Skook News Obituaries: February 3rd, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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George R. Zokuskie, 86, of St. Clair, died Friday January 31, 2025 at Seton Manor Nursing Home, Orwigsburg.
Born in Gilberton, March 12, 1938, He was a son of the late Albert and Mary (Marhon) Zokuskie.
George retired having worked for Reading Anthracite .Pottsville, PA.
Surviving are his wife of 61 years Rose (Mihalsky) Zokuskie, son Mark Zokuskie and his wife Tracey of, St. Clair, a brother Robert Zack and his wife Karen of Frackville, sister-in-law Mary Ann Zack of DE; granddaughter Zowie Zokuskie of St. Clair; Nieces and Nephews.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to http://www.brucethartfuneralhome.com
Mary Jane "Cookie" Swartzlander, 80, of E. Mill St., Pine Grove, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025 surrounded by her family in Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon.
Born on October 25, 1944 in Pine Grove, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Ruth Stager Stoudt.
She was a 1962 graduate of Pine Grove High School.
Cookie worked for the federal government in Washington, D.C. and Fort Indiantown Gap.
She was a member of Outwood Lutheran Church, Pine Grove and the Pine Grove Senior Citizens. She was an avid bowler and loved traveling.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Lamar Swartzlander; a brother, LeRoy S. Stoudt; and a sister, Betty Ann Kreiser.
Surviving are a daughter, Sonja Case of Goose Creek, SC; a son Warren Swartzlander of Tower City; four grandchildren, Madison and Tattiana Swartzlander, Austen and Brendon Case; a brother, Robert Stoudt of Watsontown; a sister, Eva Mae MacGallicher of Ephrata; nieces and nephews; and her companion, Dale Cooper.
Graveside Services and interment will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Melinda Heppe officiating. There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 11:30 A.M. at the Outwood Lutheran Church Pavilion, Oak Grove Rd. and Old Forge Rd., Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Outwood Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, c/o Henry Snyder, Treasurer, 706 Oak Grove Road, Pine Grove, PA 17963 in her memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Edward Robert McDonald, a man whose life was defined by love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family. Born in Girardville on Christmas Eve of 1934, he was a gift to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A talented athlete, he led his basketball team to victory in the Anthracite Catholic League Championship in 1951. His dedication and drive carried over into his professional life, beginning his banking career in 1954 at Pennsylvania National Bank after graduating from McCann’s School of Business. Over the years, he worked at several banks, always serving with integrity and a warm smile.
Beyond banking, he and his beloved wife, Barbara, formed Ultimate Home Health Care, where they provided compassionate care to countless patients and support to their dedicated employees. Their shared mission of helping others became a meaningful chapter in their lives, one that reflected their kindness and generosity.
It was in Philadelphia that he met the love of his life, Barbara. Together, they built a marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support, celebrating 50 beautiful years together. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and the most cherished “Poppy” to his grandchildren. His family was his greatest joy, and he never missed an opportunity to share a story, impart wisdom, or bring laughter to those around him.
A man of kindness and compassion, he touched every life he encountered. His selflessness, hardworking nature, and sharp sense of humor left an enduring mark on all who knew him. He was a storyteller at heart, often reminiscing about his childhood with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, and his brothers, Robert and William. He leaves behind his daughters, Kathleen (Alan), Kellie, and Erin, as well as his adored grandsons, Sean, David, and Billy, and his special family at Mount Carmel Nursing Center. His legacy of love and wisdom will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
Though he is no longer with us, his memory will remain a guiding light. He will be forever missed as the best Dad and Poppy, but his spirit will continue to shine through the lives he so deeply impacted.
A celebration of his life will be held at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made, in Edward's name, to the Girardville Basketball Association at PO Box 136 Girardville, PA 17935.
Rest easy, Dad. Your love will never fade.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
Denise P. Webber, age 70, of Pottsville, PA , passed away Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at Green Valley Skilled Nursing and Rehab.in Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville, PA on July 5, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Allan C. and Gertrude (Weber) Reed.
Denise was a graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1972. She retired from the Schuylkill Rehab of LVHN.
Denise loved sewing, going camping, playing bingo, and was a dog lover, especially her granddogs, Tai and Moxxi.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by step-mother Marie I. Reed and a step-brother Daniel Callaghan.
Denise is survived by her husband of 38 years, Robert T. Webber, Pottsville; son Robert T. Webber Jr., Cumbola and his companion Caitlyn Eifert, New Ringgold; step-brother Patrick Callaghan, Middletown, DE; step-sister Debra Donahue and her husband Charles, Oley; brother-in-law Jack Webber and his wife Elaine, Florida; niece Jennifer Basom and her husband Blake, Mechanicsburg.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 7PM on Wednesday, February 12th, with Deacon John Setlock officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday evening from 5:30-7PM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be held private.
