Frank P. Kaputa, 78, of Tionesta, formerly of Guys Mills, a partner of the former Kaputa Motor Sales of Tionesta, died Monday,Sept. 6, 1999, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born Jan. 16, 1921, in Uniontown, he was a son of Peter and Veronica PUNDAY Kaputa. He was baptized March 8, 1921, in St. Hippolyte Church in Frenchtown. Prior to his retirement in 1992, M. Kaputa was a Tionesta businessman, primarily automotive related. In 1950, he began the partnership of Kaputa Motor Sales in Tionesta with his brother, Peter, and in 1953, they held the grand opening of their new building on Elm Street, Tionesta, where he stayed a partner until 1967. For the next two years, Mr. Kaputa owned and operated K's Inn in Tidioute. In 1972, he departed Kaputa Motor Sales and opened Frank Kaputa Used Car Sales on Route 36, just outside of Tionesta, where he remained until his retirement. Mr. Kaputa was a member of the Tionesta Lions Club, serving as president in 1959-60. He was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in 1993-94. He held membership in many Masonic organization including Olive Lodge No. 557, Free and Accepted Masons of Tionesta, holding a 25-year pin; Venango County Lodge of Perfection Ancient Scottish Rrite; Council Chapter Consistory Valley of Coudersport Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; Zem Zem Temple; AAONMS of Erie, holding a 25-year pin; Mid-Atlantic Association of Shrine Motor Corps; Zem Zem Tri-Wheels where he held various offices and received the Jack Deane Rider of the Year Award; and the Colonel Drake Shrine Club. Mr. Kaputa was married in Chapmanville Dec. 1, 1951, to the former Jean McFADDEN, who survives. They were married by the Rev. J. L. Murray. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son and his wife, Garry P. and Kathy Kaputa of West Hickory; three grandchildren, Nicholas and Melissa, both of Tionesta, and Ryan of West Hickory; and two stepgrandchildren, Deon BEANE and Dana HECKMAN of Tionesta. He also is survived by three sisters, Helen McQUISTON of Painesville, Ohio, Mrs. Richard (Margaret) DOIDGE of Laguna Beach, Calif., and Anna MORRISON of Phoenix, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Kaputa was preceded in death by four brother, Peter, John, Joseph and Michael, and a sister, Verna Kaputa. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Norman J. Wimer Funeral Home of Tionesta. Funeal services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Anette V. Gerber, pastor of Tionesta United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Tionesta. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Venango-Forest Unit, 10 W. Front St., Oil City, 16301; or to the Shriners Hospital, Erie Unit.

Avis N. Kahler, 80, of Frankin RD 3, died at 12:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 1999, in Northwest Medical Center at Franklin.

Etta A. Coxson Lawson, 83, of Fellowship Manor, 19 Orchard Drive, Grove City, a former Franklin resident and sister of Homer Coxson of Franklin, died at 1:50 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 1999, in Northwest Medical Center at Franklin following a brief illness. LORETTA J. HEDEGOR (includes picture) Loretta J. Hedegor, 86, of Polk RD 1, died at 7:25 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, 1999, in Northwest Medical Center at Franklin. Born May 31, 1913, in Chicago, Ill., she was a daughter of Dorance and Clara STYERS FOX. She was a 1930 graduate of Grove City High School. Mrs. Hedegor was a member of Nicklin United Methodist Church. She was a housewife and enjoyed working puzzles, growing plants, cooking, baking and being with her family. Mrs. Hedegor was married July 31, 1950, to the Rev. Melvin Hedegor, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Janet L. McCHESNEY of Butler and Mrs. Thomas B. (Susan R.) MILLER of Jackson Center; a son-in-law, William JEFFCOAT of Grove City; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hedegor was preceded in death by a daughter, Julie Anne Jeffcoat; a grandson, Chester Lee DEEMER, Jr.; and a son-in-law, Richard L. McChesney. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Robert W. Gardinier Funeral Home, Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Nicklin United Methodist Church with the Rev. Melvin Hedeggor, pastor and husband of the deceased, officiating. Interment will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Nicklin and Center United Methodist churches.

