Carl "Wendell" Royer

“Bullhead” wasn’t quite stubborn enough to make it to his goal of beating Uncle Dean.  Uncle Dean was 99 when he passed away, Wendell made it to 92 before he passed peacefully through the gates of Heaven on May 30, 2024, at Wynwood House in Boalsburg.  Born October 9, 1931, in Centre Hall, Carl “Wendell” Royer was a son of the late James and Zella “Ripka” Royer.  He was a graduate of East Penns Valley High School.  On July 14, 1957, Wendell married Phyllis A Frankenberger who preceded him in death in 1994.

Wendell proudly served our country in the U.S. Air Force as an F89 mechanic during the Korean Conflict.  Upon his return home, he joined the 442nd Field Service Unit of the U.S. Army Reserves in Bellefonte, retiring in 1982 as a Sergeant First Class with 28 ½ years of total military service.   Wendell formerly worked at Piper Aviation and the Rockview State Prison before becoming employed at the U.S. Postal service as a clerk in State College where he retired from with 41+ years of service. 

Wendell was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Millheim where he had been Elder Emeritus before its closing.  He then transferred his membership to Salem UCC in Spring Mills.  In his earlier years he enjoyed traveling, bowling in the Intercommunity League in Millheim where he served as secretary and playing pool on the Millheim Legion team where he was his team's captain.  Wendell was a lifelong Grange Fair tenter, occupying the same tent spot on C Street since he was a baby. Wendell also worked for many years as a parking lot supervisor at home Penn State football games where he made many lifelong friends and acquaintances, and in doing so, allowed him to support his favorite PSU team.

Wendell served our community in various capacities and held many memberships.  Those memberships included the Korean Vets Association, he was a Quilt of Valor recipient, a member of the Nittany Machinery Association, a 26 year member of the Penns Valley Grange # 158, a 36 year life member of the Bellefonte Elks, a founding member of the former State College Federal Credit Union, member of the Penn Townhip Planning Commission and longtime member of the Millheim Lions Club, which he joined after winning a snow blower at their Grange Fair raffle.  He served the Lions Club in various offices during his longtime membership.

The membership closest to Wendell’s heart was his time of service with the American Legion Keystone Post #444 in Millheim.  He was a past post commander, past post vice commander, member of the board of directors and participated in the Legion honor guard at many veteran's funerals and other events.  He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Wendell is survived by one daughter, Michelle A. Johnson (Rich Musser) of Coburn; one son, Shane Royer (Pam) of Spring Mills; two grandsons who he adored, Zachary Carl Allison Royer and Jacob Noah Royer, and one brother, Kenneth Royer.  Also surviving are three nephews, Dennis Royer, Doug Royer and Don Royer (Penny) along with their children, Nathan, Amanda and Joey Ault, and Abigail Royer.  In addition to his wife and Uncle Dean, Wendell was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Quentin Frankenberger, sister-in-law Jean Frankenberger, a niece, Karen Frankenberger Boob and his sister-in-law, Lois Royer. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Tammy and the staff of the Wynwood House at Boalsburg for their care and friendship to Wendell over the years.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home in Millheim.  The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 11:00 am with Pastor Teresa Hockenberry officiating.  There will be a visitation one hour prior to the funeral service.  Wendell will be laid to rest with military honors in Fairview Cemetery in Millheim.  Contributions in his memory may be given to

Salem UCC, c/o Peggy Swartz, 638 Tattletown Road, Aaronsburg Pa 16820 or to the American Legion Club 444, POB 301, Millheim PA 16854.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevenrnefffuneralhome.com.

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