Skook News Obituaries: May 29th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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John was born in Pottsville, a son of the late Arthur and Alice (Sherriff) Russell. He attended Pottsville area schools, and then entered the United States Army in 1958, where he dedicated over 20 years of service to his country. While on active duty, he served with the 7th calvary division in Vietnam. Later years were spent with the 63rd armor in Ft. Riley and 82nd Airborne in Ft. Bragg. The end of his active career was served with the 1st. Calvary division. While serving he was a gunner, tank commander, and a supply sergeant. He earned the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Service Medals.
At the end of his active enlistment John's service to his country continued. On the civilian side he returned to the Pottsville area where he worked as a security guard at the county prison, then for Penn Steel in Hamburg, and finally as a security guard for Big Lots.
For his country and fellow servicemen/ women, John served with multiple organizations during the rest of his life. His services included Vice president of Veterans of Vietnam War Inc., Commander of Post 38 in Schuylkill Haven, Veterans Affairs Benefits Advocate, and countless other organizations. John was invited to meet president Bill Clinton in 1996 for his service to his fellow veterans.
He was a deeply patriotic member of his community and service related organizations. John attended all local memorial day and veterans day events, sharing stories and lessons learned to the younger generations.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte (Rexon) Russell in 2006, two brothers, Harry and Arthur, and by a sister Dolly Russell.
He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Brensinger, along with two grandchildren, Steven John Russell-Rhen, and his wife Kaitlyn and Hope Alexis Rhen. He leaves behind two great grandchildren, Aubrey Nicole Rhen and Kaidah McKenzie Kelly, and is expecting the arrival of a great grandson in the near future.
A Brother, Robert Russell, and two sisters, Alice Russell and Doris Fessler also survive, as do many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA on Tuesday, June 4th at 1:30 PM. Anyone wishing to attend the services are is asked to please meet at the cemetery at 1:15pm.
The Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, is honored serve the family of John during their time of need.
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Born in Pottsville, May 5, 2001, He was a son of John V. and Kimberly (Martin) Peletsky of St. Clair.
He was a graduate of Pottsville Area High school and worked as a Forklift Operator at Polyflo Inc., St. Clair.
He was a member of Grace Free Church, Cressona, and Goodwill Hose Co, Cumbola. He also enjoyed family time with his daughters, playing basketball with his brother Xander, and spending time with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by an Aunt Shannon Martin.
Surviving are 2 daughters Stella Jeanette Peletsky; Alora Rose Peletsky and their mother Giovanna Vega; 2 Brothers Casey Martin of Frackville; Xander Peletsky of St. Clair; Maternal Grandparents Deborah Martin of St. Clair and Lawrence Martin of St. Clair; Paternal Grandparents Jack and Judy Peletsky of Pottsville; Great Grandmother Laura Thomas of St. Clair; Aunts Deanne Colna of Pottsville; Sherry Nester of Wapwallopen; Uncles & Cousins.
Funeral Services will be held at 7:30 PM Friday Ma y31, 2024 from Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home 110 N. Second St., St. Clair, PA 17970 with Rev. Gregg Reser officiating. Friends may call from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family to defray funeral costs at the above address.
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She was born on Wednesday, September 3, 1924, in Valley View, a daughter of the late Ralph A Schwalm and the late Annie M (Snyder) Schwalm.
She was a 1942 graduate of the former Hegins Twp High School and also a graduate of Central Penn Business School.
Ferne assisted her late husband with his dental practice, prior to her retirement.
She was a member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View.
Ferne taught Sunday School and Bible School, was a former member of the Eastern Star and the Tri-Valley Senior Citizens. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, needle point, and spending time with her family.
Her husband, Dr.Wallace W Furman passed away in 2006. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Orpah N Romberger and M. Irene Miller, and two brothers, Dr Glenn P Schwalm and Dr R Ivan Schwalm.
She is survived by a daughter, Anne J Usuka and her husband Devyn of Schuylkill Haven; a grandson, Karl W Usuka of Schuylkill Haven; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside committal service will be held at Friedens Cemetery, Hegins, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Suzanne Elliott officiating.
A memorial service will be announced at a future date.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 221, Valley View, PA 17983 or to the Tri-Valley Free Public Library, 633 E Main St, Hegins PA 17938.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Prior to retiring, she was employed as a seamstress for 35 years at the former Peerless Mills in Lehighton. Born on the family farm in Andreas, she was the daughter of the late Harvey A. and Emeline (Britton) Troxell. Verna was a member of Ben Salem UCC, Lehighton, where she was a former member of the church choir and the Luther League. She was also a member of the former Pocahontas Lodge #8 and Flower Club, both of West Penn and the Andreas VFW Post 5069 Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a life member of the Andreas Sporting Club, where she also helped cook. Growing up she was a member of the Schuylkill County 4-H vegetable judging team at Penn State, where she placed 1st in the state. She helped design the house where she lived and enjoyed hand painting beautiful Christmas scenes in her living room window each year.
Verna was a remarkable baker, who's cakes and pies were looked forward to at every family picnic and holiday.
