Glen E. (Bud) Mitstifer, Jr. of Myerstown, PA went to be in the arms of his Lord, October 9, 2021. Born in 1934, in Williamsport, PA to the late Glen E. Mitstifer, Sr. and Eugenia J. (Willow) Mitstifer and was raised in Leroy, PA.
Bud was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia (Mitstifer) High and his uncle, Chester K. Willow, who was like a brother to him. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Joyce Y. (Porter) Mitstifer and his four children: daughter Cheryl L. Gochal (Kenneth) of Chambersburg, PA; son Richard A. Mitstifer (Kathy) of Schnecksville, PA; son Mark E. Mitstifer (Leslie) of Newmanstown, PA, and daughter Brenda S. Mitstifer (Renee Ezrin) of Lewes, DE. Bud is also survived by his 8 grandchildren: Michael Redding, Erin Redding, Tara Quinlivan, Joseph Gochal, Greg Mitstifer, Drew Mitstifer, Ryan Mitstifer and Jessica Templin, all of whom he loved so dearly. He was also very proud of his 9 (with a 10th on the way) beautiful great-grandchildren who fully enriched his life! He was a true, loving patriarch who leaves all with many heartfelt memories.
Bud was so full of life, open, generous, and welcoming to all, that he leaves behind many, many cherished friends and colleagues. Being a positive role model for all, it was always important to Bud to smile, laugh, tell a good joke or two, and enjoy the company of others, but above all else, his wife, Joyce, his children and family were the loves of his life.
Through his many hardworking and successful years, he was ever so grateful for all of the many opportunities that he and Joyce had to travel throughout both the United States and numerous countries of the world. Bud had a fondness for all animals, holding dear in his heart, many pet dogs and cats over the years. He enjoyed spending winter time in Deland, FL when he and Joyce owned a second home there.
Bud was also a passionate, avid NASCAR fan! He loved his antique cars and trucks, especially his Fords, and it was this great passion for trucks that led to his very successful and much-loved career in the truck/travel plaza service industry.
Bud grew up working on a farm. After graduating from Canton High School (1952), he continued to work on the family farm while hauling coal in his Brockway trucks, later becoming owner/operator of an Atlantic Gas Station in Canton, PA from 1956-67. Bud then had various opportunities to advance in and establish a career in the truck/travel plaza industry, culminating with the ownership of 14 All American Auto/Truck Plazas in PA, VA, and OH by 1994. He and his wife, Joyce, also owned several mini-markets starting in 1987. In 1994, Bud & Joyce bought the Kumm Esse Diner in Myerstown, PA, and were closely involved with running the restaurant until 2003.
Bud co-founded the North East Truck Stop Operators in 1971. He was a board member of North American Truck Stop Operators (NATSO) from 1974-2003, and also chairman in 1996. In 2001, Bud was honored to be chosen by his peers at NATSO with the Distinguished Member Award. After moving to Myerstown, Bud became very involved in his local community, including membership in Myerstown-Elco Rotary, being a board member of On Fire Youth Ministry, and as an active member of Myerstown United Church of Christ. Bud’s benevolence and generosity continued with his participation with the American Heart Association of Lebanon County, becoming the 2001 volunteer of the year, helping with Trucker’s For Tots, Myerstown’s Goodwill, and Keystone Fire companies as well as contributing to various other charitable organizations.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor his legacy and memory, donations to The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (www2.heart.org) or local chapter (Harrisburg-Lebanon Chapter, 4250 Crums Mill Road, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17112) would be greatly appreciated. Services for Bud will be private, with a memorial service to be announced at a later date. Clauserfh.com