Nellie B. Fellner, 98, of Kennerdell RR 1, formerly of 213 Orchard St., Franklin, died at 11:45 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, 1999, in Northwest Medical Center at Franklin. Born Jan. 10, 1901, in Kennerdell, she was a daughter of Francis and Mary WAREHAM EAKIN. Mrs. Fellner was a member of the Community Chapel of Franklin. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Fellner was married March 13, 1935, to John Fellner, who died in March 1964. Surviving are three daughters, Doris DELAVERN and Erma STUBBS, both of Kennerdell, and Pauline DeVAULT of Franklin RD 2, 30 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 36 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Fellner was preceded in death by two daughters, Bonnie RIDDLE and Vera VALLONE; one granddaughter, Virginia Delavern; seven brothers, Curtis, Francis, Domer, Glenn, Carl, Fred and Ralph Eakin; and three sisters, Maude BOYD, Dorothy Eakin and Tressie McBRYAR. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Robert W. Gardinier Funeral Home, Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Ronald Bole, pastor of the Franklin Assembly of God, officiating. Interment will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery.

Dr. John F. Kuhn, 59, of Oakwood Drive, Clarion, provost and academic vice president of Clarion University, died unexpectedly Sunday, Sept. 5, 1999. Born March 26, 1940, in Hamtramck, Mich., he was a son of John Kuhn Sr. and Lillian Kuhn, who were from Detroit, Mich., and precededhim in death. Dr. Kuhn assumed his duties at Clarion University in 1991, coming there from Northern Michigan University, in Marquette, Mich., where he served for 25 years. He received his bachelor's degree in philosophy and his master's degree in English from Loyola University of Chicago, Ill. He earned his doctorate in philosophy and English at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a teaching fellow. Notable among his accomplishments at Clarion University were development of new academic programs, enrollment management and student retention, curriculum reform, applications of technology in the classroom and students' everyday lives, faculty and staff professional development, championing diversity and civility, developing community cultural and outreach activities, and catapulting the libraries into the 21st Century. At Clarion University and within the community, Dr. Kuhn was loved for his caring for and nurturing of all individuals, including students and faculty as they worked together to make Clarion a home and an environment that fostered learning and collegiality. Dr. Kuhn's sense of humor and ability to provide the perfect quote for any situation reflected his love of reading and passion for learning. He was dedicated to creating sense of family among the community and university. Similarly, he devoted time to the Catholic Campus Ministry and the relationships it fostered between the university and the Clarion community. His walks down Main Street, Clarion, enriched many lives as people, both young and old, talked with him about their families, work and ambitions. Dr. Kuhn's interest also included a wide range of music, reading and athletics. During his 25 years at Northern Michigan University, Dr. Kuhn served as an interim vice president for academic affais, acting associate vice president for academic administration, assistant to the president for internal planning and interim associate vice president administration and planning. He joined the English department faculty at NMU in 1966 and headed that department for eigh year. Dr. Kuhn was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarion. Surviving are his wife, Lynn; a daughter, Deb Kuhn of Chicago, Ill., a lawyer with the firm of Altheimer & Gray; and a son, David Kuhn of Franklin Park, Ill., a research manager with the Leo Burnett Agency. He also is survived by four brothers, Paul, Joseph, James and Jerome and two sisters, Rosemary MARTENS and Christine KRAMER. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Goble Funeral Home of Clarion. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Immaculate Conception Church of Clarion with the Rev. Frank Przepierski, pastor, as the presider. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, in Hart Chapel at Clarion University. The service is open to all members of the university and the Clarion community. Memorial contributions may be made to a Clarion University scholarship in Dr. Kuhn's memory by contacting the Clarion University Foundation.

