Clair Kirsch, 99, Clearfield, died at 5:35 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2009.

He was born in Barr Township, Cambria County, outside of Nicktown, son of Andrew S. and Amelia (Ager) Kirsch. He married Ruth E. Feighner at St. Benedict Church, Carrolltown, June 7, 1938, and he began his family in Clarion.

Surviving are nine children; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson and a sister-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 68 years, Ruth, on Feb. 13, 2007; 10 brothers; six sisters; a son-in-law; and two grandchildren.

Clair attended St. Vincent Preparatory School in Latrobe and graduated from Barnesboro High School in 1927. He was affiliated with the Maytag Co. for more than 40 years.

He was founder and co-owner of the Clearfield Bowling Alley. He was an avid bowler and also sponsored two bowling teams, which won many regional and state bowling championships over the years.

Friends will be received from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2009, at Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield (www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com), where a Christian vigil service will be held at 12:45 p.m. and the rosary will be recited at 5:45 p.m.

Friends also will be received from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2009, at the funeral home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield, with his son, the Rev. Gregory Kirsch, as chief celebrant.

Additional viewing will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday at St. Nicholas Church, Nicktown, with the committal service and interment following immediately at the St. Nicholas Cemetery Churchyard.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Francis Educational Endowment Fund, 212 S. Front St., Clearfield, PA 16830.