Skook News Obituaries: February 25th, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Cass Township, on June 13, 1936, he was a son of the late John A. and Julia (Mosley) Plesnarski.
He was a graduate of Cass Township High School and Williamson Trade School.
John proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy.
He worked at Pratt Whitney Aircraft, East Hartford, CT as a boiler operator and later at Big Lots as a security guard.
John was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed boating, camping, and fishing in his spare time.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters: Joan M. Pizzico and Marie Plesnarski.
John is survived by a sister, Deborah M. Lord, wife of Harry, of Auburn; brother-in-law, Ernest Pizzico; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services will be announced at a later date.
The family request contributions in John's memory be sent to: Lebanon Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1700 S Lincoln Ave, Lebanon, PA 17042.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Joan was born in Orwigsburg, PA on March 1, 1931, a daughter of the late Mary (Linder) Wagner and Edgar Wagner. Joan graduated from Orwigsburg High School in 1949 and Moravian College in 1953. While at Moravian College she was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi Sorority. Joan also served as Vice President of the sorority. She married Robert F. Koehler on June 20, 1953. Joan was a lifelong, faithful member of St. John’s UCC in Orwigsburg and served as a member of Consistory and the Women’s Guild. Joan was also an active member of the Orwigsburg Lionettes and served as Vice President. She was a member of the Orwigsburg DAR, and Eastern Star. She loved her home town of Orwigsburg, lived there most of her life, and was an integral part of the Orwigsburg Bicentennial Committee. In her spare time Joan enjoyed tennis, golf, reading, playing and hosting bridge. She was an active member of the Schuylkill County Country Club.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Barbara L. Pruitt and longtime boyfriend Scott Bushelli, of Fort Myers, FL; son Robert F. Koehler, Jr. and his wife Amanda Steinbrunn Koehler, of Ellicott City, MD; grandchildren Kelsey Pruitt DeLaney, wife of Sean DeLaney; Jamie L. Koehler, wife of Jack BeVier; Mitchell S. Koehler, and his wife Kayleigh McQuaid Koehler.
She is also survived by three great-grandchildren - Daxton and Donovan DeLaney, and Hudson Koehler. Friends and family are invited to visit with the family on March 2nd at St. John’s UCC, Orwigsburg, between the hours of 10:00 - 11:00 AM.
A Celebration of Life Service for Joan will follow at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ, 236 E. Market St., Orwigsburg, PA 17961 or Moravian College, 1200 Main St., Bethlehem, PA 10818.
Interment will follow at Salem Evangelical Cemetery, Orwigsburg. Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. is honored to be serving the family.
Roseanne Solt, 81, passed away peacefully at home February 23, after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia and congestive heart failure. She was born January 29, 1942 in Mahanoy City.
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A Schuylkill County native, she was the daughter and fifth child of coal miner Charles and homemaker Mary McGuire Solt. Her parents and 3 siblings, Carl, Paul and Patricia, have predeceased her, as well as one grandchild, Erica Jade McCullough, her ex-husband, Thomas Stewart and son-in-law Ric Freed.
She is survived by one brother, Jerry Solt of Tremont, and her five children and their families – Tim Stewart, wife Brenda and children Corissa Rose and Dylan; Tami Stewart-Haffey, widow of Jim Haffey, and her children Damien and Emily Rose Freed; Jerilynne Stewart and ex-husband Goodson Gomonda, Erin McCullough and husband Patrick; and Merijo Dietrich, widow of Harry, and children Harrison, with his wife Michelle and daughter Sophie; Samantha, and Amanda Rose.
She is survived by one brother, Jerry Solt of Tremont, and her five children and their families – Tim Stewart, wife Brenda and children Corissa Rose and Dylan; Tami Stewart-Haffey, widow of Jim Haffey, and her children Damien and Emily Rose Freed; Jerilynne Stewart and ex-husband Goodson Gomonda, Erin McCullough and husband Patrick; and Merijo Dietrich, widow of Harry, and children Harrison, with his wife Michelle and daughter Sophie; Samantha, and Amanda Rose.
Rose was a member of St Ambrose Parish. A devout Catholic, in her youthful enthusiasm, she decided to become a nun and enrolled in the Alvernia convent. That lasted barely a week before she changed her mind, but she remained devoted to the church, and graduated from Nativity BVM High School in 1960. She married Thomas Stewart immediately after, had five children, and then found herself unexpectedly divorced at age 47. With characteristic “can-do” attitude, she took back her maiden name, got her first driver’s license (and a tattoo of an angel on her shoulder because she felt she needed divine intervention), went back to school, and worked as a CNA for the next 25 years.
Her feistiness and quick wit also showed itself in her daily conversations, so much so that her children and grandchildren started “#thingsnansays” to commemorate them. She enjoyed travel and music. Her confirmation name was Cecilia, after the patron saint of music. She loved whistling, dancing, claimed to have played the bugle (badly) in her youth, and really loved listening to all kinds of music. Country was her favorite, and the sound of Chris Stapleton singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl perked her up like nothing else during her last few weeks.
