September 15, 1952 – October 09, 2021
The family of Edward J. Detwiler, of Altoona, PA is saddened to announce his passing at the age of 69, Saturday afternoon, October 09, 2021, peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones, after an extended illness with lung cancer.
Ed was born September 15, 1952 in Altoona, the son of the late Robert and Alma (Ratchford) Detwiler. He married Sandra (Rhodes) Reifsteck December 24, 1997 after 15 years of courtship. Together, they created a blended family, each bringing two daughters from previous marriages; Lisa and Renee Detwiler and Diana and Jennifer Reifsteck.
Ed was a devoted husband, father and grandfather; genuine, selfless and hard-working. For most of his working life, Ed drove long-haul for Russ Presti Trucking, Zimmerman Trucking, George Transfer and Smith Transport, from which he retired with over 20 years of service. At times, Ed took Sandy with him in his travels as a long-haul driver, allowing her to see the country first hand. There were plenty of comical stories he had from the road as well! With his grandchildren, he enjoyed singing truck driving songs and old country songs from days-gone-by, with a preference to Patsy Kline and Johnny Cash. And, if there was one movie that could never be watched too many times, it was The Wizard of Oz, his favorite movie of all time.
Eddie was the personification of fun, and there was never a day that would go by that he didn’t make Sandy laugh.
He like to take Sandy out dancing, and if you hung out with him, you’ve found that he was the best at busting chops and "telling it like it is". Family gatherings, picnics, holiday dinners, specifically New Year’s Day, usually ended with some friendly banter over hands of poker. He and Sandy would go on cruises to see the islands, take occasional trips to Rocky Gap and yearly trips to Ocean Isle, North Carolina for a nice late summer vacation with members of his large family.
He enjoyed watching Penn State and Steelers football, going to the NASCAR races in Michigan and fishing. His last years fishing were spent with his grandsons at Canoe Creek and on the banks of the Juniata River where lots of life-long memories were made with each cast of the line.
Ed was a Red Cross blood donor, earning three one-gallon donation pins and a total donation of 27 pints.
The last three years, Ed battled cancer fearlessly. Through the difficult process, you could always count on Ed to bring a smile to the faces of those who cared for him, even in the worst of times.
Ed is survived by his loving wife, Sandra of Altoona; Daughters, Lisa (Richard) Buchanan of East Freedom, Renee Detwiler of Roaring Spring, Diana (Majcher) Worley of Altoona and Jennifer (Todd) Cuddington of Durham, North Carolina. Grandchildren, Kearston Thompson, Trenton Buchanan, Trysten Detwiler, Zachary Leidy, Rori Gorman, Stefan (Julia) Majcher, Emily Majcher, Matthew (Amanda) Majcher, Joseph Majcher, Cassie Cuddington and Lexi Cuddington, and Great Grandchildren, Mia Thompson and Arthur Majcher.
Surviving are his siblings Mary Ann Anderson of Arizona, Betty Markle of Hollidaysburg, Rob (Stacy) Detwiler of Iowa, Bobbie Jo Allen of Iowa and stepbrother Keith Stiver of Florida. Ed is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and his uncle, Guy Ratchford with whom he had an especially close relationship.
Ed was predeceased by an infant daughter, Michelle, stepfather, Ken Stiver and siblings, Donald Detwiler, Donna Kay Beck, Dennis Detwiler, Nancy Stonebreaker, Cathy Refner, Robin Detwiler and stepbrother, Craig Stiver.
The Family would like to thank all the health care workers that cared for our beloved Eddie, especially Dr. Bitt and Staff at Hillman Cancer Center and the nurses and caregivers at Pinnacle Palliative Care.
Visitation will be from 2-4pm Friday, October 22, 2021 at The First United Methodist Church, 801 Allegheny St. Hollidaysburg, PA. Services and reception to immediately follow.
In leu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Pinnacle Palliative Care 5410 6th Ave. St.#1 Altoona, PA 16602
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