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BORN
1936
DIED
2012
FUNERAL HOME
Helen Bischoff Obituary
Born January 19, 1936, in Bellefonte, she was a daughter of the late Allen Harris and Frances Ford Forbes. She married John S. Bischoff on June 9, 1957, who survives at home.
She was the devoted mother of four: Bruce C. Bischoff and his wife, Amy, of Pittsburgh, Elizabeth B. Ruhl and her husband Fred E. McClintic, of Spring Mills, Diane B. Gemberling and her husband, Mark, of Apex, NC, Gretchen B. Thompson and her husband, Jeff, of Fuquay-Varina, NC, a sister Margaret "Marnie" Hoy, of State College, a brother, Allen Forbes and his wife, Jane, of Lancaster. She was the loving grandmother of her six grandchildren; Alison Ruhl, Grace, Luke, and Eliza Gemberling, Nathan and Ford Thompson.
Helen was a 1953 graduate of State College Area High School. She was a 1957 graduate of Penn State University in Elementary Education and a sister in Kappa Kappa Gamma.
She was a member of the State College Presbyterian Church, Centre Hills Country Club, and the local Antiquists. Minki's passions included playing golf, playing bridge, watching Penn State Sports, and her family and friends. Throughout, her life she enjoyed knitting, sewing, crafting, volunteering with the Special Olympic programs, downhill and Cross Country skiing, tennis and gardening. She was the best bargain shopper ever and passes this skill down to her daughters. Her winters were spent in Port St. Joe, FL, where she walked the beach, golfed, and dined with special friends. Her love for her neighbors, her friends, and her family showed in her contagious smile and tight hugs. Minki made everyone feel welcome when they walked in the room.
Visitation will be June 22, 2012 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College.
A memorial service will held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at the State College Presbyterian Church at 132 W. Beaver Ave. with the Rev. Susan Reisinger officiating.
It was Minki's wish that everyone attending her service wear colorful clothing or golf attire to celebrate the vibrant life that she lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics of Centre County at P.O. Box 10465, State College, PA 16805or State College Presbyterian Church at 132 West Beaver Ave., State College, PA 16801.
Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Bischoff
Lynn Jameson Randall
July 4, 2012
Dear Bischoff family, I'm so very sorry for your loss, I was very blessed to have had your mom as a part of my childhood, hugs to you all, you are in my prayers...
Lynn Jameson Randall
Ann and Lew Roscoe
June 29, 2012
John
Many happy memories of times shared way in the past. Sorry to hear about your loss.
Ann and Lew Roscoe
Ruth Hempel
June 28, 2012
To the Bischoff Family: I was glad to have known Minki when I served the Presbyterian Church in Port St Joe as interim pastor, and my thoughts and prayers go out to you in your loss.
June 25, 2012
John and family:
My sincerest sympathy to you in your loss of Minki. She was a lady who always had a big smile. After I stopped working in John Walizer's office, I used to meet up with Minki occasionally in the mall or at the elementary school in Spring Mills. We both had grandchildren's programs to attend. Always enjoyed seeing and talking with her. She will be missed.
Sincerely,
Lois Runkle
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June 25, 2012
My most sincere condolences to you John and all of your family. Minki and I were friends in high school. I was in Allan's
class. Lyda Herman Flebotte - New Smyrna Beach Florida
June 24, 2012
Gretchen,
So sorry for your lose my prays are with you and your family.
Matt Vroman
June 23, 2012
The world of golf lost a great player!! We will miss Minki's bright smile, but will cherish her memory in our hearts. Love and sympathy, Jeff and Michelle Overstreet
June 23, 2012
To the wonderful Bischoff family,
Our hearts ache for you all. The Lord
called his loved one Helen Ann "Minki" home but he left the gift of wonderful
memories of her time with you in exchange.
You are in our thoughts and prayers and
if there is anything we can do in this difficult time to help you please let us know.
We were fortunate to have shared many
times with her and want you to know you
have friends who care.
Love, Bill and Betsy
June 23, 2012
John and family,
We both express our deepest sympathy. Minki will be greatly and sadly missed.
Gary and Karyl Green
Hod Nichols
June 22, 2012
John, Always too soon. Only yesterday we were all happy and full of Monday night hamburgers. My condolences to you and your family.
Lisa Johnson
June 22, 2012
Gretchen,
You once told me "love- the best thing to have, the hardest thing to lose." Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
You are loved-
Lisa and Brian Johnson
June 22, 2012
John,
I was shocked to learn about Minki. She will be a real loss to all of us. We always had so much to talk about even tho we didn't see each other much in recent years. My condolences to your family, especially Diane ans Gretchen who I knew.
Lynda Stephenson
Pete Hood
June 22, 2012
John:
Sorry to hear about Minki. Hope all is well with you and the kids.
Take Care and stay well.
