Obituary of Frederick D. Hershelman

I have completed my life’s journey here on earth.  I have arrived safely at my new destination and no longer reside at my old address.  I am now living in Heaven.  Jesus said “In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself, that were I am there you may be also.”  It’s just as He promised-He’s here! And I’m loving Him with none of the “old life” interfering.  My pains are all gone and my tears are all wiped away and no one is sad here.  Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  Before I left earth I prayed for many of you, so please be ready and come and see me—I’ll be waiting for you.  But better yet Jesus is waiting for you because he has prepared a mansion-just for you.  Think of it! Your very own! I’ll see you when you get here.  So long until we meet again! Fred.

Frederick “Fred” D. Hershelman, age 81 of Erie, passed away on Sunday November 5, 2017, following a courageous ten year battle with cancer at the VA Medical Center.  He was born in Erie on May 22, 1936 a son of the late, John Elmer and Theresa Lesniak Hershelman.

Fred proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He started his working career at Erie Crate & Manufacturing Co., and later worked at Erie Industrial Truck.  He eventually retired in 1993 from E.D. Farrell Co., where he was a forklift mechanic who was known for his skills, honesty, loyalty and ability to fix anything that was in front of him.  Fred had a passion for all things mechanical, his skills were endless and his knowledge will be greatly missed.  He was an avid motorcycle rider and won many races on the dirt track.  He was a member of the American Motorcycle Association, the Retread Motorcycle Association and the Christian Motorcyclists Association.  Fred’s greatest loves were his family and his Lord and Savior.  He will always be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.  He was a member of Frist Alliance Church where he was very active.     

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one son Thomas Hershelman and his siblings, Barbara Yates, Elizabeth White and William Hershelman.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Phebe Carter Hershelman; one son, Wayne (Grace) Hershelman; six grandchildren, Kristie (Dan) Barthelson, Theresa (Matt) Lazenby, Wayne Hershelman Jr., Matthew Hershelman, Nicole Hershelman and Lauren Hershelman; five great-grandchildren, Jovanni, Harmony, Jaxxson, Hunter, Gunnar and one on the way.  Fred is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a very close cousin Ben Gradler.

Friends may call at the First Alliance Church 2939 Zimmerly Rd. on Wednesday from 3:00 PM until the time of the service at 6:00 PM.  Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements are under the care of the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Rd.