Obituary

Gresh, Kenneth “Ken” P., 65, of Johnstown, passed away on June 25, 2023, as he watched Mama Mia with the members of his family following a brief illness. Ken was born August 28,1957 in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania to the late, Evelyn Kay (Lore) Roushey and Stanley Joseph Gresh.  Preceded in death by parents; stepfather, Walter Roushey; and his first wife, Donna (Ludwick). Survived by his spouse of 32 years, Gieta (Hummel); children, M Gresh, Glen Arm, MD; Wesleigh Gresh, Johnstown, PA; Anndrew “Anna” Gresh, Glen Arm, MD; and Frieden Gresh and his significant other Spades (McFarland), Greensboro, MD. Ken began serving the church as an altar boy.   He graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School in 1975 and went on to graduate from Messiah College in 1979 earning a degree in Elementary Education.  He was a teacher until the time that his first wife passed away in 1990.  After his marriage to Gieta in 1991, he attended Bethany Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity.  He served the Church of the Brethren as an ordained minister.  His talents included drama, art, and music.  He enjoyed watching America’s Got Talent, musicals, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and the Hallmark Channel.  He pretended to tolerate family game night, but we know that he secretly loved it. In addition to portraying Santa Claus, Ken loved to share stories of his life. He told his stories to many people: medical professionals, clergy members, students, parishioners, toll booth operators, grocery clerks and complete strangers (However, Ken never knew a stranger).  In place of a memorial service, the family requests that you give someone the gift of hearing their story. A private service will be held at the convenience of the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Westmont Church of the Brethren, 2301 Sunshine Ave., Johnstown, PA 15905 or Caroline Pride, 114 Market Street, Suite 207, Denton, MD 21629. Arrangements in care of Simple Alternatives Inc., Affordable Cremation and Sensible Funeral Care. Condolences may be made at SimpleAlternativeCare.com