Jeffrey Paul Talko

Our Savior, Jesus Christ and the good Lord called his son Jeffrey Paul Talko, 58, of Cresson, home October 21, 2025 at Memorial Medical Center. Born April 27, 1967 in Chicago, the son of Eugene and the late Carolyn (Campagna) Talko. He is survived by his father Eugene and wife Brenda; loving wife of 32 years, Lizbeth (Beth) (Schettig); children, Ryne and Erin; sisters Valerie, wife of Frank Plewa and Michele Talko; and brother Gregg and wife Kristen; step sister, Jordan (Josh) Barroner Also survived by numerous Aunts, Uncles, nieces, Liza, Marikate, Lauren, Maryn, Elyn; nephews, Brock, Trey, Drake, Nick, and Jack; Mother and father-in-law, Anne and Thomas Schettig; and sister-in-law, Cara and brother in law Ed, and brother-in-law, Matthew. He will be sadly missed by his cats, Mouser, Chi, and Callie.Some of his accomplishment include Marine Corps operator 1986; 8830th MP school-basic MP school ADT 1990; Associate in special technology, culinary arts 1996; USMC certificate of good conduct medal first award in December from 1985-1988; USMC Meritorious Mast December 1989; 49th MP Brigade 1989; 49th Brigade CALT NG; California Drill Attendant Ribbon November 1992; Army global war on terrorism service; Army NG, Good conduct medal; USMC Meritorious Mast January 1988; Army NG, Award of the PA service ribbon 4th award. Jeff was a wonderful, loving husband to his wife, Beth. A caring and adoring father to Ryne and Erin. He loved his wife and kids greatly and sacrificed so much for them during his life. There's nothing in the world he didn't do for them. He coached Erin and Ryne in basketball, wrestling, soccer, baseball, and especially tennis. Going to extent of having  secret hand signals for his kids on the tennis court only they would know. He loved coaching Erin and Ryne during their high school years. He loved watching all sports. His true favorites were watching his Pitt Panthers, Steelers, Penguins, Alabama, UCLA and especially the Cubbies. Jeff was in the Marine Corps for 4 years right after high school and then retired from the PA Army National Guard with a total of thirty four years of military service. He was a great soldier who led by example on numerous occasions on and off the battlefield. Jeff was well respcted by his peers and superiors alike. He was deployed to Iraq in operation iraqi freedom and Afghanistan in operation enduring freedom. Jeff was also deployed to Panama, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Afghanistan, and many others. Jeff was so well respected by his peers he was selected to be the Soldier of the Year in 1998 while in the Army National Guard. Quote "You are a soldier who has taken initiative to excel — a high performer and a leader. Our soldiers will rely on your ability to meet future challenges." He was also a wonderful cook and always made too much food while putting together a great spread for everyone. He was always patient and kind in any situation, especially with his family. Jeff would do anything for anybody. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, extended family, and all who knew him whether they had one story to tell or a hundred. He lived a rich rewarding and wonderful, adrenaline filled life. He will forever be in our hearts.The world has lost a truly beautiful soul. But most of all Jeff was a selfless husband and father who loved his family with all his heart and took care of them before even thinking of himself. We love you Jeff. We love you Dad. Friends received from 4-8 p.m., Friday at the Serenko-Claar Funeral Home, P.C, Portage. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Loretto, Very Rev. Father John David Byrnes, JCL, JV, Rector, celebrant. Committal will be in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Lilly. Military rites by Lilly Veterans Organizations. Online condolences may be made at serenkoclaarfuneralhome.com  

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