Thelma A. Wright, 87, of Oil City RD 1, died at 9:25 p.m. Friday, Sept 3, 1999, in Beverly Healthcare-Titusville. Born Aug. 26, 1912, in Adrian, she was a daughter of James A. and Bertha WOLF CRISSMAN. Mrs. Wright was married March 11, 1930, to Willard M. Wright, who died Oct. 14, 1982. Surviving are one son and his wife, Williard A. and Charlotte Wright of Oil City RD 1; a daughter and her husband, Janet and Thomas WICE of Plumer; 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She also is survived by one sister, Jeanetta GONZALEZ of Oleopolis. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Wright was preceded in death by a son, James A. Wright; three brother; two sisters; a granddaughter, Laurie Lynn TENNEY; and two great-grandchildren, Shelly Lynn Wice and Wayne Roscoe Wright, Jr. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. David Hart, pastor of the Seneca Evangelical Congregational Church, officiating. Interment will be in Rynd Farm Cemetery. The family suggest memorials be made to the Shelly Lynn Wice and Jessica Ann Hart Memorial Fund, in care of Venango Area Community Foundation, Box 374, 213 Seneca St., Oil City, Pa. 16301, or to a charity of one's choice.

Doris E. Kessler, 82, of Brookville RD 4, died Monday, Sept. 6, 1999, in the Pennsylvania Memorial Home in Brookville. Born March 29, 1917, in Emerickville, she was a daughter of George W. and Ruth OAKS McKINLEY. Mrs. Kessler was a member of the Missionary Society of the Roseville Chapel and Pisgah Presbyterian Church in Corsica and was active in church affairs. She was married to I.E. Kessler, sho survives. Also surviving are a son, L. Kent Kessler of Erie, a daughter, Mrs. Nicholas (Judy) ADAMS of Huntingtown, Md.; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She also is survived by two sisters, Patricia TERWILLIGER and Greenburg, Ohio, and Mrs. William (Bonnie) McDERMITT of Englewood, Fla. In addition to her parents, Mrs.Kessler was preceded in death by two brothers, one sister and one son, Gary Kessler. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the McKinney Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Brookville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. James Dietrich officiating. Interment will be in Roseville-Bethel Cemetery, Union Township, Jefferson Township. Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Genevieve G. Hondel, 85, of Oil City RD 2, died at 3:15 a.m. Monday, Sept. 6, 1999, after a sudden illness. Born Oct. 11, 1913, in Cranberry, she was a daughter of Archie F. and Grace MILLER GROVE. Mrs. Hondel was a member of Good Hope Lutheran Church, the Women of the Moose, AARP of Franklin and the Gallivanters of the Oil City YWCA. She served as a clerk on the election board. Mrs. Hondel was a housewife, living most of her life in the Oil City area. She was married in 1933 to Wendell F. "Pete" Hondel, who died Jan. 16, 1988. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Ronald (Ila Grace) OAKES of Pittsburgh, Mrs. Ann JONES of Franklin and Mrs. Paul (Carol) GUTH of Oil City; one sone, Floyd R. Hondel of Oil City; three grandsons, Mark Oakes of Pittsburgh and James Hondel and Stephen Guth, both of Oil City; three granddaughters, Sabrina JOHNSON of California, Jennifer LOLL of Florida and Denise Guth of Virginia; and four great-grandchildren. She also is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Kenneth (Helen) YARNELL of Franklin and Mrs. Donald (Lois) WHITE of Oil City; and two brothers, Darrell C. Grove of Titusville and Vern F. Grove of Seattle, Wash. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Hondel was preceded in death by one brother, John M. Grove. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Osenider Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Philip Scherr, pastor of Good Hope Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment will be in Rynd Farm Cemetery. The family suggest memorials be mde to a charity of one's choice.

