Obituary of Isaac Earl Harpster

Isaac Earl Harpster, 64, of Tyrone, died Sunday, April 3, 2016, at home. Born December 13, 1951, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Paul Harpster and Dorothy "Dottie" Jones Harpster. Isaac attended Ferguson Elementary School until his family moved to Jackson Hole, WY. He graduated from Jackson Hole High School in 1971. He joined the United States Marie Corps and served in the Vietnam War. Isaac was honorably discharged in 1977. After which he returned to Jackson Hole and began working for the Teton County Sheriff Department as Deputy Sheriff for 18 years. He also served as the department's SWAT team leader and helped build other SWAT teams in the North Western Region. Isaac was a member of the United States Army National Guard. After his retirement in 1996, he moved his family back to Pennsylvania. He pursued his dream of obtaining a welding degree from Triangle Tech where he received honors on the Dean's List well earning his associate degree in Specialized Technology. Isaac had many achievements and hobbies that kept him busy. He was a certified gunsmith; a lifelong member of the American Legion and VFW; and was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, camp, canoe, ski, and snowmobile. When Isaac was younger, he loved participating in the local rodeos. He was a cowboy at heart! Later in life, he was a member of the Gettysburg Civil War reenactments where he became a soldier once again. Despite all his accomplishments, his greatest achievements were his two daughters, Katie and Caasi L'rae, who he loved unconditionally. Isaac will always be remembered for his stories, humor, pranks, and his personality. He always loved life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by all! Isaac is survived by two children, Katie Belser and her husband, Tarence, of Montgomery, AL and Caasi Harpster of Phoenix, AZ; grandson, Tarence Isaac Belser of Montgomery, AL; his mother Dorothy Jones Harpster of Peeples Valley, AZ; and sister, Deb Harpster of Peeples Valley, AZ. In addition to his father, Isaac was preceded in death by his brother, Ed Harpster. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Gatesburg Lutheran Church, 1924 West Gatesburg Rd, Warriors Mark, PA 16877, with Rev. Susan Williamson officiating. Burial will be in Gatesburg Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.