Skook News Obituaries: October 24th, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Kathryn (Kay) Rottet, of Cornwall, PA and formerly of Tamaqua. She was the daughter of the late Robert “Pat” and Roseanne (Sestakauskus) Freeh.
She was a truly wonderful and vivacious woman who touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. On October 22, 2023, surrounded by her family, she peacefully transitioned into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior.
Born on October 24, 1937, Kay embraced life with unwavering love and compassion.
Her nurturing spirit was evident in her role as a mother to her seven children, Gregory Rottet and his companion GenaVee John of Florida; Michael Rottet and his wife Joan of Hometown; Christine Rottet of Tamaqua; Robert Rottet and his wife Kelly of Palmyra; Thomas Rottet and his wife Kimberly of Lewistown Valley; Tara Blackburn and her husband Paul of Lebanon; and Todd Rottet and his wife Melissa of Elizabethtown; a sister, Patricia Stefanek Ritsick; and 2 nieces. She showered them with endless affection, instilling in each of them the values of kindness, perseverance, and love for one another.
Her legacy continued to flourish as she became a cherished grandmother to sixteen grandchildren. She relished in their accomplishments, offering guidance, support, and unconditional love. Her warm embrace, words of encouragement and most especially her humor was a source of comfort throughout their lives.
As her family grew, so did her heart, as she welcomed four great-grandchildren into her ever-growing legacy. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her loving daughter in law Elaine Harahus Rottet and Thomas Rottet, the father of her children. Kay's high-spiritedness extended beyond the walls of her home. A graduate of Tamaqua High School where she was a majorette, she received a medical transcription degree from Goldy Beacom Business School. She worked for several local businesses which included Gambrinus, El Jay Jewelers, and the offices of Dr. Son in Hazelton.
Currently a member of St. John XXIII, Kay Ann had been an active member of the former St. Jerome Catholic Church where her volunteering included cleaning the church and singing in the church choir. Kay Ann was a member of the Tamaqua Beautification Committee, a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program, and a life member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, holding various position titles, including President. She was an avid shuffleboard player and an active member of her community, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear to anyone in need. Her friendly and patient nature drew people towards her, making her a pillar of strength and compassion. She enjoyed gardening and especially the company of her beloved dogs.
Perhaps what made Kay truly extraordinary was her ability to find joy in everyday moments. Whether it was celebrating family milestones, hosting huge holiday gatherings filled with laughter, she embraced life with an infectious enthusiasm. Her positive energy lit up every room she entered and left an indelible mark on the hearts of those around her. As we mourn the loss of our dear Kay, let us also celebrate the incredible life she led. Though she may no longer walk beside us, her spirit will forever live on in the cherished memories we hold dear.
Her legacy of love, patience, and kindness will continue to guide and inspire us as we navigate through life's challenges. Rest well mom – until we meet again.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 28, 2023, in St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua with The Rev. Robert Finlan officiating. Interment in Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Owl Creek will follow the mass. Call 9-10:30 AM on Saturday at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad Street, Tamaqua. Memorial donations may be made to The Parish of St. John XXIII, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Sheree Lynn Minnich, 65, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, October 23rd.
Born in Pottsville on July 16, 1958, she was a daughter of James Schaefffer, Sr., & the late Catherine (Quattrociocchi) Schaeffer.
Sheree was the wife of Scott Lee Minnich.
Sheree earned a Bachelor's Degree in psychology from Penn State University.
She was a homemaker most of her life.
Sheree was a member of Bethesda Evangelical Congregational Church of Reedsville.
A talented creator, Sheree was a skilled photographer, and enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, making gifts for others, and bible study. She loved Christmas and celebrating with her family.
She is also survived by two sons: Shane & wife, Vanessa, and Justin & fiancé, Jess, eight grandchildren: Chase & wife, Lydia, Victoria, Isabella, Matix, Dylan, Hudson, Kate, & Owen, a sister, Cheryl Heffner, a brother, James, husband of Melanie Schaeffer, Jr., brothers & sisters-in-law: Steve & Norma Minnich, Jane & Larry Baudoin, & Janet & Marty Stoyer, several nieces, nephews, & cousins.
In addition to her mother, she is also preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Gertrude Quattrociocchi, and mother & father-in-law, Miles & Hazel Minnich.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 27th at Bethesda Evangelical Congregational Church of Reedsville with Rev. Mark Brooks officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:30-11 AM at the church. Interment will follow at Reedsville Cemetery.
Christopher J. Lengel, 52, of Mt. Laurel St., Pine Grove, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at home.
Born on October 31, 1970 in Pottsville, he was a son of Janet Reidler Lengel of Pine Grove and the late Robert L. Lengel, Sr.
He was a 1988 graduate of Blue Mt. High School.
Christopher was the owner of Chris Lengel General Contracting.
He was a member of the Kettle Creek Tamarack Sportsmans Club, Clinton Co., Pa.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his son, Tyler Lengel of New Ringgold and his mother, Cindy Labar; a grandson Braxton Lengel; two brothers, Robert Jr. and wife Clare Lengel, Brian and wife Karen Lengel, both of Pine Grove; a nephew and two nieces, Justin and wife Maleeva Lengel, Tricia and husband Brian Menchey and Paige Lengel; great nieces and nephew, Kaylee, Jennifer and Noah.
