Elwood C. Shimmel

Elwood "Woody" C. Shimmel, 77, of Avenue A, Palmerton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family late Monday evening, August 24, 2026, in his home. He was the husband of the late Lois J, (Mullen) Shimmel who passed in 2024. Born in Philipsburg, Centre County, he was a son of the late Robert L and Iva (Mease) Shimmel.

After graduating from Philipsburg-Osceola High School in 1968, Woody answered the call to serve his country in the US Army, as a heavy equipment operator with the 20th Engineer Brigade during the Vietnam War. While serving, he helped build roads, heliports, and other critical infrastructure under challenging conditions. Following his military service, he returned home, married the love of his life, Lois, and together they built a beautiful life centered on family, hard work, an love.

Woody spent years working in the zinc mines before beginning a 30 years career with PennDOT, where he worked on the painting crew, in maintenance, and later in road surveying. He took tremendous pride in his work, believing every job worth doing was worth doing well. Whether he was maintaining Pennsylvania's road, volunteering for nearly a decade as an ambulance driver with the Coopersburg Ambulance Corps, or helping a neighbor in need. Woody lived a life defined by quiet service and unwavering dependability.

Outside of work, Woody found his greatest joy creating memories with the people he loved. He spent countless hours woodworking in his basement woodshop and loved sharing adventures with his family, whether it was RVing, exploring scenic back roads on their Honda Gold Wings, or discovering a new favorite roadside diner. He and Lois also shared a love of travel, exploring destinations across the country and around the world together. Above all, Woody was a devoted husband, loving father, a proud Pop Pop, and the steady presence everyone could count on. He taught by example, showing his daughters the value of hard work, kindness, integrity, and never being afraid to learn something new. He had a gift for turning ordinary moments into lasting memories and believed life's greatest treasures were not found in the destination, but in sharing the journey with people he loved.

Survivors: 3 loving daughters, Wendy L. wife of Timothy Weighknecht of Cherryville, Karrie A. wife of Ryan Bonstein of Walnutport, and Kellie J. wife of Michael Curry of Bethlehem. 3 grandsons, Jonathan Shimmel, Tanner and Conner Weighknecht. sister, Joyce "Tiny" Minerich of W. PA. brother, Walter "Fuzz" Shimmel of West Decatur, Clearfield County. Several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lois, his parents, and brothers, Emery Mease, Robert Shimmel, and James "Jim" Shimmel.

Services: Noon Saturday, August 29. Campton Funeral Home, 525 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, PA 18071. Call, 11:00AM-Noon Saturday in funeral home. Private Interment. Online Condolences: www.schislerfuneralhomes.com

Contributions: Paul's House Valor Foundation Clinic, PO Box 315-1130 Scenic Drive, Kunkletown, Brodheadsville, PA 18322.