Skook News Obituaries: December 12th, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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He was born the eldest of four children to the late Joseph P. and Daryl (Hollenbach) Chickirda on September 17, 1943, in Tamaqua. Gary was a 1961 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, and served in the PA National Guard, Co. C, 3rd BN, 103 Armor from 1961 to 1967. He was retired from US Food Service, Inc. of Allentown as a Branch Manager and was previously the Sales and Operations Manager for Heavy Duty Parts of Bethlehem. Gary greatly valued community service and gave of his time generously. He was an active member of the Free and Accepted Masons #238, Allentown Consistory and the Tamaqua/Mahanoy City Masonic Lodge. Other organizations close to his heart include Rajah Shriners of Reading, Tamaqua Elks, Tamaqua American Legion and the Salvation Army, for whom he was a Christmas Kettle Bell Ringer for many years. Gary was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tamaqua where he served as a Church Council member and sang in the church choir.
Gary’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his beloved granddaughters Alyson and Rachel Frey. In addition to his wife, Donna, he will be greatly missed by his son Gary J. Chickirda, Jr. of Coplay; his daughter Jennifer Frey of Easton; granddaughters Alyson and Rachel Frey; sister Dorothy Davis and her husband Robert of Schuylkill Haven; and sister Daryl Zubey of Lewistown Valley. Gary was predeceased by a sister Joanne Chickirda, brothers-in-law William Zubey and Charles Kellner, and sister-in-law Helene Kellner.
Calling hours will be held Saturday, Dec 16, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 pm at Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252. Masonic services will be held at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 Mauch Chunk Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252 or Shriners Children’s Hospital Philadelphia, ATTN: Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Beverly "Bev" Sabolchick, 76, of Ridgeview Nursing Shenandoah, formerly of Ashland, passed away on December 11th at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest in Allentown.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements. To extend online condolences, visit www.kullfuneral.com.
Oliver N. "Ollie" Laubenstine, 89, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Sunday, December 10th, at Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg.
Born in Wayne Township on March 13, 1934, he was the son of the late Norman W. & Alma R. (Kramer) Laubenstine.
Ollie was the widower of Doris C. (Hill) Laubenstine.
After graduation from Cressona High School in 1952, Ollie served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
Ollie retired as a mailman for Schuylkill Haven.
He was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven and served as past president of church council as well as a member of the choir.
Ollie also served as past president of Dixie Run Camp, where he was a life member. He was past treasurer and life member of the Friedensburg Fish & Game, was a life member of the Goodwill Hose Co., Cressona, and Schuylkill Hose Co., Schuylkill Haven. He belonged to the Cressona High School Alumni Association, and was a youth little league coach and midget football referee. He also ran the Hidden Valley Senior Golf League at Hidden Valley Golf Course.
Ollie is survived by three daughters, Ruth, wife of Thomas Yablonski, of Whitehall; Carolyn, wife of Eric Umbenhauer, of Pine Grove; & Mary, wife of James Surgeoner, of West Lawn; two sons, Ned, husband of Marie Laubenstine, of Friedensburg; & Karl, husband of Danielle Laubenstine, of Cressona. He is also survived by a brother, Noel “Herbie” Laubenstine; twelve grandchildren; Brian Luckenbill, Jordan Joyce, Aaron Yablonski, Allen Umbenhauer, Nicole Umbenhauer, Clinton Surgeoner, Steven Surgeoner, Bryant Surgeoner, Tara Laubenstine, Amy Laubenstine, Olivia Laubenstine, and Emily Laubenstine; four great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Ollie is preceded in death by brothers, Henry S., Richard W., Kenneth A., and Ronald K. Laubenstine.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 16th at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven with Rev. Larry Laine officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St. Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Mary L. "Weasy" Kramer, 95, of Pine Grove, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023 at Renaissance Senior Home, Pinebrook in Orwigsburg.
Born on April 6, 1928 in Clay Twp., Lancaster Co., she was a daughter of the late Edward Hardt and Irene Spangler Tice.
She was a 1946 graduate of Pine Grove High School and was a member of the Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Tremont.
Mary was a sewing machine operator for the former Canoe Mfg. in Pine Grove. After retiring from Canoe, she worked at the Community Club at Fort Indiantown Gap. She loved interacting with the soldiers and they loved her white hair and always wanted to touch it. During the Battle of the Bulge reenactments, she enjoyed when the soldiers with their top hats would stand next to her and put their arms around her.
