John H.A. Ohnmeiss, 72, of Williamsport, PA, known affectionately as Uncle John to many who knew him, passed away on April 12, 2025, at Edenbrook North, Williamsport, PA.
John was born on October 27, 1952, in Williamsport, PA. He was the son of the late John “Jack” Henry Ohnmeiss and Sarah Jeanette (Hinkal) Ohnmeiss. He was the third of five children.
John graduated from Williamsport High School in 1970, attended the Pennsylvania College of Technology (formerly Williamsport Area Community College), and later graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. In 1974, John became a full-time employee at the former Charles M. Noll Funeral Home, South Williamsport, where he was appointed supervisor in 1992 and assumed business ownership in 2005. John worked for an astonishing 53 years of the business’s 98-year history. John also served as Chief Deputy Coroner for Lycoming County for eight years, from 1980 through the spring of 1989.
Uncle John was a lifelong resident of the area who was proud of the Williamsport region. He was one of the most intelligent men around when it came to local legend and lore and had a mind that was a wealth of anecdotal knowledge that he would recount at length to those who would listen. Uncle John valued education and strived to know all he could about the outdoors, Pennsylvania history, genealogy, medicine and anatomy, and the people he encountered on his life’s journey. He always said he was the keeper of secrets and teller of tales. As a storyteller and jokester who could spin a yarn like no other, Uncle John always had a “Dutch Uncle” saying to say for every part of life’s ups and downs whenever you needed advice. He was always proud of his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America and his years of service to the former Camp Kline in the Pine Creek Valley. He strived to help make his community a better place through the importance of volunteering with various community groups, a value he instilled in others. Uncle John was heavily involved with Lions International as he was a staunch supporter of their mission to give sight to the blind. He could be seen over the years dipping sauerkraut with the Montgomery Lions Club, going out late in the evenings to ensure the continued success of the Central Pennsylvania Eye Enucleation Program, and being the juice and drink captain for the South Williamsport Lions Chicken Barbeques. Uncle John was also a past South Williamsport Mummer’s Association president and a long-time contributing member of the Lycoming County Historical Society. He was also involved in various fishing and hunting groups and clubs while exploring the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Uncle John had a soft spot in his heart for animals, especially dogs. He found himself most at ease with animals. He loved watching for deer and turkeys and would get so excited to see a glimpse of any wildlife while traveling with his family on drives through the backroads of Pennsylvania. Uncle John loved his family and close friends, who were like family. Despite an erratic and frantic work schedule, Uncle John always made time for them. A confirmed bachelor who was never a cockeyed optimist, he had worked mainly in an isolated environment that led him to be stubborn, detail-oriented, and socially withdrawn, oftentimes appearing to others as aloof, pensive, shy, and slightly odd. However, he was a kind-hearted, loving man with an unseen, quiet demeanor towards the outside world that he viewed drastically differently than others from years of seeing and taking on others’ grief. If you needed him, he was always there and willing to help as best he could. He was selfless, tried to avoid confrontation, believed strongly in business with a handshake, and believed that a man’s word is his bond. He also strived to be a guiding hand for many Williamsport families over the years. He truly loved what he did for a living and the community he served despite his failing health and mental decline in his last few years as he struggled with navigating in an ever-changing world.
Uncle John is survived by his nephews Lance C. Ohnmeiss of San Francisco, CA, and Francis Berdugo of Williamsport; nephews William H. Emerick and Robert (Kim) Emerick of Williamsport; and niece Sarah (Ron) Bubb of Montoursville.
In addition to his late parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Y. Eckroth Robson, and brothers, James Eckroth, Carl T. Ohnmeiss and Jeff L. Ohnmeiss.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a visitation for Uncle John on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Kaufman Funeral Home, with a graveside service that will be held immediately after the visitation. Rev. Dr. Howard Woodruff will officiate at graveside in Wildwood Cemetery.
Kaufman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 2102 Northway Road, Williamsport, PA 17701, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
