing of your husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a great guy with the best sense of humor ever. Always greeted everyone with a smile and an amusing tale. He will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in peace, Jerry.
Condolences to his family. A fine person and dedicated teacher. Always upbeat, and very respected by his students. It was a privilege to work with Jerry.
Dear Mary and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Paula, Jeff, your entire family, so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul, Sonia & Ben Scutella
He was such an inspiration as a teacher and a friend. My prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time.
R.I.P. Mr. Steis, you will be missed.
Sincerely,
Cindy McGeary
I am sooo sorry for your loss. Mr. Steis was one of my favorite teachers. He had a great sense of humor and always made his class fun. God bless.
I’m so very sorry for Your loss your dad was such a good teacher and will be missed. Hugs and prayers to the family.
Mary, Paula, and all of your family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss and you have my most sincere condolences. Mr. Steis was such a great teacher and a really great guy! He was one of my very favorite teachers. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless and give you peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Angie Walter
My deepest condolences to Paula and your entire family. My God carry you through this trial. Prayers sent your way!
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. You all have our deepest sympathy. Sending much Love. Randy and Sandi Oberle
My thoughts and prayers are with whole the family and friends. RIP 🙏 🕊️ Mr. Steis, you will truly be missed by everyone that knew and who you taught. You were an awesome person and amazing middle school teacher. 1998-2000
My deepest condolences to you, Mrs. Steis, and your Family. Mr. Steis was a a very loved teacher. He made math class fun. He was a very lovely man. May he be accepted into heaven and become your angel.
Mrs. Steis and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Steis was one of my all time favorite teachers. May he rest in peace and may God grant you and your family comfort during this difficult time.
Prayers,
Sharon Vollmer