She loved spending time with her family and gardening.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 44 years, Charles F. Kramer; a daughter, Susan Schur; a son Ronald "Tree" Kramer; seven brothers, Eugene, Martin, Harry, Edward, Charles, John and Richard Tice; three sisters, Christine Zerbe, Hazel Heffner and Catherine Leisey.
Surviving are a son Roy and wife Denise Kramer of Pottsville; 12 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; a brother Robert Tice of Pine Grove; two sisters, Cecelia and husband Kenneth Aungst of Pine Grove and Theresa White of Bethel.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. Pine Grove, with Father George Kochuparambil officiating. There will be a viewing on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Most Blessed Trinity Parish ,113 Cherry St., Tremont, PA 17981 in her memory.
Beverly "Bev" Sabolchick, 76, of Ridgeview Nursing Shenandoah, formerly of Ashland, passed away on December 11th at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest in Allentown.
Born July 17th 1947 to Robert and Mary (Hoar) Bolich, she was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Lawrence S Sabolchick who passed away in 2009. She graduated from Ashland High School in 1965. Bev's journey began with a simple twist of fate when she met her future husband, Lawrence, through a CB penpals club. Their story, which started with shared words and dreams, blossomed into a loving marriage that stood as a testament to their devotion to each other.
Bev's love for life was evident in everything she did. She found great joy in her family and her faith and had a strong belief in the power of helping and supporting others. A devoted member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ashland, Bev was instrumental in implementing The Shepherd's Table. Over the years, her community involvement often extended beyond the church, as she actively supported groups like Girl Scouts and TOPS, generously contributing her time and energy.
A talented and passionate baker, Bev was renowned for her elaborate cakes. She felt deeply honored to be part of so many couples' special days, creating wedding cakes that were symbols of love and celebration. Bev's creative spirit didn't stop at baking. She was also a craft enthusiast, co-owning and operating Your Favorite Things craft shop in Ashland with her mother, Mary. For more than 30 years, the shop was a gathering place for those who shared her passion for crafts. It was here that Bev cultivated many cherished friendships, touching numerous lives with her kindness and creativity.
Beverly is survived by daughter Michelle Sabolchick of Shavertown; son and daughter-in-law, James and Christina Sabolchick of Marion Heights; two cherished grandchildren, Amanda Hurlburt of Pottsville and Dante Sabolchick of Marion Heights; two sisters in-law, two sisters; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to extend a Thank You to Rev. Dana D. Heckman-Beil as well as all of the staff at Ridgeview Nursing, Shenandoah; Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest; OACIS; and Lehigh Valley hospice for all of the special care given to Bev.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to one of the following: The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N Ninth St, Ashland, PA 17921; Animal Resource Center, PO Box 439, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania 17815; or Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 18 Wertz Dr, Pine Grove, PA 17963.
A service will be held on Monday December 18th 2023 at 10:00 am at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N 9th St, Ashland PA 17921 with Rev. Dana D. Heckman-Beil officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday December 18th 2023 from 9:00-10:00 am in the church prior to services. Interment will follow services at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville PA.
Christina Marie Brennan, 40, of Tamaqua, former Locustdale resident, passed away December 11, 2023, at her residence.
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Beverly "Bev" Sabolchick, 76, of Ridgeview Nursing Shenandoah, formerly of Ashland, passed away on December 11th at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest in Allentown.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements. To extend online condolences, visit www.kullfuneral.com.
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Born in Wayne Township on March 13, 1934, he was the son of the late Norman W. & Alma R. (Kramer) Laubenstine.
Ollie was the widower of Doris C. (Hill) Laubenstine.
After graduation from Cressona High School in 1952, Ollie served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
Ollie retired as a mailman for Schuylkill Haven.
He was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven and served as past president of church council as well as a member of the choir.
Ollie also served as past president of Dixie Run Camp, where he was a life member. He was past treasurer and life member of the Friedensburg Fish & Game, was a life member of the Goodwill Hose Co., Cressona, and Schuylkill Hose Co., Schuylkill Haven. He belonged to the Cressona High School Alumni Association, and was a youth little league coach and midget football referee. He also ran the Hidden Valley Senior Golf League at Hidden Valley Golf Course.
