Skook News Obituaries: August 29th, 2022
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Ashland, she was a daughter of Edward and April Kerrigan Wytovich, Ashland.
She is also survived by her daughter, Madeline Cooney, Ashland; her sisters: Stephanie and her husband Jason Potter, Cincinatti, OH; Christen and her husband Tony Lutkus, Pottsville; nieces and nephews.
Sarah was a graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School, Fountain Springs, class of 2000. After high school, she attended Bloomsburg University.
Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family.
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Charles was born in Minersville, on May 28, 1932, a son of the late Mary (Kimmel) and Evan Roberts. He was the husband of Helen Ann (Curran) Roberts. He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Minersville, and a graduate of Minersville High School Class of 1950. Charles served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War from 1953-1954. He was formerly employed as the Shipping Manager at Canoe Manufacturing in Pine Grove and ended his career as a guard at the Schuylkill County Prison. Charles was A Past Commander of the American Legion Post #544, a Life member of the Minersville Fire & Rescue. A member of the Minersville Little League from Memorial Day 1956 until the present. Serving many of the years on the Board of Directors in many positions including 30 years as it’s Secretary. He was an Asst. District 24 Administrator from 1972 to 1997 and then the District Administrator from 1997 to 2014. He was inducted into the The Allen-Rogowicz Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. A P.I.A.A. Baseball & Basketball Official for 28 years, a P.I.A.A. Softball Official for 24 years. He had umpired in the Little League Softball World Series in Kalamazoo, MI. in 1995. He served as a Representative for the N. Schuylkill C.Y.O. for a number of years.
Charles is survived by his wife , Helen Ann, two daughters, Colleen, wife of Carl McBreen, and Karen Roberts. A son, Charles, husband of Tammy Roberts Charles is also survived by a sister, Jean Tropp. He is also survived by grandchildren, Matthew & Ashley Roberts, Nicholas & Jonathan McBreen, a niece, Laurie Mathers, 2 nephews Dave & Jim Tropp, Sister-in-laws; Beatrice Hancock, Margaret Curran, Brother-in-law; Ronald Hancock.
A Visitation will be held 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 30th at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. in Minersville. A Religious Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 31st at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minersville, with S. Regnal Leibensperger S.A.L.M. officiating. Interment at Mount Peace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
H. Slayton Altenburg, 79, of Tamaqua, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Friday Aug 26th. Slate leaves his loving wife Janet (Hagar) Altenburg. Born in Baltimore, MD. He was the son of the late William M. and Barbara (Underhill) Altenburg.
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Slate was raised at the edge of the wilderness just north of Portland, ME. Summers in high school were spent in the White Mountains as a “hutman” for the Appalachian Mountain Club. Slate earned his BSME from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. His post graduate work included courses in business and finance at New Haven College. While employed as an applications engineer, building capital equipment for the rubber and plastics industry, he started and coached a Junior Achievement Program, teaching principles of finance and industry to high school seniors.
As an engineer for Ametek West Chester Plastics in 1974, he orchestrated the division’s move to Nesquehoning, PA. Slate later founded Technical Process & Engineering, whose expansion was recognized by the greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Carbon County, as their 2015 Economic Development Project of the Year. TPEI continues to be a leader in equipment manufacturing and service, material and process development, and is staffed by generations of local employees committed to serving the needs of customers and community that Slate instilled within the business.
Slate has spent much of his life leading scout organizations in the area ranging from cub master to venture crew advisor. He spent five years as Chairman of Broad Mountain District and was currently serving on the Executive Board of Hawk Mountain Council. His other contributions to area youth included organizer of the Tamaqua Youth Soccer program and he has led multiple youth trips to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and Delaware River.
Slate had a deep love of skiing for more than seventy years. He shared memories of skiing in Austria, Italy and Switzerland and he organized annual family ski trips to Okemo Mountain in Vermont. Nationally he was the 49th person to achieve mutual certification by both the Professional Ski Patrol Association and the National Ski Patrol. Slate founded the Ski Patrol at Blue Mountain and served ten years as the patrol leader.
As a member of St. Peter’s Church, West Penn, Slate worked with the Kitchen Krew and designed a device to core apples in making apple dumplings.
Slate was a Master Gardener and served two years as County Coordinator for Penn state extension service where he taught others the New England tradition of tapping maple trees and the process of boiling gallons of maple sap to create a delectable treat.
Slate loved a good adventure. He enjoyed his cross-country road trips in his van and he and his wife Janet cherished their two week rafting trip on the Colorado river. Slate and Janet travelled extensively including Great Britain, Scandinavia, Italy, and France.
