Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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William Eric Kenlin, 68, of Tamaqua, PA and formerly of Nesquehoning, PA, died on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at home. He was the husband of Lisa (nee Coombe) Kenlin to whom he has been married 48 years.Born in Coaldale, PA on December 16, 1952, William was a son of the late John and Evelyn (nee Bowman) Kenlin. A 1970 graduate of Panther Valley High School, he managed franchised Midas and Monroe auto service centers for 30 years. Most recently he worked for Lowe’s as a merchandise service associate. William enjoyed woodworking and touring lighthouses with Lisa. He especially loved vacationing on the Outer Banks with the entire family.
In addition to his wife, Lisa, William is survived by daughter, Laura Meiser and her husband Darren of Elizabethtown, PA; son, Eric and his wife Donna of Kunkletown, PA; grandchildren, Madison Meiser, Rowan Meiser, Eve Kenlin, and Jane Kenlin; sisters, Evelyn Kowatch of Mahoning Valley, PA and Dorothy Ryan of East Meadows, NY; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by brothers, John and Alfred and sisters, Mary Louise Mann and Juliane Wiles. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorials in William’s name may be made to The Tamaqua Blue Raider Foundation, 109 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Elizabeth Yetter, 81, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Sunday, April 4th, at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, Allentown.
Born in Phillipsburg, NJ on July 29, 1939, a daughter of the late Margaret (McInerary) and Joseph Sheridan.
She was the widow of Richard H. Yetter, Sr.
She was employed by R & J Transportation as a bus driver. She was a member of Faith Worship Center, Orwigsburg and the Ladies Auxiliary, American Veterans where she held various different offices.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her son Donald E. Graffin, Jr.; daughter Virginia Huxel and three brothers.
Elizabeth is survived by her children Joseph Graffin husband of Anna Rebecca, Northampton, Wanda Weinman companion of Thomas Luska, Whitehall, Stephen Graffin husband of Cathy, Georgia and Jimmie Lu Smallwod wife of Larry, Jr., Hegins; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 8th at Tri-County Worship Center in Bethel,with Pastor Ted Williams officiating.
A public viewing will be held 5 pm until the time of the service at the Church.
Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, on Friday, April 9 at 9:30 am. A procession will leave Geschwindt Stabingas Funeral Home, inc., Schuylkill Haven on Friday at 8:30 am.
Betty donated to many charities throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to FIRST CITIZEN COMMUNITY BANK; ELIZABETH YETTER MEMORIAL FUND, PO BOX 33, FRIEDENSBURG PA 17933. All donations made will be dispersed to the many charities she donated too.
John C. Sattizahn, Jr., 54, of Pine Grove, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021 at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown.
Born on October 17, 1966 in Pottsville, he was a son of John C. Sr. and Dawne Umberger Sattizahn of Pine Grove.
He was a 1984 graduate of Blue Mt. High School where he excelled in football. He also attended Penn State University.
John was a truck driver for Stormin Bull Trucking, Grantville. He was also the owner of Johnz Catering. His recipe for macaroni and cheese was a well known local favorite.
He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Dawn M. Minnich Sattizahn.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a daughter, Jonna and husband Jonathan Reilly of Lebanon; a son, John C., III and wife Janelle Sattizahn of Shoemakersville; two grandchildren, Raelyn Reilly and Anna Sattizahn; a sister, Denise and husband Mark Ketch of Schuylkill Haven; a niece, Hailey Ketch and a nephew, Alexander Ketch.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Faith Worship Center, 1168 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg with Pastor Doug Cresswell officiating. There will be a viewing on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove and Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Church. Interment will be in Jacob's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Fresh Start Animal Rescue League, P.O. Box 96, Friedensburg, Pa. 17933 in his memory.
You may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
Born on August 7, 1944 in Winchester, VA, she was a daughter of the late Delford and Dorothy Keckley.
Surviving are her husband of 43 years, Charles S. Townsend, III; two sons, Michael Townsend of Carlisle, Bryan and wife Felicia Townsend of Virginia Beach, VA; a step daughter Laura Knoop of Bel Air, MD; grandchildren, great grandchildren; a brother Bill Keckley of Toms Brook, VA.
There will be a viewing on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from Noon until 3:00 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to American Heart Association, Bldg. A Suite 10, 25 Stevens Lane West Lawn, PA 19609 in her memory.
You may send condolences to the family at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
Loretta Marie Wilner, 83, of Orwigsburg, passed away Monday, April 5th, at Geisinger St. Luke's Orwigsburg, Loretta was born in Shenandoah Heights on September 1, 1937, a daughter of the late Isabel (Cantwell) and John Lahutsky. She was the widow of Joseph P. Wilner.
She was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven and a graduate of Frackville High School.
