Obituary of Gerald Frederick Selders

Gerald Frederick Selders, 86, of State College, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 6, 2023, surrounded by family at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born August 18, 1936, in Fairview, MD, he was the son of the late Hubert Frederick and Edna Virginia Nestor Selders. On August 22, 1959, he married the love of his life Carolyn Wertman, who survives. In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by his sons, Mark T. Selders and wife, Christine, of Port Matilda and Kevin R. Selders and wife, Melissa, of Lock Haven; five grandchildren, Jarilyn Walz and partner, Alexander Newberry, Alexis DeShong and husband, Kyle, Rachel Schilling and husband, Chad, Jonathan Johnson Jr. and wife, Eliana, and Brayden Selders. He is also survived by a sister, Huberta Shade and husband, Wayne, of Berkeley Springs, WV and sister-in-law, Carol Selders of Martinsburg, WV. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Cynthia Selders and brother, Richard Selders. Gerald was a 1955 graduate of Berkeley Springs High School. After graduation, he served in the Naval Reserves from 1955-1959 in Cumberland, MD, followed by serving with the Air Force National Guard from 1959-1963 in Martinsburg, WV. During his enlistment with the Navy and Air Force, he began a career in Drafting and Design for aircraft, vending products, road side sound barriers and ballistics. Prior to his retirement in 1999, he was the Supervisor of Drafting and Design of the Garfield Thomas Water Tunnel at Penn State University. Gerald was a member of the Masonic Lodge #700 in State College where he served as Treasurer, Secretary and Worshipful Master. He also belonged to the Optimist Club of State College, Coudersport Consistory 32nd degree, Jaffa Shriners in Altoona, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, GFWC Booster Club and was a lifetime member of the NRA-Golden Eagles. He served as Derby Director for the Central PA Soapbox Derby, focusing on design and construction of derby cars. He was a member of the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church where he had served as Sunday school teacher and on various committees. Gerald loved attending the Centre County Grange Fair, trips to Maine and the beach with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed visiting Ireland and Alaska with Carolyn. He was an active Booster for the GFWC and enjoyed supporting his wife at her conventions. Gerald was an avid fan and supporter of PSU Sports, and regularly attended games and events. Above all he loved making memories with his children and grandchildren. Gerald deeply loved his family and his Lord and Savior. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, August 11, 2023, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral service will be Saturday, August 12, 2023, at the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church, 179 South Main Street, Pleasant Gap, PA at 12:00 p.m. with visitation at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Service will be officiated by retired Pastor Thomas Osif. Memorial contributions in remembrance of Gerald may be made to the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church Food Bank. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.