On Saturday, March 1st, 2020, Schuylkill County Commissioner Frank Staudenmeier died suddenly with his wife, Kate, by his side in Florida.
His death left many people in and around Schuylkill County shocked and saddened.
Staudenmeier was known for his deep roots and love for Schuylkill County as well as a for being a family man. Along with his wife Kate, he leaves behind two children and four grandchildren.
A viewing was held Friday evening and early Saturday morning, with Mass on Saturday morning at St. Charles Borromeo's Church, Ashland. Hundreds of people attended.
In attendance on Saturday wereStaudenmeier's friends and fellow County Commissioners, George Halcovage and Gary Hess. Many of Schuylkill County past and present dignitaries also were in attendance. Schuylkill Country Sheriff Joseph Groody along with nine other county sheriffs were also in attendance, to pay their respect.
The service was opened by his good friend, President of the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce, and former Schuylkill County Commissioner, Bob Carl, who spoke on Staudenmeier's calm nature.
"Frank was a man of the people and a calming force. He was the kind of guy that would find the rainbow out of every storm" said Carl.
Carl also talked about Staudenmeier's contributions to the county while he was chairman of the Schuylkill County Economic Development Corporation.
"In Frank's two year term as chairman, he was responsible for the starting projects for companies that are in the Highridge Business Park today, as well as project's for Yuengling, Air Products, and others."
Carl also talked about Frank's love for his family and his commitment to youth sports.
"Family was everything to Frank. No priority was more important to him". Carl said. "Frank was a born leader and people followed him. When it came to youth sports, he showed them how to play the right way."
Lastly, one of Frank's favorite quotes to say was "It's a great day in Schuylkill County", Carl ended his eulogy with an amendment to Frank's quote.
"It is a greater day in Schuylkill County because of Frank Staudenmeier"
Second to eulogize Frank was his brother John.
John spoke about growing up with his brother Frank only half a block from the church where the mass was taking place.
"We grew up playing in the lot near St. Mauritius Church and sliding down the coal banks. He was a simple man and loved this area"
"He was much like our dad, friendly, gentle, and kind hearted, and didn't just sit back and watch, he leaned in and got stuff done" added John.
John, who now lives in New Jersey, spoke about Frank just wanted to sit with a beer, a cigar, and watching the world go by.
After the mass, pallbearers carried Staudenmeier's casket out of the church, while Schuylkill County Sheriff's lined the front steps and saluted.
A procession to the cemetery was lead by the Schuylkill County Sheriff's, east on Walnut Street in Ashland to Hoffman Boulevard, then west on Centre Street.
At the Washington Fire Company, along Centre Street, over thirty fire trucks and EMS from around Schuylkill County lined the streets with over one hundred volunteer firefighters and EMT's who stood along side their respected apparatus and gave one final salute, as Staudenmeier's hearse passed through an archway with an American Flag displayed by Ashland's past ladder truck, the 1959/93 American Lafrance 85', also known as "Brutus" and the Washington Fire Company's current ladder truck.
Fire departments that took part in the salute included the Mahantango Fire Co. (Pitman), Pine Grove Hose Hook, and Ladder, Goodwill Fire Company (Frackville), American Hose Co (Mahanoy Plane), Sheppton Oneida Fire, Citizens Fire Co. (Gordon), Rescue Hook and Ladder (Saint Clair), Ringtown Valley Fire, Clover Fire Co. (Heckscherville), Defender Fire Co. (Shenandoah), Minersville Fire and Rescue, Tuscarora Fire Co., Lavelle Fire Company, Altamont Fire Company, Rangers Hose Co. (Girardville), Friendship Fire Company (Englewood), Nuremberg Weston, American Fire Co. (Fountain Springs), Washington Fire Co. (Ashland), and American Hose Co. (Ashland).
The procession was led to St. Mauritius Cemetery in Ashland.
Story, Photos, and Video by J. Reed
