Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/14/2018
Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/14/2018
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Raymond Albert Miller, 77, of Gordon, Pennsylvania passed away on Thursday at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. Born in Ashland, PA on July 29th, 1940 to Raymond D. Miller and Evelyn Donath Miller who have since passed.
He was a man who made all who encountered him laugh from an early age proven by his title of class clown in high school. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force as an Airman First Class from 1958-1961. He worked in a multitude of positions over his 27 years at Universal Forest Products in Gordon, PA. He was a lifetime member of the Citizens Fire Co. in Gordon, PA. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed playing cards and meeting for his daily coffee club with his wife and friends. He had a beautiful singing voice which he used to perform in school productions and at various events. His voice was “so loud you always could tell he was around”, especially during his stand up comedian shows that he performed three times a week at Mays Drive-In in Ashland, PA.
He loved reading western novels and was a part time professional nap taker.
He is preceded in death by his above mentioned parents and his sister Brenda Hand. He is survived by his best friend and beloved wife of 55 years Pat Stabler Miller, his sons Raymond L. Miller and his wife Janene Miller of Pasadena, MD and Scott Miller and his wife Diane Miller of Lavelle, PA, as well as his daughters Cathy Canfield and her husband Tom Canfield of Ashland, PA, Susie Yashin and her husband Steve Yashin of Ashland, PA, and Jan Miller of Harrisburg, Pa, along with his 5 granddaughters and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 50 cats.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time for visitation Tuesday, April 17,2018 from
6:00-8:00 P.M. at the Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Ashland, PA. Interment with Military Honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA at the convenience of the family.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., Ashland is in charge of arrangements.
Charles Heizenroth III, Supervisor.
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Robert L "Whitey" Koppenhaver, age 90, of Hegins, passed away Friday, April 13, 2018 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
He was born on Tuesday, July 5, 1927, in Hegins, a son of the late Homer G Koppenhaver and the late Fronie E Shadle Koppenhaver.
He was a 1945 graduate of the former HeginsTwp High School.
Whitey served in the US Army during the Korean War.
Whitey played professional baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. After entering the US Army he played for the 26th Infantry baseball team, winning the European Championship in 1951. After returning home from the Army he played for the Williamsport Athletics and ended his base ball career in 1954 with the Baltimore Orioles.
He was a self employed farmer.
He was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church, Hegins.
He was also a member of the St Clair Old Timers Baseball Hall of Fame and the Pottsville Chapter of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Whitey was a life member of VFW Post 8237 of Valley View, a former member of the Hegins Fire Company, and a former member of his church council. He was very active as a coach in little league, teener league, Legion, and Tri-Valley High School baseball.
His wife, Frances M Bausinger Koppenhaver, passed away in 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents; by two brothers, Guy K Koppenhaver and Clair Koppenhaver; and by a sister, Iva Ney.
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He is survived by two sons, James H Koppenhaver and his wife Lori of Halifax and Timothy L Koppenhaver of Hegins; two daughters, Janet L Radel and her husband Ron of Spring Glen and Susan M Klouser of Cocoa, FL; ten grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Friedens Lutheran Church, Hegins, on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Lauren Blatt officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Wednesday at the church.
Burial will be made in Fountain Community Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Friedens Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 375, Hegins, PA 17938.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com
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John L. Herb, age 92, of Schuylkill Center, Pottsville, formerly of Hegins passed away Friday, April 13, 2018 at Schuylkill Center.
He was born on Wednesday, March 10, 1926, in Spring Glen, a son of the late Ash Herb and the late Crusie M Carl Herb.
John served in the US Army during World War II from 1944-1946.
He ran a small carpet business, but most of his working career was spent in the trucking industry. He had also worked at the former Penn Reel, Hegins.
John and his wife enjoyed camping and spending time in their winter home in Daytona Beach, Florida. They enjoyed family gatherings and reunions. He also enjoyed playing cards with his family and golfing when he was able to do so. John was a sports fan and enjoyed watching various sports. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sport.
