Dr. Kenneth T. Settlemyer

     Dr. Kenneth T. Settlemyer, 86, of Jersey Shore, passed away the morning of July 8, 2022 at Hershey Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
     Born Dec. 19, 1935 in Arnold, Pa., he was a son to the late Kenneth A. and Anna C. (Tomson) Settlemyer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jo'an E. Settlemyer; sister, Dr. Constance Settlemyer; brother-in-law, Raymond Koerber; and a nephew, Curt Settlemyer.
     Kenneth began his higher education in 1953, earning his B.S. in secondary education with a major in biological science and social studies from the Pennsylvania State University. He continued at PSU, reaching the level of doctorate in education in biological sciences in 1971. His working career began in 1957 at Freeport Area High School where he developed and taught the first advanced biology course in western Pennsylvania. He then moved on to teach at Lock Haven University for 30 years from 1966-1996 teaching biological sciences and botany. While at LHU, Kenneth served as Chairman in the Department of Biological Sciences.
     Along with his teaching career, Kenneth's involvement in various organizations exemplified his caring nature to serve and give back. His memberships include serving as a charter member in Phi Delta Kappa, American Society of Plant Taxonomists, National Science Teachers Association, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Science. His dedication to serve also included La Belle Vallee Masonic Lodge No. 232 (serving as the treasurer for several years), Scottish Rite Valley of Williamsport, LaFayette Royal Arch Chapter No. 163, Hospitaller Commandery No. 46, Jaffa Shrine, Order of Eastern Star, and Order of Amaranth, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scouts, Advisory Council Member of the Tiadaghton Chapter of Order of DeMolay, Borough of Jersey Shore Zoning Hearing Board, Jersey Shore Historical Society, and the Lock Haven University Community Orchestra, just to name a few.
     Out of his various awards received over the years, he was most proud of earning the Outstanding Educator Award in 1974. He was the Consultant to Lock Haven Hospital for Poisonous Plants from 1970-1985 and assistant Systems Operator for the LHU Bulletin Board sub section of Clinton Computer Consultants He initiated, developed, and directed the Lock Haven University Campus Beautification Program from 1970-1988, where over 500 trees and shrubs were planted and 3,500 to 5,000 annual plants were grown on campus and planted every year. He designed the Sloan Courtyard Project, the patio landscape at Stevenson Library, and participated in the design of the LHU Marker and the Normal School Arch. He also developed and executed the landscaping at various other areas on campus and surrounding areas.   His overwhelming dedication to the University department committees was more than honorable.
     He presented many fascinating lectures over the years, two being the Faculty Lecture Series - A Botanists View of the Soviet Union and Phi Delta Kappa - An Educators View on the Soviet Union. His joy of exploring was matched only by his extensive professional career. He touched almost every state (except Washington, Oregon and North Dakota) and traveled abroad to Canada, England, France, Austria, Italy, Finland, U.S.S.R. (Russia, Ukraine and Byelorussia), Japan, and the Peopleás Republic of China.
Kenneth's hobbies included music (piano, organ and the violin), gardening, photography, stamp collecting and cooking.
     He is survived by his three sons, Kenneth Jr. (Heather) Settlemyer, Jonathan (Romy) Settlemyer and Timothy (Sara) Settlemyer; two grandchildren, Shandra Lin and Kenneth Ian; brother, Bernard W. Settlemyer; sister-in-law, Roian Koerber; brother-in-law, Dr. Chick O. (Ethel) Empfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
     A memorial service will be held at noon, Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Grace Lutheran Church, 220 Maple St., Jersey Shore. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. Thursday, with a Masonic Service to be held at the end of visitation prior to the service at the church. Pastor Gary Shumway will officiate.
     Family will provide flowers and suggest memorial contributions in his name be made to either Grace Lutheran Church or a charity of one's choice.
 

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