Thursday, January 4, 2024

Schuylkill County Obituaries for January 4th, 2024

                         

Skook News Obituaries: January 4th, 2024

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area. 

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Maxine Cheryl Houser, 79, of Summit Hill, died on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, in Coaldale. 

Born on April 22, 1944, in Coaldale, she was a daughter of the late Edward Houser and Kathryn (Zucuskie) Wendt. A 1962 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Maxine worked as a welder at the former Atlas Powder Company, Reynolds and a nurse’s aide at the former Hometown, now Greenwood, Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 

She is survived by sons, John “Jack” Tonkin, Jr. and his wife, Shawn of Lehighton and George Tonkin of Minnesota; daughter, Nicole Cope of Summit Hill; 17 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; siblings, Edward Houser and his wife Cheryl of Indiana; Kay Ann Magiera of Illinois; Leonard Houser of Florida, and Kenneth Breiner of Illinois; and several nephews and nieces. 

She was predeceased by a son, Harold Tonkin in 2016 and sisters, Gail Kiselesky and Charlotte Normand. 

Services will be announced at a later date. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.

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Steven D Love, 50, of Mt. Carmel, formerly of Pine Grove, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at home.

Born on August 16, 1973 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Richard A. Sr. and Ann Young Love.

He was a 1991 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School.

Preceding him in death was a brother, John Love.

Surviving is a brother, Richard A. Jr. and wife Sharon Love of Tremont; nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., 139 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, Pa. 17963 in his memory.

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Justine Crolic,
formerly of Port Carbon, a resident of Ephrata, PA., passed away on January 2, 2024, at the age of 95.

Born in St. Clair, February 29, 1928, she was the daughter of the late John G. & Adeline Kutchonis Sakmari.

She was a graduate of Saint Clair High School and St. Joseph School of Nursing, Reading, PA. She was a registered Private Duty nurse. Justine was a former member of St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, Port Carbon.

She was the beloved wife of William Crolic, Jr., to whom she was married 59 years. Loving mom of Robert (Kathleen), of Plantation, FL., and Elaine Pettis (Glenn) of Ephrata, PA. Dearest Gami to Terri, Lauren (Domenic), Steven (Cammy), and Kaitlin (Carlos). Dear GG to Lia, Isabel, Luca, Nicholas, and Harper.

Funeral services are private at the convenience of the family. Interment will be at St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Port Carbon, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Robert A. Evan’s Funeral Home, Inc., Port Carbon, PA is in charge of the arrangements.

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Mildred "Millie' Klem, 83, a resident of Old Bridge New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 1, 2024.

Millie was born and raised in Frackville, a daughter of the late Clem and Helen (Careyva) Kosmisky. After high school, she relocated to the New Jersey area along with her husband Peter, where they have resided since.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers Joseph and Robert.

Millie is survived by her husband of 60 year, Peter Klem of Old Bridge, NJ; and two sisters, Ruth Murphy of New Jersey and Theresa Horas of Frackville, along with nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 8th at 10 AM at the St. Joseph the Worker Church, 49 North Line Street, Frackville. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitiation from 9:15 AM until the time of the service at the church.

Millie will be laid to rest at the Annunciation Cemetery, Frackvill during private family services.

The Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home is honored to assist Millie's family during their time of need.

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Gerald W. “Jerry” Hudock
, 78 of Pottsville, died peacefully Tuesday morning at home.

He was born June 26, 1945 in Pottsville, a son of the late Joseph Sr. and Mary Padelsky Hudock.

He was a 1963 graduate of Nativity BVM High School.

He was an Air Force veteran during the Vietnam War while stationed in England.

Jerry was a member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.

He was preceded in death by six siblings, Joseph Hudock, Jr., William Hudock, Elizabeth Hoover, Catherine Slavickas, Vincent Hudock, John “Jackie” Hudock.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years Diane Hudock; a daughter, Mara Lynn Arbogast and her husband, Steven, Coal Township; a son Matthew Hudock and his wife Sarah, Orwigsburg. He is also survived by and will be missed by his 5 grandchildren who called him “Pap-pap”, Avery, Aubrey, and Addison Hudock; Lydia and Bryson Arbogast; nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11AM Monday at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, with Rev. Kevin J. Bobbin as celebrant. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 9am until the time of mass. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in St. John No.2 Cemetery, Pottsville. Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.

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Marie (Demcher) Drasdis Koval
, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, January 2nd at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center after a brief illness. She died peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 4, 1936 at her home in Primrose. She was the daughter of the late Anna (Yaworsky) Demcher and John Demcher.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph Robert Drasdis, her second husband, John S Koval, her brother John Demcher and two brothers-in-law, John (Jack) Plachko and Steven Miller.

Surviving are her children: Annette Pisco (John) Avon Lake, OH; Joseph R Drasdis, II (Susan) Pottsville; Edward Drasdis, Black Heath; John Drasdis, Minersville. Her beloved grandchildren: Kyle Pisco, Charlotte, NC; Connor Pisco, Charlotte, NC; Joseph R Drasdis III, Pottsville; Kayla Drasdis, Pottsville. Sisters: Catherine Miller, Minersville & Anna Plachko, St. Clair. Sister-in-law: Yolanda Demcher & many adored nieces & nephews.

After the passing of her husband at an early age, Marie devoted herself to raising her four children on her own. Despite the immense hardship she experienced, she often shared that she was able to get through these difficult years because of her steadfast faith & her supportive family & friends.

After raising her children, she worked at various jobs including the Minersville Bakery, St Vincent’s School cafeteria and retired after working for 20 years for the Minersville Police Department & Borough Hall where she worked as a secretary. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Polls on Election Day and was a graduate of Cass Township High School, 1953.