He was also preceded in death by a brother Sherman. Surviving in addition to his wife, are a son, Slayton W. and his wife, Leanna, of Palmerton; two daughters, Lauren, wife of Ted Carlson, of Rutland, MA, and Heather, wife of Patrick O’Toole, of Upton, MA; brother, William M., of Fryeburg, ME; sister-in-law, Beverly, of Cape Elizabeth, ME; five grandchildren, Kjellrun Altenburg, Alissa and Brian Carlson, Kairat and Alina O’Toole, nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at St. Peter’s Church, West Penn, 184 St. Peter’s Rd, Tamaqua, with Rev. Virginia M. Heimer officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at Slate and Janet’s residence. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nick’s House (headstrong.org/donate) (Donate Today | HEADstrong) or the Hawk Mountain Council, BSA. Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
William D Miller, III, age 70, of Valley View, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 26, 2022 at Lehigh Valley Hospital- Cedar Crest, Allentown.
He was born on Monday, July 14, 1952, in Ashland, a son of Miriam A (Lower) Miller of Hegins and the late William D Miller, Jr.
He was a 1970 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
Bill retired from Hershey Foods.
He was a member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View.
Bill enjoyed hunting, golfing, playing softball, and following his children and grandchildren's sporting events.
He is survived by his wife Cathy R (Smith) Miller, to whom he was married for 47 years.
He is also survived by son, Benjamin S Miller and his wife Melissa of Kulpmont; a daughter, Greta L Kroh of Valley View; and by six grandchildren, Jaydon, Jerzey, Benjamin, Joshua, Molly, and Ally.
Funeral services will be held at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View, on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Suzanne Elliott officiating.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the church.
Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Fearnot.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 221, Valley View, PA 17983.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Kale R. Yurkonis, 24, of Sculps Hill Rd. Auburn, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 24.
Lois I. Hall, 82, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Saturday, August 27th, at her residence.
Born in Donaldson, PA on July 14, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd & Beulah (Wendling) Morgan.
She was the widow of Matthew Hall.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is also preceded in death by her sisters: Rita Weishorn, Joan Reed, & Carol Schappell, and brother, Lloyd Morgan, Jr.
Lois is survived by two sons: Alfred Marks, Jr., husband of Donna, of Frackville; & Wayne Marks, of Schuylkill Haven; and a daughter, Rhonda Feno, wife of Daniel, of Pottsville; and two grandchildren: Krystle Marks, & Taylor Marks.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 2nd at 9:30 AM at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA.
In order to defray the cost of final expenses, contributions to the family may be mailed to Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., 25 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Sandra Jean (Sweeney) Martin, 79, of Orwigsburg, formerly of Baltimore, MD, passed away peacefully Friday, August 26th, at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.
Mary Kay Mione, 78, of Tower City, passed away Monday morning, August 29, 2022 at her home.
Kay was born in Lebanon, TN, November 1, 1943, a daughter of the late Myron and Mary Kay Runft Schreiber. She was a graduate of Red Bank High School, Red Bank, NJ.
She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Chapel, Tower City.
Kay dedicated her life to raising her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her world. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and crocheting.
In addition to her parents Kay was preceded in death by a son, William Mione, 1969.
Surviving are her husband of 57 years, Frank J. Mione; three children, Frank Mione, Jr. and his wife Brenda, Royersford, Daniel Mione and his wife Becky, Tower City, and Gina Mione, Tower City; six grandchildren, Billy, Michael, Nick, Sabrina, Samantha and Sophia; three great grandchildren, Lillian, Oliver and Kinsley; two brothers, Tom Runft, Spokane, Washington and David Schreiber, Pittsburgh.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 11:00 am from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Chapel, Tower City with Rev. Johnson as celebrant. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Cemetery, Williamstown. Viewing will be from 10-11 am at the church.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., is honored to serve the Mione family.
William E. Lorah, Jr., 72, of Brandonville, passed away Monday, August 29th, 2022, at his home in Brandonville..
Bill was born in Shenandoah, on November 30, 1949, a son of the late Catherine (Drumheller) and Willliam E. Lorah, Sr. He was a graduate of the West Hazleton High School and attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Brandonville.
Bill was a lifelong truck driver, owning and operating Lorah Trucking.
He was also an avid outdoors man who loved fishing, hunting and camping and was a fan of the New York Jets and New York Yankees.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda (Hart) Lorah, and their children - daughter Audra Lorah Flaherty, wife of Thomas, of San Diego; daughter Amanda Lorah, of Brandonville; and son Aaron Lorah, and his wife Jennifer, of Brandonville.
He is also survived by his sister Jean, wife of Thomas Sharkey of Hazle Township, along with 5 grandchildren, Harrison, Joslyn, Ella Rose, Zarah and Kaydence. Nieces and nephews also survive.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Inc., 412 West Main Street, Ringtown at 7 PM on Thursday, September 1st. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing from 5-7 PM prior to the service.
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Harold Kemfort, 73, of Pottsville went to his eternal rest in heaven on Monday morning surrounded by his family.