Please send condolences to www.robertaevansjrfh. com
William Joseph Ferhat, age 88, of Pottsville, PA passed away Saturday, February 1st, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown.
Born in Pottsville, PA on June 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Sophy) Ferhat.
Bill worked as a cook first at The Gateway Diner and then retired from the Greenery Restaurant.
He was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville and was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, the University of Notre Dame, and the LA Dodgers. Bill also liked watching wrestling and Tarzan.
He was the last member of his immediate family, being preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 52 years, Jeanne M. (Cannon) Ferhat, sisters: Joan Glass and Catherine "Cookie" Ferhat and brothers: Thomas "Pete" Ferhat and Joseph Ferhat.
Bill is survived by his daughters: Mary R. Ferhat, Pottsville, Louise Knoblauch and her husband Charles, Schuylkill Haven, and Donna Burkot, Pottsville; four grandchildren: Miranda and Natalie Burkot and Nicole and Kristina Knoblauch; and nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville at 11AM on Friday, February 7th, with Rev. Phillip Rodgers officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday evening from 6-8PM and Friday morning from 9:30-10:30AM at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon.
Interment will be held in the Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery in Pottsville.
Leon H. Steigerwalt, 72 years of age, of Mush Dahl Road New Ringgold, Pennsylvania passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Rosewood Nursing & Rehabilitation Ctr. in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.
Born Sunday, February 24, 1952 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the son of the late LeRoy, and Catherine (Snyder) Steigerwalt. Leon was also predeceased by; wife, Sandra A. "Sandy" (Hoppes) Steigerwalt; sister, Beverly Steigerwalt.
Surviving are sons, Butch Steigerwalt and his wife Joyale, Kyle Steigerwalt; daughter, Stacie Steigerwalt; brother, LeRoy Steigerwalt and his wife Fay; granddaughter, Terra Steigerwalt; companion, Lori J. Finucan.
A 1970 Tamaqua High School graduate, Leon was a tireless worker, he retired from DEKA Battery after 21 years, worked at Charles S. Snyder, Inc. for over 26 years, at Leiby's Restaurant in High School, and for Kraft Foods. Leon had also served as a Police officer for West Penn Township, and Tamaqua Borough.
Leon was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed riding his motor cycle, gardening, traveling, bird watching and hunting. A life member of the Mahoning Fire Company, Leon was a social member of the New Ringgold Fire Company. Leon enjoyed the companionship of his dog Mocha
Private arrangements entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884
David W. Klinger Sr., 83, of Gap Street, Valley View, passed away with family at his side, Sunday, February 2, 2025, at his residence.
Born in Gilberton, March 12, 1938, He was a son of the late Albert and Mary (Marhon) Zokuskie.
George retired having worked for Reading Anthracite .Pottsville, PA.
Surviving are his wife of 61 years Rose (Mihalsky) Zokuskie, son Mark Zokuskie and his wife Tracey of, St. Clair, a brother Robert Zack and his wife Karen of Frackville, sister-in-law Mary Ann Zack of DE; granddaughter Zowie Zokuskie of St. Clair; Nieces and Nephews.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to http://www.brucethartfuneralhome.com
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Born on October 25, 1944 in Pine Grove, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Ruth Stager Stoudt.
She was a 1962 graduate of Pine Grove High School.
Cookie worked for the federal government in Washington, D.C. and Fort Indiantown Gap.
She was a member of Outwood Lutheran Church, Pine Grove and the Pine Grove Senior Citizens. She was an avid bowler and loved traveling.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Lamar Swartzlander; a brother, LeRoy S. Stoudt; and a sister, Betty Ann Kreiser.
Surviving are a daughter, Sonja Case of Goose Creek, SC; a son Warren Swartzlander of Tower City; four grandchildren, Madison and Tattiana Swartzlander, Austen and Brendon Case; a brother, Robert Stoudt of Watsontown; a sister, Eva Mae MacGallicher of Ephrata; nieces and nephews; and her companion, Dale Cooper.
Graveside Services and interment will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Melinda Heppe officiating. There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 11:30 A.M. at the Outwood Lutheran Church Pavilion, Oak Grove Rd. and Old Forge Rd., Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Outwood Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, c/o Henry Snyder, Treasurer, 706 Oak Grove Road, Pine Grove, PA 17963 in her memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
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A talented athlete, he led his basketball team to victory in the Anthracite Catholic League Championship in 1951. His dedication and drive carried over into his professional life, beginning his banking career in 1954 at Pennsylvania National Bank after graduating from McCann’s School of Business. Over the years, he worked at several banks, always serving with integrity and a warm smile.