Loretta is survived by two sons Joseph, husband of Merry Wilner, of Austin, MN and Gary, husband of Susie Wilner, Port Carbon. She is also survived by siblings, Andrea, widow of Don Wagner, John, widower of Theresa Lahutsky, Isabel, wife of Les Jones and Ann Marie, wife of Greg Laurusevage; grandchildren - Kyle, Jacqui, and Jenna, Alex and Taylor. She is also survived by her special friend Harry Simek with whom she resided.
She was predeceased by her brother Andrew Lahutsky.
A religious service will be held Monday, April 12 at 10:30 AM at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc, Orwigsburg with Msgr. Edward Zemanik officiating. The public is invited to call from 9 to 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park.
Aleece Ann Hanlon, 75, of Orwigsburg, passed away Saturday, April 3rd, surrounded by her loving family.
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Born in Phillipsburg, NJ on July 29, 1939, a daughter of the late Margaret (McInerary) and Joseph Sheridan.
She was the widow of Richard H. Yetter, Sr.
She was employed by R & J Transportation as a bus driver. She was a member of Faith Worship Center, Orwigsburg and the Ladies Auxiliary, American Veterans where she held various different offices.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her son Donald E. Graffin, Jr.; daughter Virginia Huxel and three brothers.
Elizabeth is survived by her children Joseph Graffin husband of Anna Rebecca, Northampton, Wanda Weinman companion of Thomas Luska, Whitehall, Stephen Graffin husband of Cathy, Georgia and Jimmie Lu Smallwod wife of Larry, Jr., Hegins; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 8th at Tri-County Worship Center in Bethel,with Pastor Ted Williams officiating.
A public viewing will be held 5 pm until the time of the service at the Church.
Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, on Friday, April 9 at 9:30 am. A procession will leave Geschwindt Stabingas Funeral Home, inc., Schuylkill Haven on Friday at 8:30 am.
Betty donated to many charities throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to FIRST CITIZEN COMMUNITY BANK; ELIZABETH YETTER MEMORIAL FUND, PO BOX 33, FRIEDENSBURG PA 17933. All donations made will be dispersed to the many charities she donated too.
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Born on October 17, 1966 in Pottsville, he was a son of John C. Sr. and Dawne Umberger Sattizahn of Pine Grove.
He was a 1984 graduate of Blue Mt. High School where he excelled in football. He also attended Penn State University.
John was a truck driver for Stormin Bull Trucking, Grantville. He was also the owner of Johnz Catering. His recipe for macaroni and cheese was a well known local favorite.
He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Dawn M. Minnich Sattizahn.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a daughter, Jonna and husband Jonathan Reilly of Lebanon; a son, John C., III and wife Janelle Sattizahn of Shoemakersville; two grandchildren, Raelyn Reilly and Anna Sattizahn; a sister, Denise and husband Mark Ketch of Schuylkill Haven; a niece, Hailey Ketch and a nephew, Alexander Ketch.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Faith Worship Center, 1168 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg with Pastor Doug Cresswell officiating. There will be a viewing on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove and Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Church. Interment will be in Jacob's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Fresh Start Animal Rescue League, P.O. Box 96, Friedensburg, Pa. 17933 in his memory.
You may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
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Margaret A. Townsend, 76, of Plane St., Ashland, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.Born on August 7, 1944 in Winchester, VA, she was a daughter of the late Delford and Dorothy Keckley.
Surviving are her husband of 43 years, Charles S. Townsend, III; two sons, Michael Townsend of Carlisle, Bryan and wife Felicia Townsend of Virginia Beach, VA; a step daughter Laura Knoop of Bel Air, MD; grandchildren, great grandchildren; a brother Bill Keckley of Toms Brook, VA.
There will be a viewing on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from Noon until 3:00 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to American Heart Association, Bldg. A Suite 10, 25 Stevens Lane West Lawn, PA 19609 in her memory.
You may send condolences to the family at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
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She was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven and a graduate of Frackville High School.
Loretta is survived by two sons Joseph, husband of Merry Wilner, of Austin, MN and Gary, husband of Susie Wilner, Port Carbon. She is also survived by siblings, Andrea, widow of Don Wagner, John, widower of Theresa Lahutsky, Isabel, wife of Les Jones and Ann Marie, wife of Greg Laurusevage; grandchildren - Kyle, Jacqui, and Jenna, Alex and Taylor. She is also survived by her special friend Harry Simek with whom she resided.
She was predeceased by her brother Andrew Lahutsky.
A religious service will be held Monday, April 12 at 10:30 AM at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc, Orwigsburg with Msgr. Edward Zemanik officiating. The public is invited to call from 9 to 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park.
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Born April 10, 1945, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Loretta Mady.