Harold was the son of the late Frederick E. Kemfort, Sr. and late Marion A. (Penberth) Kemfort.
He was of the Lutheran faith.
Harold attended Pottsville Area School District he received his GED from the Last Standard Evening High School in 1976. Harold retired from the Pottsville Area School District after 19 years of service.
He was a member of the Pottsville Fire Department as a life member of Humane Fire Co #1. He was also a member of the Pulaski Lodge No 216 F&AM serving as Worshipful Master in 1983 & 2011.
In addition to his parents his is preceded in death by his brothers Floyd and Lee Kemfort, a nephew Frederick Kemfort III, and his lifelong best friend Joseph H Murton V.
He is survived by brothers Ronald G Kemfort Sr & wife Tammy, Frederick E Kemfort Jr. & wife Donna, sister Linda Szalku, and nephew Bryant Kemfort with whom he lived. Harold was also survived by other nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and godsons Joe Murton VI & David “Buzzie” Long.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 A.M. at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven. A viewing will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
As an engineer for Ametek West Chester Plastics in 1974, he orchestrated the division’s move to Nesquehoning, PA. Slate later founded Technical Process & Engineering, whose expansion was recognized by the greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Carbon County, as their 2015 Economic Development Project of the Year. TPEI continues to be a leader in equipment manufacturing and service, material and process development, and is staffed by generations of local employees committed to serving the needs of customers and community that Slate instilled within the business.
Slate has spent much of his life leading scout organizations in the area ranging from cub master to venture crew advisor. He spent five years as Chairman of Broad Mountain District and was currently serving on the Executive Board of Hawk Mountain Council. His other contributions to area youth included organizer of the Tamaqua Youth Soccer program and he has led multiple youth trips to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and Delaware River.
Slate had a deep love of skiing for more than seventy years. He shared memories of skiing in Austria, Italy and Switzerland and he organized annual family ski trips to Okemo Mountain in Vermont. Nationally he was the 49th person to achieve mutual certification by both the Professional Ski Patrol Association and the National Ski Patrol. Slate founded the Ski Patrol at Blue Mountain and served ten years as the patrol leader.
As a member of St. Peter’s Church, West Penn, Slate worked with the Kitchen Krew and designed a device to core apples in making apple dumplings.
Slate was a Master Gardener and served two years as County Coordinator for Penn state extension service where he taught others the New England tradition of tapping maple trees and the process of boiling gallons of maple sap to create a delectable treat.
Slate loved a good adventure. He enjoyed his cross-country road trips in his van and he and his wife Janet cherished their two week rafting trip on the Colorado river. Slate and Janet travelled extensively including Great Britain, Scandinavia, Italy, and France.
He was also preceded in death by a brother Sherman. Surviving in addition to his wife, are a son, Slayton W. and his wife, Leanna, of Palmerton; two daughters, Lauren, wife of Ted Carlson, of Rutland, MA, and Heather, wife of Patrick O’Toole, of Upton, MA; brother, William M., of Fryeburg, ME; sister-in-law, Beverly, of Cape Elizabeth, ME; five grandchildren, Kjellrun Altenburg, Alissa and Brian Carlson, Kairat and Alina O’Toole, nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at St. Peter’s Church, West Penn, 184 St. Peter’s Rd, Tamaqua, with Rev. Virginia M. Heimer officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at Slate and Janet’s residence. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nick’s House (headstrong.org/donate) (Donate Today | HEADstrong) or the Hawk Mountain Council, BSA. Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
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He was born on Monday, July 14, 1952, in Ashland, a son of Miriam A (Lower) Miller of Hegins and the late William D Miller, Jr.
He was a 1970 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
Bill retired from Hershey Foods.
He was a member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View.
Bill enjoyed hunting, golfing, playing softball, and following his children and grandchildren's sporting events.
He is survived by his wife Cathy R (Smith) Miller, to whom he was married for 47 years.
He is also survived by son, Benjamin S Miller and his wife Melissa of Kulpmont; a daughter, Greta L Kroh of Valley View; and by six grandchildren, Jaydon, Jerzey, Benjamin, Joshua, Molly, and Ally.
Funeral services will be held at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View, on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Suzanne Elliott officiating.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the church.
Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Fearnot.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 221, Valley View, PA 17983.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Kale R. Yurkonis, 24, of Sculps Hill Rd. Auburn, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 24.
Kale was born in Hamburg, Pa., on April 16, 1998, a son of Lara L (Yoder) and Keith E. Yurkonis. He was a graduate of Blue Mt. High School and a member of Drehersville United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Wanda Yurkonis. Kale is survived by his parents, Keith and Lara Yurkonis,
Kale is also survived by two sisters, Lea and Larissa Yurkonis and three brothers, Konor, Kolin, and Kole Yurkonis. He is also survived by Grandparents Lena & Lynn Yoder and Ken Yurkonis and a niece Toni Yurkonis. Kale was a friend to many and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, August 30th at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. in Minersville. All are invited to attend a visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service.