There will be a viewing on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Kettle Creek Tamarack Sportsmans, c/o John Gallagher, 65 Shade Hollow Rd., Mill Hall, Pa. 17751 in his memory.
Steven M. Ney, 50, of Hegins passed away Monday, October 23, 2023 at UPMC Harrisburg.
Born in Pottsvile, July 23, 1973, a son of Dean Ney, Hegins, and Marge Zimmerman, Pine Grove. Steve was a 1993 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
He served in the United States Army for 4 years, followed by 16 years with the Army National Guard.
Steve was a mechanic foreman with FCI Schuylkill, Minersville for nearly 20 years.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. Steve was also an excellent cook and previously owned his own DJ business - Steve Ney the DJ Guy. Above all else, his family was the center of his world. His two young sons were his pride and joy.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Kelley Fickinger Ney; two sons, Carter Fickinger and Ryder Ney, both at home; two stepsisters, Kelly Bastell and Heather Krammes.
Funeral services with military honors will be held Monday, November 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City. Visitation will be from 6-7. Steve will be laid to rest privately in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Carter and Ryder Fund, c/o Dimon Funeral Home, 644 E Grand Ave, Tower City, PA 17980. This fund will be used for Steve's boys' education.
Kaitlyn Krash, 34 of Turkey Run, passed away unexpectedly Thursday October 19th, 2023, at her reisdence.
Kaitlyn was born January 28th, 1989 a daughter of the late Kim Krash-Szymanski and the late Michael C. Flail Jr.
In addition to her mother and father she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents William and Donna Krash and her paternal grandparents John and Barbara Day.
She was a graduate of Shenandoah Valley Jr-Sr high School and later attended Alvernia College.
She was last employed by several local establishments as a bartender.
She is survived by a half sister Michelle Hall, an aunt Sheila Rooney, cousins Robert Krash and Kristen Krash and her late mothers husband John Szymanski.
Kaitlyn had a heart of gold and always put others in front of herself. She adored her lifelong friendships, children, music and animals. She also loved reading books especially Harry Potter. She will be missed terribly.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be mailed to the Shenandoah Public Library in Kaitlyn's honor. 19 W. Washington St. Shenandoah, Pa 17976
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Stauffer-Breznik Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.
Brandon R. Cann, 22, of Beaver Meadows, passed away peacefully Monday at home, surrounded by his loving family and friends, after a 2 ½ year battle with brain cancer.
Born in Hazleton, he is the son of Robert F. and Jill A. (Gabos) Cann, of Beaver Meadows.
Brandon was a member of Holy Rosary R.C. Church, Hazleton, and a graduate of Marian Catholic High School, class of 2019. He attended Lehigh Carbon Community College and was first employed at Weis Markets, West Hazleton and then for Figas Construction, Weatherly.
At a young age, Brandon grew a love for baseball which began at Tri County Little League. He became a solid lefty pitcher and a fierce homerun hitter which earned him the nickname “Cann Man”. He took his talents to Marian Catholic High School, where he matured into an outstanding baseball player for the team.
Brandon’s true passion was a love for the outdoors, that’s where he found peace and solace. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, with many prized trophies. Brandon enjoyed many days in the woods, riding his four-wheeler and side-by-side, camping, and spending time with his friends.
Preceding him in death, were his maternal grandfather, Calvin Gabos; aunt, Cathy Gabos; uncle, Mark Gabos; and paternal grandparents, Frederick and Sylvia (Sobolewski) Cann.
Surviving, in addition to his loving parents are his dear sister, Gabrielle L. Cann of Beaver Meadows; maternal grandmother, Shirley Gabos of Orwigsburg; uncle, Calvin Gabos and wife Roseann of Tresckow; aunt, Renee Phile and husband Thomas of Drums; aunt, Kristen Astleford and husband Donny of Orwigsburg; many cousins and cherished friends also survive; and beloved pets Snickers, Doodles and Nala.
His funeral will be held Friday. Rev. Brian Clarke will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Rosary R.C. Church, Hazleton. Interment will follow in St. Kunegunda’s R.C. Cemetery, McAdoo.
Calling hours will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo, and also on Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. in Holy Rosary R.C. Church, Hazleton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at www.chop.edu.
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Born in Pottsville on July 16, 1958, she was a daughter of James Schaefffer, Sr., & the late Catherine (Quattrociocchi) Schaeffer.
Sheree was the wife of Scott Lee Minnich.
Sheree earned a Bachelor's Degree in psychology from Penn State University.
She was a homemaker most of her life.
Sheree was a member of Bethesda Evangelical Congregational Church of Reedsville.
A talented creator, Sheree was a skilled photographer, and enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, making gifts for others, and bible study. She loved Christmas and celebrating with her family.
