Skook News Obituaries: January 25th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Orwigsburg, June 15, 1936. She was the daughter of the late William and Esther Jenkins Smith.
Mary attended Schuylkill Haven Schools. She worked at Argo throughout her life, mostly as a folder.
She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Schuylkill Haven.
Mary’s biggest role was as a mother to her three girls. Her focus was on her family and their friends.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard, who passed away in 2022. She is also preceded in death by her brother William Smith and baby sister Doris Smith.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Brenda, of Gordon, Robin, of Towson, Md., and Donna, of Schuylkill Haven. She is also survived by her sister, Dolores M. Kramer of Myerstown, and brother Robert F. Smith husband to Maryanne of Schuylkill Haven and several nieces and nephews along with her sister-in-law Jane Smith of Marco Island, Florida.
A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11:00 A.M. at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven with Pastor Mark Dewald officiating. A viewing will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary's memory to St. John's United Church of Christ, 121 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhome.com
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Erich was born on August 28, 1941 in Galveston, Texas, a son of the late Erich Sr. and Margaret Ernestine Catherine (Kuhne) Knehans.
He was raised in Nebraska, and attended the University of Nebraska on a football scholarship. He then enlisted in the US Air Force and served overseas from 1961-1965 with the 8th Armament and Electrical Maintenance Squad (TAC). Upon his return home, he completed his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from San Jose State University in California, and then went on to earn an MBA at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
Erich additionally earned a PhD in Economics and a PhD in Information Technology from Pace University Lubin School of Business in New York.
He began his career at AT&T as an engineer and advanced through various domestic and international leadership roles. One of the highlights of his career was his role in leading the deployment of a modern telecommunications network in Iran before the toppling of the Shah.
Erich became a Professor of Economics at DeSales University where the students he mentored came to regard him as a close lifelong friend. They also enjoyed his BBQs and lakeside fun. While at Lake Wynonah, Erich served on the Board of Directors as a member, as Treasurer and as President. He enjoyed teaching his beloved granddaughters, Anna and Erika, how to fish for trout at the annual Fish Rodeo.
An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed basketball, tennis, racquetball and golf in his early years, and after moving to Florida, he especially enjoyed golf and community bocce.
In addition to his parents, Erich was preceded in death by a son, Matthew Knehans, and by his siblings, Roderick Knehans, Margaret (Knehans) Hansen, and Cedric (Suds) Knehans.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cheryl Nabholz and children, Amy Knehans, Hummelstown, PA; Michael Knehans, Boston, MA; and Amanda Knehans, Los Angeles, CA, along with two granddaughters, Anna and Erika Knehans.
His siblings, Frederick Knehans, Boise, ID; Caroline (Knehans) Johnson, Laramie, WY; and Patrick Knehans, Boise, ID also survive along with many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1185 Summer Hill Road, Auburn at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, January 29th. A viewing will be held from 10:30 -11:30 AM prior to the service. Erich will be laid to rest with military honors at the Summer Hill Cemetery, immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org
The Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, Pottsville, is providing Erich's family with services during their time of need.
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She was born on Monday, July 3, 1944, in Eldred Twp, a daughter of the late Paul Herring and the late Miriam (Artman) Herring.
She was a 1962 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
Karen was a seamstress in area garment factories and also worked at Jersey Shore Bank and Woolrich prior to her retirement. After retirement she enjoyed working at Roger Snyder's Butcher Shop, Pitman along side her sister.
She was a member of Hepler's Church of God, Pitman, where she was very active in the ladies class.
She was also actively involved in Woodman of the World Pitman as an officer. Karen enjoyed sewing, going to picnics, camping, cooking, and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ronald R Herb in 1977 and by her second husband, Irvin H Schreffler in 2012. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Darlene Masser, and a niece, Kathy Beury.
She is survived by a daughter, Penny L (Craig) Troutman of Pitman; a son, Bryan P (Vickie) Herb of Pitman, two granddaughters, Mindy (Bill) Burke and Kayla (Nick) Miller; two grandsons, Joshua (Shana) Herb and Derek (Kate) Herb; seven great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Mia, Myles, Maura, Olivia, Tyson, and Alanni; a brother, Rick (Cindy) Herring of Hegins; three sisters, Brenda (Danny) Reed of Weishample, Donna Wolfgang of Mowry, and Diane Grose of Pitman; an aunt, Verna Wilde of Philadelphia; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Hepler's Church of God, Pitman, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Robert Cassel officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Wednesday at the church.
Burial will be in Hepler's Cemetery, Pitman.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hepler's Church of God, c/o Mark Swinehart, 95 South Rd, Pitman PA 17964.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance
