Jay F. Auker

     Jay F. Auker, 91, of Mifflintown, passed away Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital.

     Born Feb. 12, 1933, in Walker Township, Juniata Co., he was a son of the late Darwin and Anna (Fleisher) Auker.

     He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janice E. (McClure) Auker, whom he married Jan. 7, 1966. Also surviving are two sons, Joel Auker and wife, Kate, and Jerold Auker, one grandson, Tobias Auker and wife, Liz, two step-grandsons, Cameron and Hayden, one sister, Lois (Auker) Crissman and husband, Eugene, and one sister-in-law, Dorice (McClure) Pontius and husband, Donald.

     Jay graduated from Juniata Joint High School in 1951 and was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1955 to 1957.

     He worked for John Groninger Inc. for over 40 years as a heavy equipment operator and also farmed for many years.

     He was a member of Port Royal Lutheran Church, Walker Grange, Sand Springs Gun Club, Inc., was a former member of the Port Royal Lions Club and served as a Juniata Co. School Board Director from 1971 to 1983.

     He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his four-wheeler and watching racing and sporting events. He was an avid gardener with a very large vegetable garden.

     There will be a viewing on Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Port Royal Lutheran Church, 402 Market St., Port Royal beginning at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Allen Hulslander officiating. Interment will be in Old Church Hill Cemetery, Port Royal where military honors will be accorded by the Juniata County Veterans Council.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Port Royal Lutheran Church, PO Box 267, Port Royal, PA 17082.

     Guss Funeral Home, Inc., 20 S. Third Street, has care of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.gussfh.com.

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