Aleece was a 1962 graduate of Nativity B.V.M. High School and a graduate of Goldey-Beacom College. In her early 30's, Aleece completed a nursing degree from Central Ohio Technical College and later earned her Bachelor's of Nursing degree from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
During her very early years, Aleece was a flight attendant, but is most remembered for her nursing career of over 30 years. As an intensive and critical care nurse, coupled with her strong Catholic faith, she brought care, healing, and comfort to countless patients and families.
During her very early years, Aleece was a flight attendant, but is most remembered for her nursing career of over 30 years. As an intensive and critical care nurse, coupled with her strong Catholic faith, she brought care, healing, and comfort to countless patients and families.
Aleece's faith and devotion cannot be understated. She lived her life as a devout Catholic and had an unbounding love for Our Lord and Blessed Mother. She served others faithfully and tirelessly. Aleece spent over 12 years organizing and running the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Patrick's Church, Pottsville. Through this, she met many wonderful friends in Christ.
One important ministry for Aleece was to make beautiful rosaries to give to family, friends, and even strangers. During the course of her illness, she continued to evangelize and pass out rosaries to those in the hospital. To this day, people always comment about this treasure Aleece made for them.
Her passion was her family and her many dogs, including her and Greg's most recent companions, Rosie and Rudie. Aleece was a wonderful cook and so enjoyed looking through new recipes. She loved gardening and flowers, particularly roses. Throughout the years, she personally made all the floral arrangement used at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel to give glory to Our Eucharistic Lord.
Aleece was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Greg. She is survived by her sisters Carole, Cynthia, and Loretta, her brother, Edward, her son, Peter, husband of Jane Hanlon; her daughter, Jennifer, wife of Mill Wallace. Grandchildren are Colette and Anna Hanlon and Bridget, Sophia, and Faith Wallace.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 9th, at St. Patrick's Church, Pottsville celebrated by Msgr. Edward J. O'Connor and concelebrated by Rev. Edward B. Connolly.
In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Oblates of St. Joseph, P.O. Box 547, Loomis, CA 95650. Services are entrusted to the Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home, Orwigsburg.
No words can ever express how much Aleece will be missed - her love, her smile, her kindness. To this we can only say, "Jesus, we trust in You."
Song of Songs 2:10 - "My Lover speaks; He says to me, 'Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!'"
Born on April 23, 1935 in Forestville, Cass Township, he was a son of the late Peter Pritiskutch and the late Anna Matz Pritiskutch. He was a 1953 graduate of Cass Township High School. He worked for Exxon Films (formerly Extrudo), Mar Lin, until retiring. In retirement, he owned and operated JP Reproductions, reproducing old maps and photographs of local and regional interest.
He was a Marine Corps veteran.
He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church of Holy Family Parish, Minersville.
He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, ATV riding, and attending car shows.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters in infancy, Helen and Mary Pritiskutch; a sister, Irene Depsky; a brother, Peter “Butch” Pritiskutch; a daughter-in-law, Yvonne Stripe Pritiskutch.
John is survived by his four children, John Pritiskutch (spouse, Linda), Deer Lake, Joseph Pritiskutch (fiancée, Sue Nelson), Pottstown, Brian Pritiskutch (spouse, Dawn), Schuylkill Haven, and Colleen Hertz (spouse, Paul), Jonestown; eight grandchildren, Sierra Marie and Shawn Ernest Pritiskutch, Joseph Kyle (spouse, Valerie) Pritiskutch and Michael Ryan Pritiskutch, Lucas John Pritiskutch and Quentin Everett Jurista, Paul Richard and Lauren Marie Hertz; two great-grandchildren, Brock and Remi Pritiskutch. He is also survived by a sister, Catherine Keller, Schuylkill Haven; nieces and nephews.
The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Sunday from 6:00 P.M. and on Monday from 6:00 A.M. Visitation will end promptly at 9:15 A.M. when procession will form. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. in St. Michael the Archangel Church, 539 Sunbury Street, Minersville. Visitors and attendees are expected to follow CDC guidelines. Interment with military honors will be in Mount Peace Cemetery, Branch Township.
Ruth Ann Casper, 57, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away on Sunday, April 4th, 2021, at her home.
Ruth was born in Bremerhaven, Germany, daughter of Martin Casper, Germany and Janet Recklitis, Schuylkill Haven.
She enjoyed spending her time listening to music and dancing. Ruth also loved all things chocolate, Betty Boop and her pets. Her other great love was her family, particularly her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Rhonda.
Ruth is survived by her loving children, Alicia Allan (partner, John Panek), Gavin Allan (fiancée, Brittany Geisinger); Nicole Kline (partner, Steve Steffie) and Samantha, (spouse, Graeme Sinko). She is also survived by her thirteen loving grandchildren Hayden, Tabitha, John and Jacob Panek; Gavin and Xavier Allan; Cashmire and Charles Hummel; Amaya and Kyle Allan; Trenton and Lyra Steffie; Julian Sinko; a brother, Mike Casper, St. Clair; a sister, Reckell, (spouse, Brian Jenkins), Taylors, SC; nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Funeral services are private.