A devote Catholic, Marie was a member of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville and although it was difficult for her to attend mass during the last several years of her life, she remained focus on watching daily mass on EWTN, saying her rosary & praying for her family. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life and she also instilled her faith in her children. She enjoyed her visits with her son Ed to the St Teresa Chapel in Mahoney City & the Carmelite Chapel in Elysburg where she found great solace and comfort.

She was blessed with four grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments throughout the years whether in sports, their academic achievements & eventually in the success they are all experiencing in their chosen professional careers. Drasdis & Son held a special place in her heart as the tribute to her late husband is proudly displayed in the store and shares the deep love she held for him.

Marie was known for her profound sense of humor, her quick wit, and her genuine smile. She always had a funny & clever response that could leave you laughing for hours. She was frequently found sitting on her front porch where she enjoyed waving, engaging, and chatting with her neighbors, family, & friends. Marie was able to stay in her home until the time of her passing because of the love and support of her sons.

A visitation will be held Saturday, January 6, with calling hours from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. A Mass of Christian Burial be celebrated at 10:30 am at St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville, with Fr. Barnabas Shayo celebrant.

Interment St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.

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Theresa M. Parkhurst, 75, of Tamaqua and formerly of Coaldale, passed away Wednesday at her residence.

Born in Coaldale, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Helen (Skeersa) Rudner.

Theresa was a 1967 graduate of Marian Catholic High School. She was of the Roman Catholic faith.

Prior to retiring, she was employed at Burger King, Tamaqua, for over 20 years.

Preceding her in death, were her brothers Thomas and Francis Rudner.

Surviving are her son Eric Postupack and wife Tammy of McAdoo; daughter Cynthia Wentz and husband Matthew of Palmerton; grandsons, Derrike Parkhurst and Dereck Wentz; sister Mary Rose Schock and husband William of Tamaqua; and nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

The Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Florence Diane Degler
, 82, of Donaldson, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024, at the home of her daughter in Pottsville.

Born on April 12, 1941 in Tremont, she was a daughter of the late Harry A. and Florence E. Roth Morgan.

Diane was a graduate of Tremont High School.

She had attended the Echo Valley Grace Brethren Church, Tremont.

Diane had worked at Canoe Mfg in Pine Grove and a factory in Tremont, was a cook at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, a manager at the former Econo Lodge in Pine Grove and had worked at Penn National Race Course. She also helped hand out flyers for candidates at election time.

Preceding her in death were eight brothers, Mervin, Arthur, Milton, Silas, Clair, Albert, John, and Sterling Morgan; three sisters, Betty Budwash, Catherine Joy, and Ruth Gerber.

Surviving are a daughter, Christy and wife Patrice Heinbach of Pottsvlile; a son, Joseph Degler of Pine Grove, 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Pastor Brian Beissel officiating. There will be a viewing on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 4:30 P.M. until 06:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions may be made to either the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., 139 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, PA 17963 or the Alzheimer's Disease Assoc. Inc. 2595 Interstate Dr. Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110 in her memory.

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Ruth E. Beuchler, 87 formerly of Pine Grove, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, in the Pottsville Rehab. and Nursing Center.

Born on February 1, 1936, in Pine Grove, she was a daughter of the late William and Sadie Miller Moyer .

Ruth was employed with the Custodial staff of the Pine Grove Area School District.

She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove.

Preceding her in death were her Husband of 65 years, Robert G. Beuchler on July 2, 2016; four Sisters, Alberta Bavar, Lurda Atticks, Marcella Fredericks, Shirley Ney; seven Brothers, Ernest,Carl, Marlin, Charles, Earl M, Oscar and Mervin Moyer.

Surviving are Three Daughters, Judith Spector of Schuylkill Haven, Lori wife of Jeffrey Brown of St. Clair, and Tina Brown of Palo Alto; six sons, Robert and wife Brenda Beuchler, Terry and wife Dawn Beuchler, Richard and wife Richelle Beuchler, Kevin and wife Mary Beuchler, all of Pine Grove, David E.and wife Debra Beuchler of Tremont,, Brian Beuchler of Palmyra; 15 grandchildren, many Great-Grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

All Services will be held at the convenience of the family with interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, is in charge of the arrangements.

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Jane A. (Lukasick) Mallick
, born on January 2, 1936. passed away on her 88th birthday, January 2, 2024 at Geisinger Shamokin Community Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Jane was the daughter of the late Frank S. and Helen V. (Maximonis) Lukasick.

A lifelong resident of Shenandoah, she is a graduate of the former West Mahanoy Township High School.

After graduating, Jane began her banking career as a teller in the Binghamton area. She then returned to Shenandoah and continued her banking career at the former Merchants National Bank of Shenandoah retiring as Senior Vice President and Cashier.

Jane was proud to have served on the board of directors at Penn State Schuylkill Campus, American Institute of Banking, Schuylkill Bankers and many other banking organizations. She was a member of former Shenandoah Eastern Star and served as mother advisor of the former Iroquois Assembly of Rainbow Girls.

Above all, Jane most enjoyed going out to dinner, shopping and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents was her husband, William J. Mallick in 2009.

Jane is survived by her three children, William J. Mallick Jr. of Shenandoah, Bruce F. Mallick and his wife Irene of Ringtown, Diane M. Paskey of Camp Hill; four grandchildren, Jennifer Neal and her husband Mark of York, Jillian Paskey of Richmond VA, Janine Paskey wife of Ryan Martin, Rhoadsville, VA and Matthew Mallick and significant other Andrea Yarnell of Pottsville; three great grandchildren, Cali and Aubrey Neal of York and Ryder Martin of Virginia.

Funeral services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah is in care of the arrangements.

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