Obituary

Fochtman, Clyde Ernest “Cookie” 91, formerly of Hyndman PA, passed away September 19, 2025, at Colonial Courtyard in Bedford PA, surrounded by family and caregivers.

Born November 3, 1933, New Baltimore, PA, to the late Norbert and Martha (Hillegass) Fochtman. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 17 years and mother of his three daughters, Rose Marie (Shaffer) on July 3, 1973, and by his second wife of 48 years Mary Louise (Davis) an April 7, 2023. Also preceded in death by a infant grandson and sons in-law Tom Uetrecht and John Leister.

He is survived by daughters, Cathy Uetrecht of Colorado Springs, Co., Tina Leister of Carlisle PA., and Dawn Stair and husband (Brian) of Berlin, PA: grandchildren, Tim Williams (Elizabeth), Erica Stair Reddy, Jeremy Stair (Danielle), Andrew Leister, and Matthew Leister; nine great grandchildren; sister, Pauline Evans, Freda Cornell, Velma Davis, Rose Baumgardner (William), Doug Fochtman, Gary Fochtman (Sandy); many nieces and nephews.

Cookie was an Army Veteran and served in France during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of SP3. He worked for Eastern Express Inc. as a driver, trailer bay supervisor & driver trainer. He retired from Halls Motor Transit, Cumberland MD, as a city driver.

Cookie was one of the founding members of PA Cleanways of Bedford County. He helped with 14 dump cleanups and tire collections. He was a familiar sight in Londonderry Township cleaning up litter. Over 20 years he collected 2200 bags of litter. He loved riding his Harleys and was a car enthusiast, owning many over the years. He enjoyed cleaning, detailing, waxing and showing them. He waxed anything that moved and many things that didn’t. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Hyndman Senior Center.

The family appreciates the kindness and care that Cookie received from the Colonial Courtyard staff while being a resident there, especially the loving care during his final days. Burial will be at the Hyndman cemetery and will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers or monetary donations, please donate your time In honor of Cookie by keeping our roads and highways litter free. “Please don’t litter,” says Cookie. Arrangements entrusted to the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home.