He attended St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View.
His wife Martha F Shade Herb, to whom he was married for 68 years, passed away in 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents and by a daughter, Patricia A Erdman.
He is survived by a son, Jack L Herb and his wife Jean of Hegins; three grandsons, Troy Erdman and his wife Kim of Enola, Brad Erdman and his wife Kristen of Columbus, OH, and Jeremy Erdman and his wife Nikki of Valley View; three granddaughters, Nicole Poletti and her husband Mike of Valley View, Julie Rizzardi and her husband Cory of Wesley Chapel, FL, and Amanda Horoschak and her husband Matthew of Hegins; and thirteen great grandchildren.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View, with Rev. Duane Bardo officiating.
Burial will be made in St. Andrew's Cemetery, Valley View.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the John L Herb Memorial Fund, c/o St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, P.O Box 221, Valley View PA 17983
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.
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Francis Vincent Ames, 86, of Tamaqua, PA died on Thursday, April 12, 2018 in Coaldale, PA.
He was the husband of the late Mary Ann (nee Pajakinas) Ames to whom he was married 51 years when she died in 2002. Born in Brockton, PA on July 9, 1931, Francis was a son of the late Michael and Frances (nee Oldinsky) Ames. A graduate of Tamaqua High School, he worked as a carpenter for Curt Bailey. A member of The Parish of St. John XXIII, Tamaqua, his original affiliation was with Ss. Peter and Paul, Tamaqua. Francis was an avid bowler, a former catcher in the Tamaqua Baseball League, and coached Little League. His daughter, Christina, describes him as the “Greatest person she will ever meet in her lifetime. Dad loved baseball and going fishing at the park. But, most of all he loved his family so very much. He was the kind of Father everyone wishes they had and will be loved forever.”
Francis is survived by his daughter, Christina Jensen and her husband, Randall of Tamaqua and sister, Joan Davis of Pittston, PA.
He was predeceased by sons, Joseph Ames and Francis Ames and brothers, Paul Ames and Bernard Ames.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Tuesday, April 17 in St. John the Twenty Third Catholic Church, 266 West Broad Street, Tamaqua.
Interment in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Owl Creek will follow the mass. Call 9-10 AM on Tuesday in the church. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Frances M. Klare, 85, Pottsville, died Friday morning at Schuylkill Center Genesis Eldercare, Pottsville.
Born June 9, 1932, in Boston MA, she was the daughter of the late Leon E. and Elsie M. Carter Tibbetts.
She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pottsville where she taught Sunday school. She was also a member of Boy Scout Committee- Troop 604- Port Carbon; a Girl Scout Leader; and she started the Cafeteria at the former St. Stephen Catholic School, Port Carbon.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Leo R. Klare (1997); a daughter Patricia (2006); a sister Bertha and a brother Ed.
Frances is survived by a son Richard W. Klare, Klingerstown; daughters Mary F. Purcell, St. Clair; Karen A. Moyer, Pottsville; and Theresa M. Klare, Pottsville. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; brother Donald Tibbetts; sister Doris Ford; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held 11AM Tuesday at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home 515 West Market Street Pottsville, Pastor Alex W. DuBee, Off. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 10AM until the time of service. Private interment will be held on the grounds of Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Please visit www.schlitzerallenpugh.com to leave a condolence for the Klare family.
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Eileen Welkie, 91, of 532 South Mill Steet, St. Clair, died Thursday at Lehigh Valley Health Network – Schuylkill – East, Pottsville.
Born in St. Clair, October 5, 1926, She was a daughter of the late Paul and Emma (Stein) Harrison.
Eileen was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She dedicated her life to raising her three children and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a skilled seamstress and worked for The Style Specialist and Clair Fashions Companies before starting her family with her husband.
She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Stephen Welkie, one brother Robert and four sisters Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary, and Catherine.
