Skook News Obituaries: September 15th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Sheppton in 1928, he was the son of Stanley and Mary (Navitsky) Novak. He graduated from East Township High School, Sheppton, class of 1946. He then enlisted in the military, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948 as a Machinist Mate 3rd Class on the USS Macon and USS Vulcan, and in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952, achieving the rank of Sergeant.
Joe enjoyed the outdoors and was a hunter and fisherman in his younger years. He spent hours tending to his flower and vegetable gardens. He liked to start his day reading the newspaper to keep current with local and world news, but also enjoyed the cartoons. Joe was an avid crossword puzzle solver and could often be found engrossed playing trivia games on the computer while also enjoying the companionship of his pets. His favorite meal was a rack of barbeque spare ribs with a can of Coca-Cola. Joe loved listening to Polka music and played the accordion. Over the years, he and his wife, Jean, traveled the United States by car and were fortunate to experience many beautiful destinations and landmarks along the way, his favorite being a visit to Disneyworld in Florida on his 50th birthday. We should all be so fortunate to have lived such a fulfilled live. He will be sadly missed by his loving and caring family, especially his children who were there for him up until the end.
Joe was most proud of his military service and loved sharing stories about his worldly experiences, particularly with his grandchildren, whom he adored. You could always spot him wearing a military cap and his "World's Greatest Grandpa" sweatshirt, which he literally wore out. He was a member of the American Legion Post 616 in Sheppton for 63 years.
Joe spent most of his career as a foreman supervising the construction of major highways and bridges in Pennsylvania and surrounding states working for J.R. Nissley Construction, Inc., and J. Robert Bazley, Inc. He later worked for Blaschak Coal Company where he was involved with the search and rescue effort on Sharp Mountain near Llewellyn in 1984. Joe was one of the volunteers who was suited with a parachute harness and lowered into a mine shaft by a crane, looking for 6 young people whose four-wheel drive vehicle plunged into a mine shaft. You couldn't expect anything less from Joe. He was raised with hard-working values and remained employed into his 70's.
Preceding him in death were his first wife, Betty (Davidson) Novak and three brothers; Stanley "Tookie", Albert, and Matthew Novak.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Jean, are a son, Joseph Novak, Allentown and a daughter Cheryl Harvilla, husband Anthony, Tresckow; granddaughters Nichole Novak, Lauren Harvilla, Lindsey Kick, husband Preston and great-grandchildren Betty and Reid Kick. He is also survived by step-children Kim Furedi, wife Pam, Horsham, Darrell Laudeman, wife Kelly, Ringtown, and John Gustites, Sheppton, step-grandchildren; Brian Furedi, Tyler Laudeman, wife Emily, Danielle Laudeman, and John Gustites Jr., and nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 at 7 PM at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown. A time for visitation with Joe's family will be held from 6-7 PM preceding the service. Joseph will be laid to rest following military honors at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville on Thursday, September 26th, 2024 at 11 AM. Anyone wishing to attend the committal service is asked to meet at the cemetery prior to the service.
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Born in Williamstown, August 12,1947, a son of the late Donald and Elsie Shutt Klinger. Deek was a 1965 graduate of the former Williamstown High School.
He was a United States Air Force Veteran serving in the Vietnam Era from 1966-1969.
Deek worked for many years at AMP, Inc., later TYCO, retiring as a skilled mechanic press roller supervisor.
He was a member of the Williamstown American Legion. He will be remembered for his passion for photography and being an accomplished pool shooter, belonging to numerous leagues throughout his life. Deek enjoyed the simple things in life, spending time with his family, being in the outdoors or taking care of his cats, Betty and Bob.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother James Klinger and two sisters-in-law, Shelly and Brenda Klinger.
Surviving are his two children, Traci M. Raho and her husband Mitchell, Williamstown and Scott D. Klinger and his wife Heather, Williamstown; a step-daughter, Jayme Newell, Pine Grove; his six grandchildren, Alyssa Wertz, Ethan and Caleb Raho, Blaine Schreiner, Taylor and Logan Klinger; four great grandchildren, Maeve, Lily, Cooper and Jackson; a sister, Cindy Klinger, Williamstown, two brothers, Gary Klinger, Williamstown and Tom Klinger, Lykens; a sister-in-law, Jane Klinger, Williamstown; numerous nieces and nephews.
Following Deek's wishes he will be laid to rest privately in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with full military honors.
Please omit flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Trinity United Church of Christ, 448 E Grand Ave, Tower City, PA 17980.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City is honored to serve the Klinger family.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
