Michael J. "Mike" Gochnaur

            Michael J. “Mike” Gochnaur, 66 of Altoona died Thursday afternoon August 13, 2020 at UPMC Presbyterian following a two-year battle with heart failure.

            He was born October 14, 1953 in Altoona a son of the late Clair Edgar and Mary Jane (Rhodes) Gochnaur. He married Beverly A. Hurliman on May 22, 1976 in Altoona.

            Surviving are his wife, Beverly; two children, daughter Kimberly Meloy (Andrew) of Altoona; son, Jason Gochnaur (Mindi) of Enola; seven grandchildren, Brayden, Nevaeh, Kolton, twins Hunter and Harrison, and Paxton Meloy and Theodore Gochnaur; siblings, Randi Schellhammer (Stan) of Ashville; Greg Gochnaur (Mary Ann); Lori Sneed (John); and Bryan Gochnaur all of Altoona.

            Mr. Gochnaur was preceded in death by a brother, Timothy Gochnaur.

            He was a 1971 graduate of Altoona Area High School and a 1976 graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree.

            Mike was a United States Marine Corps veteran serving during the Viet Nam Era attaining the rank of Corporal.

            He loved spending time with his grandchildren and lit up when they were around. He excelled at cooking. He also enjoyed fishing, shooting, bike riding, traveling, especially to Myrtle Beach and listening to his daughter-in-law Rev. Mindi’s sermons.

            Mike was a member of the Riggles Gap Sportsmen’s Association.

            Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) Monday August 17, 2020 at Second Avenue United Methodist Church, 130 Second Avenue, Altoona where a funeral service will be held at noon with Pastor Brian Sandell officiating. Military Honors will be accorded at the church immediately following.

            In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations please be made to Transplant House of Cleveland, 2029 East 115th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

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