Surviving are her daughter Eileen Berger and her husband Jim of Warrenton, VA, two sons Stephen Welkie Jr of Groton, CT and Paul A. Welkie and his wife Christine of St. Clair, 5 grandchildren, Christopher, Elizabeth, Kyle, Justin, and Andrew, Nieces and Nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Monday from St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 250 E. Hancock St. St. Clair. The Rev. Msgr. William F. Glosser will be officiating. . Friends may call from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Monday at the Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Clare of Assisi Memorial Fund. Burial will be in Queen of the Universe Cemetery, Norwegian Twp.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.
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Mary Jane M. O'Connor, 78, of Pottsville, passed away on Friday morning at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.
Born in Schuylkill Haven, on January 2, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Catherine (Collins) and Robert Curran.
She was a graduate of Nativity BVM High School and a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.
Mary Jane was the owner and operator of Mrs. O's Day Care, Pottsville for 15 years, retiring in 2002.
She was very active in church activities and also with the Boy and Girl Scouts.
Mary Jane was a big sports enthusiast which included the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by step-son, Robert K. O'Connor; siblings: Catherine "Kitty" Curran, Agnes Fidler, Robert Curran, William "Red" Curran, Joan Monahan, and Maureen Curran.
Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Robert R. O'Connor to whom she was married 25 years; children: Kathleen Readinger, of Reading; Patrick McCall, husband of Cheryl, of Plattsburg, NY; Erin McCall, of Schuylkill Haven; step-sons: John O'Connor, husband of Cheryl, of Hometown; Colin O'Connor, of Pottsville; and James O'Connor, husband of Tammy, of Wilkes-Barre; ten grandchildren: brothers: James Curran, husband of Avie, of Lake Villa, of IL and Leon Curran , husband of Linda, of Augusta, IA; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, on Wednesday, April 18th, at 11:00 a.m. with Msgr. Edward J. O'Connor officiating. A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. until time of service in church.
Interment will follow in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com
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Elsie M. Dawson, 94, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018 in Lehigh Valley Health Network Schuylkill East.
Born on April 5, 1924 in Summit Station, she was a daughter of the late Milton and Jennie Yeich Moyer.
She was a member of St. Paul's Reformed Church, Summer Hill where she was a Sunday School Teacher and member of the Friendly Circle. She was also a past President of the Ladies Auxiliary at Summit Station Fire Co. She loved her garden, baking and cooking.
Elsie was a seamstress at Ethel Maid, Inc, Schuylkill Haven.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Albert B. Dawson, three sisters, Edith Moyer, Edna Krause and Mary Peiffer; three brothers, Henry Moyer, Wilson Moyer and Clarence "Butch" Moyer.
Surviving are a son, Scott and wife Amy Dawson of Pine Grove; three grandchildren, Christine Phy, Bradley Dawson, and Misty Madenford; 1 great granddaughter; two brothers, Milton and wife Margaret Moyer of Indiana, Lee and wife Florence Moyer of Schuylkill Haven; four sisters, Sallie Krause of Schuylkill Haven, Anna and husband Allen Reichert of Camp Hill, Marian and husband John Ziegler of Pine Grove, Esther and husband Ronald Mengel of Summit Station; a sister-in-law Carol Moyer of Schuylkill Haven; nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Noon at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, with SALM John Ziegler officiating. There will be a calling time on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 11:00 A.M until Noon at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
You may send condolences to the family online at our website www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
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Linda Louise Schach, 70, of Circle Dr., Pine Grove, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown.
Born on September 17, 1947 in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Lucille Hoke Lehman.
She was a 1965 graduate of Pine Grove High School.
Linda was a Clerk for Bergers Market and BG's Market, both in Pine Grove
Surviving are her husband James A. Schach; a daughter, Crystal Lyn Primeau; a son, Jeffrey James Schach; two grandchildren, Hannah and Tony Primeau; a step grandchild, Zachorie Schach; a brother, Ronald Lehman; nieces and nephews.
