Obituary of John F. Antkowiak

John F. Antkowiak, 87, of Elizabethtown, PA, formerly of Wisconsico, PA, passed away Thursday morning, November 3, 2011 at Masonic Health Care Center, Elizabethtown, PA following a lengthy illness. Born in Wisconsico, he was the son of the late Anthony and Frances Maciejewski Antkowiak. He was the beloved husband of June P. Werdt Antkowiak for 63 years on October 30. John was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Elizabethtown where he was a member of the Men's Club. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. During World War II, he served in the 420th Army Air Force. He later was employed as a Civilian Military Specialist by the former Olmsted Air Force Base in Middletown, PA and Landover (MD) Air Force Base. In addition to hunting and traveling, John loved square dancing, polka dancing, and gardening, especially growing roses. In addition to his wife, he is survived by six nephews, Ted (Carol) Wegner, of Halifax, PA, Charles Wegner of Lykens, PA, Fred (Marilyn) Wegner, of Jonestown, PA, Raymond Wegner of Harrisburg, PA, Steven (Nancy) Kachniasz, of Elizabethtown, and Patrick (Carol) Shupp, of Harrisburg; two nieces, Bernice Messimer of Mechanicsburg, PA and Mary Agnes (Robert) Kennell of Harrisburg; adopted family, Kevin and Rose Hickernell and their children, Annie (Curtis) Brown and David, all of Manheim, PA; special friends, Frank and Mary Soflarsky and Karl and Terina Grossnickle, all of Elizabethtown. John was preceded in death by infant twin sons; and his siblings Stanley Wegnerowicz, Francis Wegnerowicz, Joseph Kachniasz, Sylvester Kachniasz, and Theresa Shupp. John's family wishes to express special thanks to the staff at Masonic Village Health Care Center and Hospice for the care given to John during his time at Masonic Village. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning, November 7, 2011 at 10:30 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church, 904 Mill Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 with Rev. David L. Danneker as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery, Elizabethtown. The family will receive guests at the church on Monday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made to the Historic Church Preservation Fund at St. Peter Catholic Church or to Masonic Village Hospice, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. For additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.