Rose loved to read the obituaries and was enthralled by the interesting lives her fellow Skooks have led. She often wondered what hers would say, so this is it: the long, detailed obit that she would have wanted.
Rose opted for cremation and then burial with her parents in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Cemetery in Minersville. Due to limited parking space, there will not be a graveside service. Friends and family are invited to a religious service with Rev. Msgr. Edward S. Zemanik officiating at Hamilton Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Orwigsburg, on Wednesday, March 1 at 10:30 AM, visitation begins at 9:30 AM.
The family wishes to thank the Rev. Monsignor Zemanik and his office staff. The family would especially like to thank Cindy, Tammy, Lora, Randy, Tess, Dr. Baxtor and all the nurses and aides from Saint Luke's Hospice who spent time with Roseanne during her illness, as well as Sherry and everyone else from Social Services for all their help.
Patrick T. Gaffney, Sr., 79, of Lykens, passed away suddenly, Thursday, February 23, 2023, at the Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill.
Born in Lykens, December 19, 1943, a son of the late James and Clara Breit Gaffney.
Pat retired from Reiff & Nestor, Lykens after 42 years of working as a machinist.
He was member of Our Lady Help of Christian Church, Lykens, the Lykens Fire Company, and the Tower City Moose.
In addition to his parents, Pat was preceded in death by his daughter, Dawn Gaffney, 2004, and a sister, Joyce Houtz.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Betty Thomas Gaffney; a son, Patrick Gaffney, Jr., Lykens; a brother, James Gaffney (Bonnie), Williamstown; four grandchildren, Krystal and Kyle Gaffney, and Ronnie and Ravyn Kocher; four great grandchildren, Sincere, Jayceon, and Desmond Gaffney and Addison Kocher.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethesda Mission, PO Box 3041, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Following Pat's wishes, there will be no services.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., is honored to serve the Gaffney family.
Russell E Kerstetter, age 83, of Spring Glen, passed away Friday, February 24, 2023 at his residence.
He was born on Wednesday, April 19, 1939, in Lykens Twp, a son of the late Russell M Kerstetter and the late Bernice L (Wiest) Kerstetter.
Russ was a self employed coal miner and tuck driver.
He was also a member of FandAM Valley Lodge 797 Valley View and the Harrisburg Consistory.
Russ enjoyed going to tractor shows, building tractors, and spending time with his family.
His wife Shirley E (Welker) Kerstetter, passed away in 2021. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and by a step brother, Dennis Mace.
He is survived by two sons, Chris E Kerstetter and his wife Melissa of Spring Glen and Kyle E Kerstetter and his wife Jennifer of Celina, OH; three granddaughters, Ashley Kerstetter, Hailey Kerstetter, and Lacey Kerstetter; a step sister, Susan Tallman of Tower City; a step brother, Guy Mace of Shamokin; and several nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View with Rev. Curtis Zemencik officiating.
Burial will be in St. Mark's Cemetery, Spring Glen.
Clara Ann Pritulsky, 89, of McAdoo, passed away Friday morning at Fritzingertown Senior Living Community, Drums.
Born in Nanticoke, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Clara (Miller) Musial.
She was a member of Church of All Saints, McAdoo.
Clara had a passion for baking and sharing her delicious baked goods with all her family and friends.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, and will be greatly missed by all.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her husband Stephen Pritulsky; daughter Jean Marie Ponchery; son-in-law Edward Fritz; and sister Bernadine Craigle.
Surviving are her daughters June M. Teprovich and husband Joseph, of Harrisburg; Julie A. Fritz, of McAdoo; and Carol A. Wolski and husband John, of Stevensville, MD; son Stephen S. Pritulsky and wife Shani, of Zion Grove; grandchildren Joseph Teprovich and fiancée Sophie Meissner, Thomas J. Teprovich and wife Jessica, Jason E. Fritz and wife Alicia, Kimberly F. Guterman and husband Harold, Dakota Blashock, Bradlee Ponchery, Jack and Taylor Wolski, and Lindsey and Hailyana Pritulsky; great-grandchildren Elliot Blashock, Sloan Teprovich, and Waylon and Wynnie Guterman; sisters Frances Pritulsky and husband Joseph, of McAdoo, and Nancy Kirschner and husband Carl of Gilbertsville; and many nieces and nephews also survive.
Her funeral will be held Wednesday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Church of All Saints, McAdoo. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s R. C. Cemetery, McAdoo.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the church.
The Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lincoln W. Kukuk, 52, of Pitman passed away Friday at his residence.
He was born on January 11, 1971 in Ashland and was the son of the late Beatrice (Carl) and George Kukuk.
Lincoln attended Tri-Valley School District.
He was of the Protestant faith.
Lincoln last worked for MI Windows & Doors in Gratz.
Lincoln was soft spoken and always generous.
In addition to his parents, Lincoln is preceded in death by; sister Mary Kukuk; sister Verna Wagner; sister Beatrice “Joyce” Troutman; sister Irene Grady; companion Heidi Price.
