Clair A. Koppenhaver

Clair A. Koppenhaver, known in the community as "Koppy," 88, of Gratz, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Gratz, PA, on March 3, 1937. Clair was the husband of Bernice (Erdman) Koppenhaver, formerly of Klingerstown, PA. Together they shared 66 years of marriage and happily celebrated their anniversary every year on Valentine's Day. Those who had the pleasure of meeting Clair knew that his favorite pastime was telling stories. He made friends wherever he went and could converse with anyone about his tile work, his family, and John Deere tractors. He is remembered in the community for his green van - putting on thousands of miles just in their small town. He is also remembered for being the best neighbor - willing to give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. Koppy loved going to the family hunting cabin with friends and relatives. He enjoyed playing cards and making memories with his favorite people. He loved working around his homestead, watching birds, and tinkering in his garage with his tools, his van, and tractors. Clair loved dogs - it seemed every one he owned or met immediately loved him, too, for the constant attention and treats he gave. Clair was a member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union for 63 years. He worked proudly for Interstate Tile and Mantel. He could tell you every location he laid tile throughout his entire career. He also worked for the Gratz Borough for several years as the Parks and Recreation Assistant Administrator. Koppy was a hardworking and very active man. He is respected by many for his work ethic and his ability to work around the home until his very last days. Koppy was a lifetime member of the Gratz Area Fire Company. He was also a member of the Gratz Ambulance Association, Gratz Arbor Day Committee, and Gratz Parks and Recreation. He loved his community and its people deeply. Clair is survived by his loving wife, Bernice (Erdman) Koppenhaver; his three sons, Terry (Meg), Dave (Bev), and Keith (Michelle) Koppenhaver; and his daughter, Lisa (Denny) Lenker. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He now watches over his six grandchildren - Janine, Dustin (Autumn), Tyler, Drake (McKaila), Cameron (Travis), and Lea - and his most recent pride and joy, his great-grandson, Hudson Clair. He also leaves behind many friends and neighbors who made his life full. In Heaven, Clair joined his father, Clair A. Koppenhaver Sr.; his mother, Martha M. Bixler; and his grandmother, Kate Koppenhaver, who raised him and his siblings after his mother's passing. He also joined his siblings William, Dorothy, Joan, and Leroy. If you knew and loved Clair, the family invites you to come to the Koppenhaver residence in Gratz, at your convenience, to reminisce with Bernice and family about the stories and memories you shared with him. A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the James A. Reed Funeral Home in Pillow. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Gratz Area Fire Company and Gratz Parks and Recreation.

Clair A. Koppenhaver

March 3, 1937 - November 16, 2025