On Thursday evening, John Schiebel, 61, of Butler, passed away at home with family at his side, following a long, courageous battle with leukemia.

He was a Christian man who demonstrated his faith, through love and kindness and will be remembered for his intelligence, strong work ethic and giving nature.

The son of Kenneth and Loretta Cypher Schiebel, John was one of 9 children.

He was married to Marilyn McCue on Feb. 25, 1968; and his own family includes a son, Sean and wife Jennifer; daughters Lynn Miller and husband James Kevin, Gwynn Jankosky and husband John and Erin Jankosky and husband Ben; five grandsons; three granddaughters; a great-granddaughter; and another daughter. John was a good husband, father and grandfather who taught his family love, patience and strength of acceptance.

John served in the U.S. Air Force as a medic until his honorable discharge, when he took leave to care for his ailing parents.

He was the first Supervisor of the Maintenance Department at Penn United Technology, where until his illness, he labored for 20 years, earning the friendship and respect of his team of employees.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, reading and woodworking.

His legacy remains in the hearts of his family as he taught each member to enjoy and respect nature.

John wished to extend his gratitude to all the close friends and extended family who loved and supported him - there are too many to mention and none will be forgotten - notably his sister Joan Miller and husband Jim, his brother Ken and wife Kathy; and his brother Neal, his stem cell donor and angel-on-earth.

SCHIEBEL - There will be no visitation. Services for John A. Schiebel, who died Thursday, June 23, 2005, will be private. FOX FUNERAL HOME, Saxonburg, is handling arrangements.