He is survived by; brother George “Butch” Kukuk (Jeanette), Ashland; sister Faye Orser, Lewisburg; sister Kathryn (Kass) Schreiber, Pitman; sister Judy Conner, Pitman; sister Donna Scully, Locustdale; niece Veronica Zimmerman, Locustdale; “special” niece Brandy Scheiber, Pitman; daughter Natasha Kukuk, Harrisburg; daughter Fallon Kukuk, Muir; 3 grandchildren Caleb, Hazel, and Nicholas; many nieces and nephews.
Services are incomplete at this time and will be announced in the near future.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Lykens, December 19, 1943, a son of the late James and Clara Breit Gaffney.
Pat retired from Reiff & Nestor, Lykens after 42 years of working as a machinist.
He was member of Our Lady Help of Christian Church, Lykens, the Lykens Fire Company, and the Tower City Moose.
In addition to his parents, Pat was preceded in death by his daughter, Dawn Gaffney, 2004, and a sister, Joyce Houtz.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Betty Thomas Gaffney; a son, Patrick Gaffney, Jr., Lykens; a brother, James Gaffney (Bonnie), Williamstown; four grandchildren, Krystal and Kyle Gaffney, and Ronnie and Ravyn Kocher; four great grandchildren, Sincere, Jayceon, and Desmond Gaffney and Addison Kocher.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethesda Mission, PO Box 3041, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Following Pat's wishes, there will be no services.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., is honored to serve the Gaffney family.
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He was born on Wednesday, April 19, 1939, in Lykens Twp, a son of the late Russell M Kerstetter and the late Bernice L (Wiest) Kerstetter.
Russ was a self employed coal miner and tuck driver.
He was also a member of FandAM Valley Lodge 797 Valley View and the Harrisburg Consistory.
Russ enjoyed going to tractor shows, building tractors, and spending time with his family.
His wife Shirley E (Welker) Kerstetter, passed away in 2021. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and by a step brother, Dennis Mace.
He is survived by two sons, Chris E Kerstetter and his wife Melissa of Spring Glen and Kyle E Kerstetter and his wife Jennifer of Celina, OH; three granddaughters, Ashley Kerstetter, Hailey Kerstetter, and Lacey Kerstetter; a step sister, Susan Tallman of Tower City; a step brother, Guy Mace of Shamokin; and several nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View with Rev. Curtis Zemencik officiating.
Burial will be in St. Mark's Cemetery, Spring Glen.
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Born in Nanticoke, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Clara (Miller) Musial.
She was a member of Church of All Saints, McAdoo.
Clara had a passion for baking and sharing her delicious baked goods with all her family and friends.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, and will be greatly missed by all.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her husband Stephen Pritulsky; daughter Jean Marie Ponchery; son-in-law Edward Fritz; and sister Bernadine Craigle.
Surviving are her daughters June M. Teprovich and husband Joseph, of Harrisburg; Julie A. Fritz, of McAdoo; and Carol A. Wolski and husband John, of Stevensville, MD; son Stephen S. Pritulsky and wife Shani, of Zion Grove; grandchildren Joseph Teprovich and fiancée Sophie Meissner, Thomas J. Teprovich and wife Jessica, Jason E. Fritz and wife Alicia, Kimberly F. Guterman and husband Harold, Dakota Blashock, Bradlee Ponchery, Jack and Taylor Wolski, and Lindsey and Hailyana Pritulsky; great-grandchildren Elliot Blashock, Sloan Teprovich, and Waylon and Wynnie Guterman; sisters Frances Pritulsky and husband Joseph, of McAdoo, and Nancy Kirschner and husband Carl of Gilbertsville; and many nieces and nephews also survive.
Her funeral will be held Wednesday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Church of All Saints, McAdoo. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s R. C. Cemetery, McAdoo.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the church.
The Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo is assisting the family with arrangements.
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He was born on January 11, 1971 in Ashland and was the son of the late Beatrice (Carl) and George Kukuk.
Lincoln attended Tri-Valley School District.
He was of the Protestant faith.
Lincoln last worked for MI Windows & Doors in Gratz.
Lincoln was soft spoken and always generous.
In addition to his parents, Lincoln is preceded in death by; sister Mary Kukuk; sister Verna Wagner; sister Beatrice “Joyce” Troutman; sister Irene Grady; companion Heidi Price.
He is survived by; brother George “Butch” Kukuk (Jeanette), Ashland; sister Faye Orser, Lewisburg; sister Kathryn (Kass) Schreiber, Pitman; sister Judy Conner, Pitman; sister Donna Scully, Locustdale; niece Veronica Zimmerman, Locustdale; “special” niece Brandy Scheiber, Pitman; daughter Natasha Kukuk, Harrisburg; daughter Fallon Kukuk, Muir; 3 grandchildren Caleb, Hazel, and Nicholas; many nieces and nephews.
Services are incomplete at this time and will be announced in the near future.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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