Graveside Services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Matthew's Lutheran Cemetery, Ravine with SALM John Ziegler officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, P.O. Box 332, Schuylkill Haven, Pa. 17972 in her memory.
You may send condolences to the family online at our website www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
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Joseph Romanko, 89, of North Manheim Township, formerly of Bethlehem and Clinton, New Jersey, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg, PA, with his family by his side.
Born August 9, 1928 in Saint Clair, PA, he was a son of the late George and Anna Gulida Romanko. He was a 1946 graduate of Saint Clair High School, and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was first employed as a machine operator for the former Union Steel Company, Metuchen, New Jersey; and later worked as a custodian for the North Hunterdon High School, Annandale, New Jersey until his retirement in 1992.
He was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Annandale, NJ prior to moving as well as a member of St. Ambrose R.C. Church, Schuylkill Haven, PA.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elaine A. Hooper, in 2012. He is also preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Dowling, Anna Schlecht, Irene Reed, Helen Dillion and brothers, George, John, and Freddie Romanko.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Josephine Gober Romanko, to whom he was married on October 5, 1957; two sons, Dr. Kevin Romanko, San Francisco, California, and Gerard Romanko, Arlington, Virginia; a brother, Martin Romanko, Colora, Maryland; a family friend, Steve Fung, San Francisco; many nieces and nephews, including his special niece Christine Romanko.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Ambrose Church, 201 Randel Street, Schuylkill Haven, on Thursday, April 19th at 10:30 A.M. Relatives and friends may call at the church from 9:15 A.M. until 10:15 A.M. Interment will be in St. Stanislaus Kostka #2 Cemetery, Branch Township. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Ambrose Church Memorial Fund or in support of your local charity.
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John P. Novack, Sr., 92, of Pottsville, passed away on Saturday at Schuylkill Medical Center – East Norwegian Street.
Born in Kaska, Blythe Township, he was the son of the late Philip Novack and the late Mary Harding Novack Hardon. He attended Blythe Township schools, and was a World War Two Army veteran. A welder by trade, he first worked for Snyder Welding, Gordon. He later worked for Aetna Steel, then for Steco Trailers.
He was a former member of Mary Queen of Peace Church, Pottsville; and was a current member of St. Patrick Church, Pottsville. He had also been a member of the Good Will Fire Company No. 4, Pottsville.
Preceding him in death was his wife, the former Mary Jean Smith, on April 1, 2005; a son-in-law, Barry Miller, on April 15, 2017.
Surviving are four children, John P. Novack, Jr. (spouse, Mary Ann), Pottsville, William Novack (spouse, Tonya), Pine Grove, Debra Miller, Cressona, and Lisa Bickelman (spouse, Joseph), Primrose, Cass Township; eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Marie Nye (spouse, Donald), Kaska; nieces and nephews.
Friends may call Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury St., Minersville on Wednesday from 9:00 A.M. Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Interment with military honors will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park, North Manheim Township.
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Donna Marie Adams, 69, of Orwigsburg passed away Thursday, April 12th, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
Donna was born in Methuen, Massachusetts on February 10, 1949, a daughter of Mildred and Daniel Callahan, being one of seven children. She was the wife of John ( Jack ) Dale Adams. She is survived by a son Dereck of Massachusetts and stepchildren John and Kristine, brothers Danny, Patrick, William and Michael, sisters Maureen and Alice. Four Grandchildren.
Donna worked at the Andover Service Center in Andover, Massachusetts for the IRS in the computer room. She later transferred to the Washington, DC office where she was in the Personnel Division doing Background checks on the new and current employees. Donna retired from the IRS in 2009 and moved to Orwigsburg. She loved to work in her gardens around the house. The past few years she and her husband were active in the Schuylkill Valley Corvette Club. She passed away after a long battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc, April 19 at 7 PM. Visitation will be from 6 PM until time of service.
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