Nellie Mae Sweet, 93, formerly of Oil City, a resident of Warren Manor in Warren, Pa., for the past two years, died at 3:55 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 1999, in Warren Manor following an extended illness. Mrs. Sweet had been a resident of Warren since 1956. Born Dec. 16, 1905, in Chapmanville,she was a daughter of Samuel and Hattie BATTIN SMITH. She had been employed for 15 years as a psychiatric aide at Warren State Hospital. Mrs. Sweet was a member of Grace United Methodist Church of Warren and the Sunday School Class and Missionary Class of the church. She was president of the Residence Council at Warren Manor. Mrs. Sweet was the first resident of Conewango Towers at 108 Oak St., Warren, where she formerly resided. She was married to Wilson T. Sweet, who died in 1974. Surviving are a son, Edward Sweet of Warren; a daughter, Mrs. Edward (Olive) WEAVER of Lady Lake, Fla.; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Sweet was preceded in death by a son, Eugene Sweet, in 1986; and two brothers, Oron Smith and an infant. Funeral services will be held at noon today in Grace United Methodist Church, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Warren, with the Rev. Robert Higgenbotham, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Chapmanville Cemetery in Crawford County. The Mark S. Patterson Funeral Home, 101 Prospect, Warren, Pa., is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth L. Gilhousen, 73, of Knox Dale, died Saturday, Sept. 4, 1999, in Jefferson Manor in Brookville. Born Oct. 13, 1925, in Knox Township, Jefferson County, she was a daughter of Clifford L. and Jessie E. DINGER McCANN. Mrs. Gilhousen did clerical work with Sylvania of Brookville, worked for Brookville Telephone Co. and retired from National Fuel Gas. She previously was a bus driver for the Brookville Area School District. She was a member of the Knox Dale United Methodist Church and the Knox Dale Ladies Aid Society and was treasurer of the Brookville Senior Citizens. Mrs. Gilhousen enjoyed bingo, bowling and quilting. She was married to Roy B. Gilhousen, who died June 25, 1988. Surviving are two sons, Gary L. Gilhousen and his wife, Barbara, of Knox Dale, and Doran L. Gilhousen of Franklin; and five grandchildren. She also is survived by a rother, Thomas I. McCann of East Syracuse, N.Y. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today in the McKinney Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Brookville, with the Rev. David D. Ealy officiating. Interment will be in Center Hill Cemetery, Knox Township, Jefferson County. Memorials may be made to the Knox Dale United Methodist Church, Knox Dale, Pa. 15847.

Victor Troese, 76, of Clarion died at 6:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 1999, in the West Unit of Northwest Medical Center at Franklin. Born July 14, 1923, in Rimersburg, he was a son of Stephano and Domenica GAGLIARDI TROISI. Mr. Troese attended grade school at Carwick and graduated in 1940 from the Rimersburg-Madison High School. He was an Army Air Force veteran of World War II, serving with the 448th Bomb Group, 2nd Division, 8th Air Corps, stationed in England. He flew 34 missions over Germany as navigator on a B-24. He was discharged in 1945 as a first lieutenant. Mr. Troese was a partner of Troese Brothers Partnership, former owners of the Captain Loomis Hotel in Clarion, Voyager Inn in Franklin and Venture Inn in Corry. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, the Craign E. Fleming American Legion Post, VFW Post and the Knights of Columbus, all of Clarion, and the Western Pennsylvania Wing 8 Air Forece Historical Society. Mr. Troese enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting and gardening. He was married Feb. 1, 1951, to Rosemary PRIESTER, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Dr. Vicki Troese of Philadelphia; two sons, John Troese of North Carolina and Michael Troese of Clarion. He also is survived by a sister, Rose TOMASELLO of Clarion; three brother, Henry Troese, Eugene Troese and Nicholas Troese, all of Clarion; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Troese was preceded in death by a sister, Mary BOLOGNA, and five brothers, Louis, James, Joseph, Peter and Angelo Troese. The family will receie friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, Clarion. A prayer service will be held at 3:45 p.m. today in the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Immaculate Conception Church, Clarion, with the Rev. Frank Przepieski, pastor, as the presider. Interment will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Clarion. The family suggest memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or the the Immaculate Conception Library Fund, Clarion, Pa. 16214.