Harry L. Dashem

Harry L. Dashem October 28, 1926 - March 6, 2008 Harry L. Dashem, 81, of Colyer, died Thursday, March 6, 2008 at the Hearthside Nursing Home, State College. Born Oct. 28, 1926, in Potter Township, Centre County, he was a son of the late John Wilbur and Grace Roxanna Bower Dashem. Harry attended Colyer Schools up until the sixth grade, when he was needed at home on the farm. Harry was the oldest living resident in Colyer. He was born just miles away from his home. His family moved there when he was two years old. As a young child, Harry would gather walnuts and sell them for $1 a bushel. He owned and operated the family farm for many years, which consisted of dairy cows, all of whom had a name. Harry loved his cows and collected all that had to do with cows. Harry had help every spring and summer with his crops from neighbor boys of Colyer. He enjoyed going on rides in the mountains while eating ice cream. Harry loved people, company, children, trips in the mountains, cats, cows, taking pictures, painting, dancing, riding his farm tractor, listing to his weather radio, Halloween, hunting quail, and pulling pranks. His door was always open for guests. He loved to sit for hours talking of his childhood. Harry was a person who shared a special bond and was always mindful of the needs of others. He appreciated the simple things life offered. Harry loved to shop at Wal-Mart, and when he went there, he would go up and down every aisle. Harry sold his dairy cows years back when it got to be too much for him, but at 81, he was still driving his farm tractors. Twice a day, Harry would go to the barn to feed his cats. He even fed the nearby wildlife, groundhogs, skunks and opossums. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Tusseyville for 63 years. He is survived by his sister, Helen D. Dashem, of the Hearthside Nursing Home. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John W. Dashem and his wife, Geraldine, and his dog, Foxy. Visitation will be held 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Barry Folmar officiating. Burial will be in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery in Centre Hall. Harry was loved by all. Colyer won't be the same. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to weep, and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance A time to gain and a time to lose. Sleep well, our friend. Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Church, Tusseyville, Centre Hall, PA 16828.