Pete Hood Cotton Exchange
Carrie Kauffman
June 22, 2012
Gretchen and Family,
I wish I could be there with you to give you all a great big hug! Minki was such an enthusiastic woman! She always showed interest in people and made them feel special. Most of all she showed such pride in her children and grandchildren!
Much love,
Carrie
Sharon Midgette
June 22, 2012
Gretchen-
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Your family, friends, and wonderful memories will sustain and strengthen you.
Mary Rogowski
June 22, 2012
I became acquainted with Minki as a fellow member of Antiquists, and will always remember her fabulous smile and wonderful enthusiasm. She will be deeply missed and my deepest sympathy to her family.
June 22, 2012
Although I did not know her, she must have been an amazing, wonderful mother to have raised such a lovely, dear friend. I am so sorry for your loss, Gretchen and family.
Nicki Hall
June 22, 2012
Dear Mr. Bischoff, Bruce, Betsy, Diane and Gretchen, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful mother. I have so many memories of playing at your home, eating at your table and feeling loved like one of her own children by your mother. I will miss her too. Love, Janie
Tracey Deak
June 22, 2012
Hi John
Although i did not see Minki much over the recent years, I know my life is enriched having known her. She was a wonderful lady.
June 22, 2012
Dearest Gretchen,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear mother. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Faye Marshburn
June 21, 2012
Dear Betsy, Gretchen and family,
So sorry for your loss. It was always such a pleasure seeing your mom and her wonderful smile. Please take care and be there for each other. Hugs, blessings, and love. Tim Broughton
June 21, 2012
To all of the Bischoffs - I am so sorry about your losing Minki and your mother. I have only wonderful memories of all the years we spent together. It is hard to recapture years of sharing our lives. Minki was such an influence in holding so many of us together in friendship. I am missing her so much as I know you are. My love to all of you. Carolyn Shoup
Tommye Miller
June 21, 2012
John: it has been so long since I have seen you, but you and Minki have never been far from my heart. So many good NACS memories shared together. I am so sorry for your loss. With warmest regards and much love. Tommye Miller
John & Marita Smith
June 21, 2012
Dear Betsy, Fred and Family,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to you all in the loss of your loved one. May God comfort you and give you strength.
Blessings,
Shawney and Lonny Shawver
June 21, 2012
Diane and Family,
We're so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Julia Ferraro
June 21, 2012
Dear Bruce,Amy and the Bischoff Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. I met Minki several times and she was such a gracious and welcoming peron. May you find comfort in all the memories you share.
Much love,
Paul and Julie
June 21, 2012
Dear John and Family,
We were so saddened to hear about Minki. What a special lady! Memories are a precious gift ...her laugh, her hugs and her ability to make everyone smile. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our Love to all...Steve, Katie, Megan, Kelly and Erik Mertz
Tracy Kohler
June 21, 2012
Mr. Bischoff, Bruce , Amy, Betsy, Diane and Gretchen....
I am so sorry about Minki...I have know her my whole life and I am so saddened by her passing...know thou she is at peace..and shining down on you all..her smile was infectious..as was her laughter...Love and hugs to you all...
Love, Tracy (Vincett)
Erin Edgar
June 21, 2012
Bruce and Amy,
So sorry for the passing of your mother. I have heard wonderful things about her. Thoughts and prayers with you both and the enire family..
Amy's coworker and friend ~ Erin
Lee Ann Bishop
June 21, 2012
John & Family, I was so sorry to learn of Minki's passing. She visited me when I was in rehab this winter. She was a great woman and I enjoyed playing golf & Bridge with her. Remember all your good times together.
With fond thoughts,
Lee Bishop & Wayne, too
Bill Noyes
June 21, 2012
I was always proud to say that Minki was a student of mine at Penn State. She was a great golf partner in one tournament we played. Such a wonderful person.
June 21, 2012
I send my condolences on behalf of me and my family. Seems like she was a great person. It is my hope that one day you be reunited once more. Til then, may you keep in mind Gods words at Ps 37:10,11 of a
'new heavens and new earth' will be here.
Mom
Gretchen
June 21, 2012
Nancy and Tom MacIver
June 21, 2012
So saddened by the news of Minki's passing. I was always hoping to get another round of golf with her. Tom and I so enjoyed your visits, especially our round of golf in France. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Danny Thompson
June 21, 2012
John and Family, Minki wasnt just a light in my life she was the smile i saw at work and the person who showed me that no matter who you are have time for everyone. She was an Inspiration. Thank you for sharing her with me.
Danny and Cathy Thompson.
Georgiana Cole
June 21, 2012
Betsy and Alli,
So sorry for the loss of your mother/grandmother. May you find comfort in your many fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
June 20, 2012
John and family, warm thoughts and condolences coming your way. What a special woman who enriched the lives of many and left a lasting legacy with your wonderful children and grandchildren. Love, Amy and Mark Karch.
June 20, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you in this difficult time.
Pam and Doug Geiger
Ralph Watson
June 20, 2012
John,
So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family
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