John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach John Harley Gelsebach
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Obituary for John Harley Gelsebach

John Harley  Gelsebach
Family and friends celebrate the life of John Harley Gelsebach, of Sellersville, who peacefully passed into the Lord’s arms on Saturday, December 6, 2014. Typical of John, he worked hard and finished the job early. We were so blessed to have him in our lives for 26 years and will always hold him with us in our hearts.

Born in Sellersville on August 7, 1988, he was the son of John H. Gelsebach, of Sellersville, and Beth M. (Cosslett) Elliott, of Emmaus.

Daily, we remember the many good times together, laughing so hard that tears were rolling down our faces. John had an unbelievable way of making us laugh unexpectedly and seeing the positive in all situations. He had so many one liners that nobody understood… but you cracked up anyway.

His smile was so amazing, and the sparkle in his green eyes made many happy moments for us. His charismatic personality drew many to him and entertained us for many years. John was an extremely hard worker, a very loyal friend and brother, and he had a wonderfully helpful spirit.

He loved his daughters, Addison Marie and Layla Mychelle, deep in his heart and appreciated their mother. We are grateful to forever see John in his daughters’ faces.

John had an enthusiastic energy towards life and was always optimistic. He also had many struggles, one of which was recovery from addiction. John sought help many times from several different sources and remained hopeful for his future. He was aware of how his struggles delayed him from achieving some of his goals and remained appreciative for the care and love he received along the way.

John worked in his brother‘s business, Eastern Construction Services, Inc., of Hatfield. He not only learned a trade but gained a best friend in his brother Brandon. They were truly each other’s teachers. They shared a passion for the Dallas Cowboys, even though some family members are Eagles fans!

John also had a passion for Volkswagens (with an excellent stereo system), music, nature, and the newest available phone. He especially loved the outdoors.

Growing up, John never turned down a dare coming from his brothers and sisters. They were quick to cover for him if he got caught. Our favorite story of John as a child was when we were sitting on his bed and heard a quack coming from his closet. We asked “John…is that a duck in your closet?” He smiled and said, “Nooope,” and we believed him… until it quacked again. We opened the closet door and saw the duck. He then told an elaborate story of how the duck had followed him home from the park.

In addition to his parents and daughters, he is survived by his brothers and sisters: Brandon E. Gelsebach and his wife, Brittney, of Hatfield; Amber Rose Gelsebach, of Red Hill; Jessica Howard, of New Jersey; Jaiden Cosslett-Scherr, of Emmaus; Blake Deily and Brook Deily, both of Sellersville; his paternal grandparents, John H. and Marion Gelsebach, of Jim Thorpe; his maternal grandmother, Beverly Cosslett, of Shinglehouse, PA; his step-mother, Megan Gelsebach; and his godmother, Ann Woolsey, both of Sellersville.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon on Saturday, December 13, in the Betty Meier Steeley Funeral Home, 87 N. Main St., Sellersville, Pa. 18960. Funeral services and interment will be strictly private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a trust fund for John’s daughters. Checks may be made payable to the Addison and Layla Gelsebach Trust Fund c/o John H. Gelsebach, 606 Washington Avenue, Sellersville, PA 18960.

When you think of John, please remember him for his love for life and his love for those around him; then, celebrate him in your memories. John, our son, brother, and our friend, you will be missed more than we can put into words. We know you are with us in a much larger way than you could ever be before. We love you, John.

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