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David Samuel Van Tries
1943 - 2025
BORN
1943
DIED
2025
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David Van Tries Obituary
October 29, 1943 - November 15, 2025
Pine Grove, Pennsylvania - David Samuel Van Tries, 82, of Pine Grove, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born October 29, 1943, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Samuel and Jesse Pauline Haupt Van Tries. On February 28, 1964 he married Judith "Judy" Williams, his loving wife, for over 54 years until her passing on August 15, 2018.
David is survived by a son, Thomas Van Tries and his wife, Christine, of Schuylkill Haven; three cherished grandchildren, Erika Wolfe and her husband, Scott, of Lebanon, Mason Van Tries and Hayden Van Tries of Schuylkill Haven; and a great-granddaughter, Everly Wolfe.
David was proud of his 47 year career with the Autoport motel and restaurant in State College. Here he was a dedicated employee where he took on many roles. The Autoport was more than a place to work; it was a place where he met countless close friends who frequented the coffee shop on a daily basis, to share stories, reminisce, and to laugh. Unforgettable bonds were formed here and for that he will be forever grateful.
In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially picnics with family and friends at Black Moshannon Park and Sayer's Dam. He had a strong passion for the outdoors, nature, and wildlife. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. For over 60 years he enjoyed exploring and fishing in Canada and Northeastern States with his family and friends, passing on his fishing passion to his son and grandchildren.
David was also grateful for the kidney that he was gifted to him which gave him 28 additional years of life which allowed him the joy of seeing his first great-granddaughter.
Friends will be received on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 12 to 1 p.m., at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Memorial service will immediately follow with Celebrant, Jackie Naginey Hook officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of David may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org and to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org
Online condolences may be shared at www.kochfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for David Van Tries
Funeral services provided by:
Koch Funeral Home - State College2401 S. Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801
Memories and Condolences
for David Van Tries
Sponsored by Centre Daily Times.
1 Entry
Ginny Price
Yesterday
David and I worked together at The Autoport for 12 years. We enjoyed lunches together in the coffee shop. Lots of fond memories. Sending my condolences to his family.
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