Ralph ‘Butch’ Glenn Harter, Jr.

RALPH HARTER, JR.

Ralph “Butch” Glenn Harter, Jr., 80, of Bellefonte, passed away at home on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Born on Nov. 27, 1945, in Lock Haven, he was the son of the late Ralph G. Harter, Sr. and Bernice B. (Sorgen) Harter.

On Sept. 11, 2009, he married his beloved wife, Bonnie (Rider) Harter, who preceded him in death on Dec. 26, 2022, after sharing 38 years together.

Butch was a 1963 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. After high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1965 until he was honorably discharged in 1969.

During his time in the service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Upon returning home, he started working within the HVAC industry, retiring in 2016.

He is survived by his children, Angela Anderson (Jim), of Blanchard, Chad Harter (Tawnyae), of Bellefonte, and Karrie Sampsel (Douglas), of Pleasant Gap; a step-daughter, Crystal Heiser (Dale), of Bellefonte; nine grandchildren, Tyler Cox, Dylan Cox, Coleton Harter, Preston Biederman, Landis Sampsel, Haley Heiser, Noah Heiser, Breanna Heiser and Amber Heiser; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Danny Harter (Anne), of Bellefonte; and his aunt, Nancy Knoffsinger.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Tina Gordon.

Butch was a member of the Moose Lodge #206 in Bellefonte. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling. He looked forward to going to the Lost Acres Campground and the Indian River, and most recently enjoyed his trips to New York City and to Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

In his younger years, he enjoyed shooting archery and going to Hecla Park where he was adorned as the Roller-Skating King!

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Burial services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com