Blaine E. “Skeeter” Wildnauer Jr., 58, was a lifelong resident of Kersey, Pennsylvania, and served for over 40 years as a fireman and first responder with the Fox Township Volunteer Fire Department. He passed away suddenly while attending to the victim of a car accident on the morning of November 2, 2013.

He was a loving son, brother, father, uncle, and grandfather. He is survived by his parents, Blaine E. Wildnauer Sr. and Phyllis Wildnauer, also of Kersey PA; his daughter, Crystal Wildnauer, and her fiancé, Daniel Rippy, of St. Marys, Pennsylvania; two sons, Patrick Wildnauer, and his spouse, Thomas Balamaci, of Los Angeles, California, and Steven Wildnauer, and his wife, Laura Wildnauer, of Clyde Ohio; five grandchildren, Corbin, Ryan, Ava, Bella, and Landyn; and two brothers, Paul Wildnauer, and his wife, Georgia, of Fishers, Indiana, and Kurt Wildnauer, and his wife, Denise, of Mason Ohio.

“Skeeter,” as he was affectionately nicknamed, was devoted to the community where he was born, raised, and called home. He was a lifelong member of the Kersey United Methodist Church. He was also a longtime supporter of the local football team through his work with the St. Marys Area High School Quarterback Club, at the same high school where he played football and from which he graduated in 1973. He began working as a machinist at what is now SGL Carbon Company shortly after graduation and celebrated 40 years of service with the company, alongside his 40 years of service with the local fire department.

He enjoyed spending time and sharing a beer with his fellow firefighters and many friends who described him as kind, reliable, and fun loving. Skeeter could often be found at the fire station preparing for one of the many events hosted for the community throughout the year, including the Children’s Halloween Parade and the recent bicentennial celebrations for the township. When he wasn’t rolling up his sleeves, you could find him laughing and enjoying a “Friday Fish Fry” dinner or hot wings on “Wing Night,” all in support of the station and the good work they do for the local area.

We, his children, and our entire family are very proud of my father. He didn’t seek acknowledgement or reward for his volunteer service, despite how deserving it was. He simply did what needed to be done when a person or family needed help. He exemplified what it means to be a good citizen, and we are deeply grateful for his service and the service of all other firefighters who answer the call when they are needed.

With love,
the family of Blaine “Skeeter” Wildnauer