Beyond banking, he and his beloved wife, Barbara, formed Ultimate Home Health Care, where they provided compassionate care to countless patients and support to their dedicated employees. Their shared mission of helping others became a meaningful chapter in their lives, one that reflected their kindness and generosity.
It was in Philadelphia that he met the love of his life, Barbara. Together, they built a marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support, celebrating 50 beautiful years together. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and the most cherished “Poppy” to his grandchildren. His family was his greatest joy, and he never missed an opportunity to share a story, impart wisdom, or bring laughter to those around him.
A man of kindness and compassion, he touched every life he encountered. His selflessness, hardworking nature, and sharp sense of humor left an enduring mark on all who knew him. He was a storyteller at heart, often reminiscing about his childhood with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, and his brothers, Robert and William. He leaves behind his daughters, Kathleen (Alan), Kellie, and Erin, as well as his adored grandsons, Sean, David, and Billy, and his special family at Mount Carmel Nursing Center. His legacy of love and wisdom will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
Though he is no longer with us, his memory will remain a guiding light. He will be forever missed as the best Dad and Poppy, but his spirit will continue to shine through the lives he so deeply impacted.
A celebration of his life will be held at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made, in Edward's name, to the Girardville Basketball Association at PO Box 136 Girardville, PA 17935.
Rest easy, Dad. Your love will never fade.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, PA on July 5, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Allan C. and Gertrude (Weber) Reed.
Denise was a graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1972. She retired from the Schuylkill Rehab of LVHN.
Denise loved sewing, going camping, playing bingo, and was a dog lover, especially her granddogs, Tai and Moxxi.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by step-mother Marie I. Reed and a step-brother Daniel Callaghan.
Denise is survived by her husband of 38 years, Robert T. Webber, Pottsville; son Robert T. Webber Jr., Cumbola and his companion Caitlyn Eifert, New Ringgold; step-brother Patrick Callaghan, Middletown, DE; step-sister Debra Donahue and her husband Charles, Oley; brother-in-law Jack Webber and his wife Elaine, Florida; niece Jennifer Basom and her husband Blake, Mechanicsburg.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 7PM on Wednesday, February 12th, with Deacon John Setlock officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday evening from 5:30-7PM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be held private.
Please send condolences to www.robertaevansjrfh. com
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Born in Pottsville, PA on June 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Sophy) Ferhat.
Bill worked as a cook first at The Gateway Diner and then retired from the Greenery Restaurant.
He was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville and was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, the University of Notre Dame, and the LA Dodgers. Bill also liked watching wrestling and Tarzan.
He was the last member of his immediate family, being preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 52 years, Jeanne M. (Cannon) Ferhat, sisters: Joan Glass and Catherine "Cookie" Ferhat and brothers: Thomas "Pete" Ferhat and Joseph Ferhat.
Bill is survived by his daughters: Mary R. Ferhat, Pottsville, Louise Knoblauch and her husband Charles, Schuylkill Haven, and Donna Burkot, Pottsville; four grandchildren: Miranda and Natalie Burkot and Nicole and Kristina Knoblauch; and nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville at 11AM on Friday, February 7th, with Rev. Phillip Rodgers officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday evening from 6-8PM and Friday morning from 9:30-10:30AM at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon.
Interment will be held in the Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery in Pottsville.
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Born Sunday, February 24, 1952 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the son of the late LeRoy, and Catherine (Snyder) Steigerwalt. Leon was also predeceased by; wife, Sandra A. "Sandy" (Hoppes) Steigerwalt; sister, Beverly Steigerwalt.
Surviving are sons, Butch Steigerwalt and his wife Joyale, Kyle Steigerwalt; daughter, Stacie Steigerwalt; brother, LeRoy Steigerwalt and his wife Fay; granddaughter, Terra Steigerwalt; companion, Lori J. Finucan.
A 1970 Tamaqua High School graduate, Leon was a tireless worker, he retired from DEKA Battery after 21 years, worked at Charles S. Snyder, Inc. for over 26 years, at Leiby's Restaurant in High School, and for Kraft Foods. Leon had also served as a Police officer for West Penn Township, and Tamaqua Borough.
Leon was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed riding his motor cycle, gardening, traveling, bird watching and hunting. A life member of the Mahoning Fire Company, Leon was a social member of the New Ringgold Fire Company. Leon enjoyed the companionship of his dog Mocha
Private arrangements entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884
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David W. Klinger Sr., 83, of Gap Street, Valley View, passed away with family at his side, Sunday, February 2, 2025, at his residence.
Funeral arrangements will be announced. Visit www.FritzFuneralhome.com to leave condolences. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