Interment at Red Church Cemetery. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Lois I. Hall, 82, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Saturday, August 27th, at her residence.
Born in Donaldson, PA on July 14, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd & Beulah (Wendling) Morgan.
She was the widow of Matthew Hall.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is also preceded in death by her sisters: Rita Weishorn, Joan Reed, & Carol Schappell, and brother, Lloyd Morgan, Jr.
Lois is survived by two sons: Alfred Marks, Jr., husband of Donna, of Frackville; & Wayne Marks, of Schuylkill Haven; and a daughter, Rhonda Feno, wife of Daniel, of Pottsville; and two grandchildren: Krystle Marks, & Taylor Marks.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 2nd at 9:30 AM at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA.
In order to defray the cost of final expenses, contributions to the family may be mailed to Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., 25 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
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Sandra Jean (Sweeney) Martin, 79, of Orwigsburg, formerly of Baltimore, MD, passed away peacefully Friday, August 26th, at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents Levine (Stout) and Thaddeus Sweeney and sister Beverly Bedell.
She is survived by daughter, Donna Snyder and wife Kathy Loy; son, John Snyder and wife Laura; grandson, Noah Snyder; niece, Stephanie DiSanto and husband Victor; nephew, Jeffrey Kram; siblings, Lana Simmons, Becky Enders and Sam Sweeney.
Sandy loved puzzles, reading, writing poetry, gardening and painting.
Per Sandy’s request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations in her memory to the Orwigsburg Free Public Library, 216 West Independence Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961.
The Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg, PA is in charge of arrangements.
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Kay was born in Lebanon, TN, November 1, 1943, a daughter of the late Myron and Mary Kay Runft Schreiber. She was a graduate of Red Bank High School, Red Bank, NJ.
She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Chapel, Tower City.
Kay dedicated her life to raising her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her world. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and crocheting.
In addition to her parents Kay was preceded in death by a son, William Mione, 1969.
Surviving are her husband of 57 years, Frank J. Mione; three children, Frank Mione, Jr. and his wife Brenda, Royersford, Daniel Mione and his wife Becky, Tower City, and Gina Mione, Tower City; six grandchildren, Billy, Michael, Nick, Sabrina, Samantha and Sophia; three great grandchildren, Lillian, Oliver and Kinsley; two brothers, Tom Runft, Spokane, Washington and David Schreiber, Pittsburgh.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 11:00 am from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Chapel, Tower City with Rev. Johnson as celebrant. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Cemetery, Williamstown. Viewing will be from 10-11 am at the church.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., is honored to serve the Mione family.
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Bill was born in Shenandoah, on November 30, 1949, a son of the late Catherine (Drumheller) and Willliam E. Lorah, Sr. He was a graduate of the West Hazleton High School and attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Brandonville.
Bill was a lifelong truck driver, owning and operating Lorah Trucking.
He was also an avid outdoors man who loved fishing, hunting and camping and was a fan of the New York Jets and New York Yankees.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda (Hart) Lorah, and their children - daughter Audra Lorah Flaherty, wife of Thomas, of San Diego; daughter Amanda Lorah, of Brandonville; and son Aaron Lorah, and his wife Jennifer, of Brandonville.
He is also survived by his sister Jean, wife of Thomas Sharkey of Hazle Township, along with 5 grandchildren, Harrison, Joslyn, Ella Rose, Zarah and Kaydence. Nieces and nephews also survive.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Inc., 412 West Main Street, Ringtown at 7 PM on Thursday, September 1st. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing from 5-7 PM prior to the service.
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Harold was the son of the late Frederick E. Kemfort, Sr. and late Marion A. (Penberth) Kemfort.
He was of the Lutheran faith.
Harold attended Pottsville Area School District he received his GED from the Last Standard Evening High School in 1976. Harold retired from the Pottsville Area School District after 19 years of service.
He was a member of the Pottsville Fire Department as a life member of Humane Fire Co #1. He was also a member of the Pulaski Lodge No 216 F&AM serving as Worshipful Master in 1983 & 2011.
In addition to his parents his is preceded in death by his brothers Floyd and Lee Kemfort, a nephew Frederick Kemfort III, and his lifelong best friend Joseph H Murton V.
He is survived by brothers Ronald G Kemfort Sr & wife Tammy, Frederick E Kemfort Jr. & wife Donna, sister Linda Szalku, and nephew Bryant Kemfort with whom he lived. Harold was also survived by other nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and godsons Joe Murton VI & David “Buzzie” Long.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 A.M. at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven. A viewing will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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