Ollie is survived by three daughters, Ruth, wife of Thomas Yablonski, of Whitehall; Carolyn, wife of Eric Umbenhauer, of Pine Grove; & Mary, wife of James Surgeoner, of West Lawn; two sons, Ned, husband of Marie Laubenstine, of Friedensburg; & Karl, husband of Danielle Laubenstine, of Cressona. He is also survived by a brother, Noel “Herbie” Laubenstine; twelve grandchildren; Brian Luckenbill, Jordan Joyce, Aaron Yablonski, Allen Umbenhauer, Nicole Umbenhauer, Clinton Surgeoner, Steven Surgeoner, Bryant Surgeoner, Tara Laubenstine, Amy Laubenstine, Olivia Laubenstine, and Emily Laubenstine; four great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Ollie is preceded in death by brothers, Henry S., Richard W., Kenneth A., and Ronald K. Laubenstine.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 16th at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven with Rev. Larry Laine officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St. Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
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Born on April 6, 1928 in Clay Twp., Lancaster Co., she was a daughter of the late Edward Hardt and Irene Spangler Tice.
She was a 1946 graduate of Pine Grove High School and was a member of the Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Tremont.
Mary was a sewing machine operator for the former Canoe Mfg. in Pine Grove. After retiring from Canoe, she worked at the Community Club at Fort Indiantown Gap. She loved interacting with the soldiers and they loved her white hair and always wanted to touch it. During the Battle of the Bulge reenactments, she enjoyed when the soldiers with their top hats would stand next to her and put their arms around her.
She loved spending time with her family and gardening.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 44 years, Charles F. Kramer; a daughter, Susan Schur; a son Ronald "Tree" Kramer; seven brothers, Eugene, Martin, Harry, Edward, Charles, John and Richard Tice; three sisters, Christine Zerbe, Hazel Heffner and Catherine Leisey.
Surviving are a son Roy and wife Denise Kramer of Pottsville; 12 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; a brother Robert Tice of Pine Grove; two sisters, Cecelia and husband Kenneth Aungst of Pine Grove and Theresa White of Bethel.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. Pine Grove, with Father George Kochuparambil officiating. There will be a viewing on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Most Blessed Trinity Parish ,113 Cherry St., Tremont, PA 17981 in her memory.
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Born July 17th 1947 to Robert and Mary (Hoar) Bolich, she was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Lawrence S Sabolchick who passed away in 2009. She graduated from Ashland High School in 1965. Bev's journey began with a simple twist of fate when she met her future husband, Lawrence, through a CB penpals club. Their story, which started with shared words and dreams, blossomed into a loving marriage that stood as a testament to their devotion to each other.
Bev's love for life was evident in everything she did. She found great joy in her family and her faith and had a strong belief in the power of helping and supporting others. A devoted member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ashland, Bev was instrumental in implementing The Shepherd's Table. Over the years, her community involvement often extended beyond the church, as she actively supported groups like Girl Scouts and TOPS, generously contributing her time and energy.
A talented and passionate baker, Bev was renowned for her elaborate cakes. She felt deeply honored to be part of so many couples' special days, creating wedding cakes that were symbols of love and celebration. Bev's creative spirit didn't stop at baking. She was also a craft enthusiast, co-owning and operating Your Favorite Things craft shop in Ashland with her mother, Mary. For more than 30 years, the shop was a gathering place for those who shared her passion for crafts. It was here that Bev cultivated many cherished friendships, touching numerous lives with her kindness and creativity.
Beverly is survived by daughter Michelle Sabolchick of Shavertown; son and daughter-in-law, James and Christina Sabolchick of Marion Heights; two cherished grandchildren, Amanda Hurlburt of Pottsville and Dante Sabolchick of Marion Heights; two sisters in-law, two sisters; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to extend a Thank You to Rev. Dana D. Heckman-Beil as well as all of the staff at Ridgeview Nursing, Shenandoah; Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest; OACIS; and Lehigh Valley hospice for all of the special care given to Bev.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to one of the following: The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N Ninth St, Ashland, PA 17921; Animal Resource Center, PO Box 439, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania 17815; or Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 18 Wertz Dr, Pine Grove, PA 17963.
A service will be held on Monday December 18th 2023 at 10:00 am at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N 9th St, Ashland PA 17921 with Rev. Dana D. Heckman-Beil officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday December 18th 2023 from 9:00-10:00 am in the church prior to services. Interment will follow services at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville PA.
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The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, will announce funeral arrangements.
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