She is also survived by two sons: Shane & wife, Vanessa, and Justin & fiancé, Jess, eight grandchildren: Chase & wife, Lydia, Victoria, Isabella, Matix, Dylan, Hudson, Kate, & Owen, a sister, Cheryl Heffner, a brother, James, husband of Melanie Schaeffer, Jr., brothers & sisters-in-law: Steve & Norma Minnich, Jane & Larry Baudoin, & Janet & Marty Stoyer, several nieces, nephews, & cousins.
In addition to her mother, she is also preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Gertrude Quattrociocchi, and mother & father-in-law, Miles & Hazel Minnich.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 27th at Bethesda Evangelical Congregational Church of Reedsville with Rev. Mark Brooks officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:30-11 AM at the church. Interment will follow at Reedsville Cemetery.
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Born on October 31, 1970 in Pottsville, he was a son of Janet Reidler Lengel of Pine Grove and the late Robert L. Lengel, Sr.
He was a 1988 graduate of Blue Mt. High School.
Christopher was the owner of Chris Lengel General Contracting.
He was a member of the Kettle Creek Tamarack Sportsmans Club, Clinton Co., Pa.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his son, Tyler Lengel of New Ringgold and his mother, Cindy Labar; a grandson Braxton Lengel; two brothers, Robert Jr. and wife Clare Lengel, Brian and wife Karen Lengel, both of Pine Grove; a nephew and two nieces, Justin and wife Maleeva Lengel, Tricia and husband Brian Menchey and Paige Lengel; great nieces and nephew, Kaylee, Jennifer and Noah.
There will be a viewing on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Kettle Creek Tamarack Sportsmans, c/o John Gallagher, 65 Shade Hollow Rd., Mill Hall, Pa. 17751 in his memory.
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Born in Pottsvile, July 23, 1973, a son of Dean Ney, Hegins, and Marge Zimmerman, Pine Grove. Steve was a 1993 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
He served in the United States Army for 4 years, followed by 16 years with the Army National Guard.
Steve was a mechanic foreman with FCI Schuylkill, Minersville for nearly 20 years.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. Steve was also an excellent cook and previously owned his own DJ business - Steve Ney the DJ Guy. Above all else, his family was the center of his world. His two young sons were his pride and joy.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Kelley Fickinger Ney; two sons, Carter Fickinger and Ryder Ney, both at home; two stepsisters, Kelly Bastell and Heather Krammes.
Funeral services with military honors will be held Monday, November 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City. Visitation will be from 6-7. Steve will be laid to rest privately in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Carter and Ryder Fund, c/o Dimon Funeral Home, 644 E Grand Ave, Tower City, PA 17980. This fund will be used for Steve's boys' education.
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Kaitlyn was born January 28th, 1989 a daughter of the late Kim Krash-Szymanski and the late Michael C. Flail Jr.
In addition to her mother and father she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents William and Donna Krash and her paternal grandparents John and Barbara Day.
She was a graduate of Shenandoah Valley Jr-Sr high School and later attended Alvernia College.
She was last employed by several local establishments as a bartender.
She is survived by a half sister Michelle Hall, an aunt Sheila Rooney, cousins Robert Krash and Kristen Krash and her late mothers husband John Szymanski.
Kaitlyn had a heart of gold and always put others in front of herself. She adored her lifelong friendships, children, music and animals. She also loved reading books especially Harry Potter. She will be missed terribly.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be mailed to the Shenandoah Public Library in Kaitlyn's honor. 19 W. Washington St. Shenandoah, Pa 17976
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Stauffer-Breznik Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Hazleton, he is the son of Robert F. and Jill A. (Gabos) Cann, of Beaver Meadows.
Brandon was a member of Holy Rosary R.C. Church, Hazleton, and a graduate of Marian Catholic High School, class of 2019. He attended Lehigh Carbon Community College and was first employed at Weis Markets, West Hazleton and then for Figas Construction, Weatherly.
At a young age, Brandon grew a love for baseball which began at Tri County Little League. He became a solid lefty pitcher and a fierce homerun hitter which earned him the nickname “Cann Man”. He took his talents to Marian Catholic High School, where he matured into an outstanding baseball player for the team.
Brandon’s true passion was a love for the outdoors, that’s where he found peace and solace. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, with many prized trophies. Brandon enjoyed many days in the woods, riding his four-wheeler and side-by-side, camping, and spending time with his friends.
Preceding him in death, were his maternal grandfather, Calvin Gabos; aunt, Cathy Gabos; uncle, Mark Gabos; and paternal grandparents, Frederick and Sylvia (Sobolewski) Cann.
Surviving, in addition to his loving parents are his dear sister, Gabrielle L. Cann of Beaver Meadows; maternal grandmother, Shirley Gabos of Orwigsburg; uncle, Calvin Gabos and wife Roseann of Tresckow; aunt, Renee Phile and husband Thomas of Drums; aunt, Kristen Astleford and husband Donny of Orwigsburg; many cousins and cherished friends also survive; and beloved pets Snickers, Doodles and Nala.
His funeral will be held Friday. Rev. Brian Clarke will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Rosary R.C. Church, Hazleton. Interment will follow in St. Kunegunda’s R.C. Cemetery, McAdoo.
Calling hours will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo, and also on Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. in Holy Rosary R.C. Church, Hazleton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at www.chop.edu.
