Glenn C. Macklem

Glenn Charles "Sonny" Macklem, 93, of McElhattan, passed away peacefully on November 26, surrounded by the love of his family. Born May 15, 1932, in McElhattan, he was born at home to George and Reba (McCloskey) Macklem.

Glenn's early years were shaped by the care of his mother's siblings, with whom he lived during his elementary school years. Because of this, he attended a different elementary school every year. In seventh grade, he went to live with his aunt and uncle, Ardath and Harrison "Beany" Shadle, who lovingly raised him as their own throughout his high school years-an experience he cherished all his life. He was a 1950 graduate of Lock Haven High School.

Upon graduating from high school, Glenn worked for PPL until he was drafted into the United States Army. During his military service, he served on the front line at the 38th parallel during the Korean War, where he fired large artillery. After Korea, he transferred to the United States Army Reserves, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1957. Glenn was a proud member of the Korean War Veterans and served as a member of their Honor Guard out of Lycoming County.

On December 31, 1954, Glenn married his first wife, Mabel Shepard, and together they had two sons. On March 12, 1976, he married Karen Danis, who survives, and together they had one daughter.

After receiving his discharge, he began a long and dedicated career at Piper Aircraft in Lock Haven, serving proudly in the paint shop, even holding the position of foreman for a time, until the plant closed. When Piper left Lock Haven, they sent Glenn to Vero Beach, Florida, where he trained the new paint shop employees on how to use the machinery-a responsibility he was exceptionally proud of. He then continued his strong work ethic at Champion Parts, where he remained until retirement. A man who truly loved to work, Glenn went on to take various jobs in janitorial services at local churches and later at Truck Lite, where he remained active and committed well into his mid-80s. He enjoyed lifting the spirits of all who worked alongside him and always dressed up on holidays and passing out candy throughout the facility-something his coworkers would never forget.

Glenn was an avid hunter and fisherman who found joy in the outdoors. He loved to trout fish in McElhattan Run and was always very successful at bringing home his limit. He hunted deer all along Pine Mountain and Round Top for decades and had much success over the years.

Glenn was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was a lay speaker, lay leader in the church, and the district lay leader during his years as a member of Covenant United Methodist Church. He most recently attended Crossroads Church in Jersey Shore, where he enjoyed worshipping and fellowship.

He loved his family deeply and fully embraced fun, celebration, and traditions-especially during the holidays. He loved spending time around the table with family, enjoying a good meal and always a good laugh. He loved spreading joy in the community and played Santa Claus at several area churches and the Easter Bunny at local events. He loved Halloween and had so much fun dressing up in costumes and being silly. He enjoyed spending time with friends, especially the special times he had at large picnic gatherings, playing cards, and with his best pal Carly and her husband Jimmy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marilee Kline; and his beloved aunt and uncle, Ardath and Harrison "Beany" Shadle.

Surviving is his devoted wife, Karen Macklem; his children Richard (Darlene) Macklem of Pine Creek, Michele (Mitch) Briggs of McElhattan, and Stephen Macklem of Chicago; his grandchildren Richard (Jessica) Macklem II, Jill Macklem Flook (Kevin McDermott, Dekin and Zander), Christian Briggs, and Addison Briggs; his great-grandchildren Richard Macklem III, Rylee Macklem, Rayne Macklem, and Isabelle Flook; his brother-in-law, Bill (Linda) Danis. His beloved dog, Joy, will miss his lap greatly.

Funeral services for Glenn Macklem will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025,1:30 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 1454 PA-44, Jersey Shore, PA 17740 with Pastor Jason Borowicz officiating, full military honors to follow. Family and friends will be received in the Gedon Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven, PA 17745, on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. Interment will be in the Cedar Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306, Crossroads Church, 1454 PA-44, Jersey Shore, PA 17740, Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or Shriners Children's Hospital, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607

Online thoughts and memories can be made at the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook Page or www.GedonFuneralHomes.com.