Obituary of Max E. Hartswick

Max E. Hartswick, 92, of State College, died at home late Sunday night, 4 June 2017, surrounded by family and loved ones. Born 21 September 1924 in State College, Max was the son of the late T. Herbert and the late Sara E. Heckman Hartswick. On 29 February 1948 Max married Barbara Kinley, who survives at home. In addition to his wife, Barbara, he is survived by four children: Maxine Hartswick and her husband Mark of Portland, OR, Herbert Hartswick and his wife Cindy, Rebecca Houts and her husband Rick, and Sean Hartswick all of State College, PA; twelve grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren. After graduating from State College High School in 1942, Max served in the United States Army's 23rd Infantry Division, otherwise known as the Americal Division (the Americal Division unit patch was under The Southern Cross). He served as an infantryman, earning him the coveted Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) for his service in the South Pacific during World War II. The Americal Division, which sustained the most combat time of any unit in the armed forces during the war, went into action in Guadalcanal on 13 October 1942 alongside the 1st Marine Division as the first United States Military ground offensive against the enemy in either the Pacific or European theatres. Max was proud to serve as the tip of the spear that struck back at the enemies of our country. Since his service, he has been an active member of the Americal Division Veterans Association. After Max and Barb were married, they moved to Houserville, where Max was able to enjoy his love of fishing and hunting. At the beginning of their 69 years of marriage, they built a home, a family, and started their family business. After running his own Sporting Goods shop, Max founded Hartswick Construction. This business was one of his greatest accomplishments, as he was able to use his talents and expertise to serve others, including serving on College Township Council for over 10 years. Service is the word that first comes to mind for many when trying to describe Max. He was an exceptional example of lending his time and skills to those in greater need than himself. Max was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His faith and testimony of the Savior and the Plan of Salvation gave him the knowledge that he would return to his heavenly home after this mortal life. This brought peace to him during his passing and continues to bring peace to those he left behind. The family would like to express gratitude to Home Instead and the many caregivers that gave aide to Max with love and compassion. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, 8 June 2017, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, PA 16801. Funeral will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, 9 June 2017 at Koch Funeral Home. Because of Max's life-long love of hunting and fishing, please sport your favorite hunting, fishing, or military attire. Burial will be in Pine Hall Cemetery. Immediately following the funeral and burial services, friends and family will gather at the Bald Eagle Ball Field for a potluck celebration while fishing. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions be made to the Americal Division Veterans Association (ADVA) Scholarship Program. Checks can be made out to "Americal Legacy Foundation" with the memo line specifying "Scholarship Program" and addressed to 5425 W. Parmalee Road, Middleville, MI 49333. 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 or visit us on facebook.