William F. "Bill" Valentine, 61 years of age, of Coaldale, Pennsylvania died suddenly upon arrival, Saturday, April 3, 2021, at St. Luke's Miners Memorial in Coaldale, Pennsylvania.
Born Thursday, June 18, 1959 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania. Bill is survived by; mother, Dolores (Koreisl) Valentine- Vitek and her husband Francis of Barnesville; Children, Seth Valentine of Tamaqua, Jillian L. Valentine of Minersville, Dylan J. Valentine of Coaldale, Anthony W. Valentine of Pottsville; siblings, Brian Valentine and his wife Lisa; Beth Ann Valentine, Kathy Porvaznik wife of Joseph, Sharyn Martin; grandchildren, Bentley, Owen, Joseph, Hannah, Nova Lee, Alexandria, Aubrey, and Blake.
Bill was predeceased by his father, William Valentine.
A Private Celebration of Williams Life will be entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
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John Pritiskutch, 85, of Jonestown, Cass Township, passed away on Monday at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill – East.Born on April 23, 1935 in Forestville, Cass Township, he was a son of the late Peter Pritiskutch and the late Anna Matz Pritiskutch. He was a 1953 graduate of Cass Township High School. He worked for Exxon Films (formerly Extrudo), Mar Lin, until retiring. In retirement, he owned and operated JP Reproductions, reproducing old maps and photographs of local and regional interest.
He was a Marine Corps veteran.
He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church of Holy Family Parish, Minersville.
He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, ATV riding, and attending car shows.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters in infancy, Helen and Mary Pritiskutch; a sister, Irene Depsky; a brother, Peter “Butch” Pritiskutch; a daughter-in-law, Yvonne Stripe Pritiskutch.
John is survived by his four children, John Pritiskutch (spouse, Linda), Deer Lake, Joseph Pritiskutch (fiancée, Sue Nelson), Pottstown, Brian Pritiskutch (spouse, Dawn), Schuylkill Haven, and Colleen Hertz (spouse, Paul), Jonestown; eight grandchildren, Sierra Marie and Shawn Ernest Pritiskutch, Joseph Kyle (spouse, Valerie) Pritiskutch and Michael Ryan Pritiskutch, Lucas John Pritiskutch and Quentin Everett Jurista, Paul Richard and Lauren Marie Hertz; two great-grandchildren, Brock and Remi Pritiskutch. He is also survived by a sister, Catherine Keller, Schuylkill Haven; nieces and nephews.
The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Sunday from 6:00 P.M. and on Monday from 6:00 A.M. Visitation will end promptly at 9:15 A.M. when procession will form. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. in St. Michael the Archangel Church, 539 Sunbury Street, Minersville. Visitors and attendees are expected to follow CDC guidelines. Interment with military honors will be in Mount Peace Cemetery, Branch Township.
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Ruth was born in Bremerhaven, Germany, daughter of Martin Casper, Germany and Janet Recklitis, Schuylkill Haven.
She enjoyed spending her time listening to music and dancing. Ruth also loved all things chocolate, Betty Boop and her pets. Her other great love was her family, particularly her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Rhonda.
Ruth is survived by her loving children, Alicia Allan (partner, John Panek), Gavin Allan (fiancée, Brittany Geisinger); Nicole Kline (partner, Steve Steffie) and Samantha, (spouse, Graeme Sinko). She is also survived by her thirteen loving grandchildren Hayden, Tabitha, John and Jacob Panek; Gavin and Xavier Allan; Cashmire and Charles Hummel; Amaya and Kyle Allan; Trenton and Lyra Steffie; Julian Sinko; a brother, Mike Casper, St. Clair; a sister, Reckell, (spouse, Brian Jenkins), Taylors, SC; nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Funeral services are private.
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Born Thursday, June 18, 1959 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania. Bill is survived by; mother, Dolores (Koreisl) Valentine- Vitek and her husband Francis of Barnesville; Children, Seth Valentine of Tamaqua, Jillian L. Valentine of Minersville, Dylan J. Valentine of Coaldale, Anthony W. Valentine of Pottsville; siblings, Brian Valentine and his wife Lisa; Beth Ann Valentine, Kathy Porvaznik wife of Joseph, Sharyn Martin; grandchildren, Bentley, Owen, Joseph, Hannah, Nova Lee, Alexandria, Aubrey, and Blake.
Bill was predeceased by his father, William Valentine.
A Private Celebration of Williams Life will be entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
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