Harry L. Gasteiger ’39, 97, Johnson City, Tenn., died unexpectedly Feb. 25, 2012, at the Johnson City Medical Center. Gasteiger was born in Hempfield, Pa., to the late W.H. and Lillie Bell Loveless Gasteiger. Soon thereafter, he became a resident of Johnson City, where he resided the rest of his life.
Following his graduation from Davidson, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as a major and was a pilot and flight instructor, receiving the National Defense Ribbon. After World War II he returned to Johnson City and started the Gasteiger-Willis Construction Company, working until his retirement, and was a member of the Johnson City Home Builders Association. Gasteiger and his late wife, Margaret, were charter members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder, and in 2001 was appointed elder emeritus. He spent the majority of his retirement enjoying outdoor activities, including gardening and beekeeping.
In addition to his parents, Gasteiger was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Margaret Erb Gasteiger, in 2010, and one sister, Mary Ward Mount. He is survived by his son, Thomas Harrison Gasteiger (Marty), 1315 Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601-2653; two daughters, Anne Hyder and Catherine Shannon; two sisters, Edith Jennings and Lena Holtzclaw; eight grandchildren, Harrison Gasteiger (Jessica), Mark Gasteiger, Joseph Gasteiger, Michael Exum Hyder, Elizabeth Hyder Andrews (Shawn), Margaret Anne Hyder, Casey Shannon (Christa), and Catherine Shannon Simerly (Travis); four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.