She was also preceded in death by four brothers, Willard, Earl, Charles, and Norman, and sister, Pearl Zehner.
Surviving is a brother, Wayne and his wife, Kathryn, of Andreas; sister-in-law, Anna May Troxell, of Nesquehoning; Godchildren, Brenda Frantz Tracanna, and companion, Joseph Voss III, of Collegeville and Ken A. Frantz, and wife, Mary, of Lehighton; and nieces and nephews.
Service will be 11am on Monday, June 3, at Ben Salem UCC, 1965 Church Hill Rd., Lehighton, with Rev. Randy Lentz officiating. Call 9-11am. Interment in the church cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the church, PO 128, Andreas, PA 18211.
Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
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Gail Marian Paul, 80, formerly of Williamstown, lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease and went home to be with the Lord (her rest, rock, and refuge), Saturday afternoon, May 25, 2024, at the Kadima Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Pottstown.
Gail was born in Williamstown, May 3, 1944, a daughter of the late Arthur and Ethel Rowe Schoffstall.
She was a graduate of the former Williamstown High School where she was active with the Alumni Association.
She was a dedicated and faithful member of the former Ebenezer Evangelical Congregational Church, Williamstown, serving on every committee and in various roles from groundskeeping and housekeeping to secretary/treasurer, choir director (kids and adults over the years), Sunday school teacher, ‘Ladies Meeting’ coordinator, prayer meeting leader, organizer of the yearly chow-chow preparation/sales and funeral meals, designer of the weekly church bulletin, and more. She also served as lay delegate to the conference. She was a current member of the Faith E.C. Church, Wiconisco.
Gail was the embodiment of a “servant’s heart”. She found purpose in being a helper in whatever way she could. She regularly prepared food and baked goods to deliver to shut-ins or to donate to bake sales.
Gail had been very active in the Williamstown community, volunteering wherever needed, including with the judge of elections, the food pantry, and the backpack program to name a few.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest "Bush" Paul, 2013, a son-in-law, Benjamin Hartzell, 2023, and siblings/half-siblings Evelyn Sturgis, Donald Schoffstall, Carol Gonder, and Kenneth Schoffstall.
Surviving are her three children, Richard Paul (Amy), Colorado, Diane Hartzell, Northampton, and Christine Kile, Akron; six grandchildren, Tracy, Ethan, Eli, Ava, Anna, and Irene; a brother Marvin Schoffstall (Sheryl), Mechanicsburg; two sisters, Louann Martin (Richard), Mechanicsburg, and Doris Hand (Dave) Halifax; nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Gail's life will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 1:00 PM from the Faith EC Church, Wiconisco. A visitation will be held from 12-1. Gail will be laid to rest privately in the Fairview Cemetery, Williamstown.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Faith EC Church, 543 Center St, Wiconisco, PA 17097.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City is honored to serve the Paul family.
Gail was born in Williamstown, May 3, 1944, a daughter of the late Arthur and Ethel Rowe Schoffstall.
She was a graduate of the former Williamstown High School where she was active with the Alumni Association.
She was a dedicated and faithful member of the former Ebenezer Evangelical Congregational Church, Williamstown, serving on every committee and in various roles from groundskeeping and housekeeping to secretary/treasurer, choir director (kids and adults over the years), Sunday school teacher, ‘Ladies Meeting’ coordinator, prayer meeting leader, organizer of the yearly chow-chow preparation/sales and funeral meals, designer of the weekly church bulletin, and more. She also served as lay delegate to the conference. She was a current member of the Faith E.C. Church, Wiconisco.
Gail was the embodiment of a “servant’s heart”. She found purpose in being a helper in whatever way she could. She regularly prepared food and baked goods to deliver to shut-ins or to donate to bake sales.
Gail had been very active in the Williamstown community, volunteering wherever needed, including with the judge of elections, the food pantry, and the backpack program to name a few.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest "Bush" Paul, 2013, a son-in-law, Benjamin Hartzell, 2023, and siblings/half-siblings Evelyn Sturgis, Donald Schoffstall, Carol Gonder, and Kenneth Schoffstall.
Surviving are her three children, Richard Paul (Amy), Colorado, Diane Hartzell, Northampton, and Christine Kile, Akron; six grandchildren, Tracy, Ethan, Eli, Ava, Anna, and Irene; a brother Marvin Schoffstall (Sheryl), Mechanicsburg; two sisters, Louann Martin (Richard), Mechanicsburg, and Doris Hand (Dave) Halifax; nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Gail's life will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 1:00 PM from the Faith EC Church, Wiconisco. A visitation will be held from 12-1. Gail will be laid to rest privately in the Fairview Cemetery, Williamstown.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Faith EC Church, 543 Center St, Wiconisco, PA 17097.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City is honored to serve the Paul family.
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Born in Pottsville, he was raised in Jefferson, West of Auburn, Pa. and graduated from Schuylkill Haven High School. He was predeceased by both parents and a sister, Judy Reber.
Prior to retirement Larry was employed at an Associate Professor in New Jersey.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
