Rev. Walter L. Startzel

Rev. Walter L. Startzel, 75, of Westmont; died August 27, 2022. He was born September 10, 1946; in Shamokin; son of the late Walter L. and Marguerite J. (Edmunds) Startzel. He is predeceased by his brother-in-law, Marshall R. Wardrop and husband of Barbara Cassou, Robert J. Cassou. Walter is survived by his sister Anna L. (Startzel) Wardrop of Wernersville, PA; niece, Donna L. (Wardrop) Cawley and husband, Brian of Easton, PA; nephew, Richard T. Wardrop and wife, Denice (Heller) Wardrop of Annapolis, MD; niece, Barbara L. (Wardrop) Cassou of Chevy Chase, MD and 8 great-nieces and nephews. Rev. Startzel’s journey began when he was baptized Nov. 3, 1946 in Shamokin, PA. He is a graduate of Southern Columbia High School and in 1968 received his B.S. degree in music education from Susquehanna University. After teaching a year, he entered the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg; receiving his Master of Divinity degree in 1973. Walter was ordained later the same year at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Elysburg. Following are his Pastorates and Christian services; Mt. Calvary & Mt. Zion Churches, Somerset; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gowen City; Selinsgrove Center, Pennsylvania Council of Churches Institutional Chaplain; Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Two residencies in Clinical Pastoral Education; Grace Lutheran Church, Stoystown; Trinity Lutheran, Hooversville; Mt. Calvary, Johnstown; First Lutheran Church, Portage; St. Luke, Lilly; Trinity Lutheran, Sidman and First Lutheran, Johnstown. The Reverend Walter L. Startzel was a dedicated servant of God, with 2022 marking his 50th year of service as a (ELCA) Lutheran pastor. He blessed his parishioners with inspirational messages and his beautiful voice. Walter was an accomplished musician, vocalist and composer; having written several hymns that were used in his services.  He also enjoyed travelling, musical and dramatic theater and symphony concerts.  Walter cherished spending time with his family, especially at holidays. He appreciated a good home cooked meal; playing board games with his sister, nieces, and nephews; as well as discussing current events and politics. Friends will be received Sunday, Sept. 4th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, 921 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown and prior to the funeral service from 10:00 to 11: a.m. at the church. The funeral service will be held on Monday, September 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 415 Vine St., Johnstown. The Bishop Paula Schmitt will preside. In memory of Walter, donations can be made to the Allegheny Lutheran Synod, 701 Quail Ave., Altoona, PA 16602.

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