Gerald W. Yaple, 72, of Houtzdale, passed away on Sunday January 9, 2022, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College.

Born February 6, 1949, in Bloomsburg, he was a son of the late William and Barbara (Clewell) Yaple.

Gerald graduated from Benton High in 1968 and moved to Houtzdale that summer.  He worked on the family farm until 1983 when he went to work for Flango Brothers and later Swistock Corporation in the coal industry. He retired in 2015 from Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. after 30 years of service.

He loved to hunt turkey and deer.

On December 1, 1968, he married his wife of 53 years, Margaret (Giger) Yaple who survives in Houtzdale. 

Gerald is survived by his wife, three daughters; Jennifer (Ben) McCusker, Gina (John) Mital, and Gretchen (Andrew) Sinclair, along with three grandchildren he loved with all his heart; Chase Mital, Adalynn and Gabriella Sinclair.

Also surviving are six siblings: Janice Yaple of Osceola Mills, Joyce Yaple and Jackie Cormeir of Houtzdale, Carolyn Lutz of Altoona, Curt Yaple of Indiana and Carl Yaple of Houtzdale.

He was preceded on death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at the Birger A. Freeberg Funeral Home Inc., 200 David Street, Houtzdale, on Friday January 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jimmy Smeal officiating.

 Friends will be received at the funeral home on Thursday January 13, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

 In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Gerald's memory to Keystone Elk County Alliance, 134 Homestead Dr. Benezette, PA 15821.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.birgerafreebergfuneralhome.com.