Skook News Obituaries: February 7th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Shamokin, March 14, 1965, She was a daughter of John Krieger and Rhoda (Frasch) Saldukas.
She was a 1983 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, and went on to work as a Home Health Aide for Comfort Keepers.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by son Christopher Beckett in 2019.
Surviving are daughter Carrie (Beckett) Cresswell and her husband Darle of Deer Lake; sister Jodi (Saldukas) Henry and her husband Bill of Elysburg; brother Timothy Krieger and his wife Jennifer of Queen Creek, AZ; Grandchildren Cameron Cresswell and Daulton Cresswell; Nieces and Nephews.
Services will be held at the privacy of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Christopher Beckett Memorial Scholarship Fund, 120 Laurel Rd Orwigsburg, PA 17961.
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UPDATE: Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12th from the Citizen's Fire Co., located at E Plane St & W Otto St, Gordon. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at the Citizen's Fire Co., Gordon on Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville at 2 p.m.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Cressona on December 9, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Clayton E. & Alma (Herring) Reber.
Proudly married nearly 72 years, she was the loving wife of Ray A. Wildermuth.
Ida was second youngest of a large family of nine children whose father was killed in a mine cave-in when she was just 18 mos old. She was devoted to her mother and siblings, as they overcame the challenges of the Great Depression through strong family bonds, values she carried throughout her life. As a young teen, Ida loved dance, taking lessons in Tap and Jazz. She was the ace catcher for the Schuylkill Haven Jets softball team, who went on to capture several state titles. As a member of the Schuylkill Haven HS class of 1951, Ida was the first in her family to graduate.
Throughout her adult life, Ida was an active member of Zion Red Church, Orwigsburg, where she taught Sunday school, served in Women’s Club and cooked for church events.
Ida worked at various Orwigsburg factories throughout her work career. Later in her life, she was an active member of Orwigsburg Senior Citizens.
At home in nature, Ida loved hikes with her family, enjoying wildlife and tending to her flower gardens. An avid pinochle player, she was always up for a game of cards with Ray and her ever growing generations of players.
Above all else, nothing meant more to Ida than her beloved family. She was amazed how she and Ray grew from just the two of them, to a large, loving family.
She is survived by her two sons: Richard Wildermuth, husband of Kim, of Pine Grove, & Robin Wildermuth, husband of Cindy, of Tafton, and daughter Susan, wife.of Richard Grickis, of Auburn. Ida was the proud Nana to 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, & 5 great-great-grandchildren.
The last surviving member of her immediate family, Ida is also preceded in death by all of her siblings: Wilbert, Henry, Clarence, Kara Lynn, & Pearl Reber, Dorothy Hauptly, Joyce Luckenbill, & Alberta Huntzinger. She is also preceded in death by her grandson, Adam Grickis and great great grandson Koda Mount.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted on March 28th at 11am at Zion Red Church, Orwigsburg, with Rev. Dr. Jan Remer-Osborn officiating. A Visitation will be held from 10 until the time of service at the church.
Interment will be private.
At the request of Ida’s family, in lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity International, 322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709-3543 USA (www.habitat.org/donate), or to Zion Red Church, 1287 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg PA 17961.
Janet Eleanor Weschules RN, 78, of Pottsville, formerly of Minersville passed away Thursday January 31, 2025 at Providence Place.
Born in Pottsville, September 23, 1946, she was a daughter of the late Norman L and Eleanor (Sincavage) Fidler.
She was a 1964 graduate of Minersville Area High School and went on to work as a Registered Nurse at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, providing maternity care for 25+ years.
She was a member fo the former St. Francis of Assisi RCC, now Holy Family Parish of Minersville. Janet enjoyed reading and traveling.
She is survived by her husband Joseph John Weschules of Pottsville; Son Douglas J. Weschules and his wife filve Kimberly of Downingtown; her Grandchildren are Maxwell and Emily Weschules.
Graveside Services will be private at the convenience of the family in St. Francis Cemetery, Minersville.
Cheryl Lee Correll, age 68, of St. Clair, PA passed away Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 at The Gardens at York Terrace in Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville, PA on August 25, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Lester J. and Mary L. (Reilly) Correll.
Cheryl was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School. She worked at Weis Markets Bakery in Pottsville and then at Schoeneman's Warehouse.
Cheryl was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Port Carbon, she loved taking pictures, going to the Casino, and vacationing on cruises.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers: Donald and Brian Correll
Cheryl is survived by sisters: Judith Stephenson, Pottsville and Cynthia Bynon, St. Clair; brothers: Gary Correll, St. Clair, Michael Correll, Middleport, Timothy Correll, Mechanicsville, Thomas Correll, St. Clair, and Mark Correll, Palo Alto; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 6:30PM on Wednesday, February 19th, with Rev. Marge Kropp officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday evening from 5-6:30PM at Funeral Home.
Interment will be held private.
Margaret (Peggy) Cecelia Josephine (Biltheiser) Zelinsky, age 95, of Pottsville, PA, passed away into the hands of Jesus on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Born and raised in Bunker Hill, Pottsville on March 19, 1929, she was the daughter of the late John and Gertrude (Lynch), Biltheiser. She was employed as an office manager at Town & Country Department Store, Pottsville and then the Union Bank, Pottsville. Margaret was a graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School, Class of 1946, and a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in St. Clair. She loved playing cards, traveling, family outings, and most of all, dancing to Polkas with her husband Michael.
Margaret was the last member of her immediate family. Being preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 52 years Michael M. in 2001, a son Michael M. III in 2001, brothers: John, Joseph, and Philip Biltheiser, sisters: Mary Lubinsky, Ann Heckman, and Gertrude Barone.
Margaret is survived by her daughter Judith A Johnson, sons: Gregory, Mark, Matthew (Janet), Alan (Colleen). Eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church,
St. Clair at 11AM on Saturday, February 15th, with Msgr William Glosser officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Saturday morning from 9.30-11AM at the Church. Interment will be held in the Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery in Pottsville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Clare of Assisi Church Memorial Fund 250 East Hancock Street Saint Clair, PA 17970.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
Michael A. Clemens, 56, of Donaldson, passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 26, 2025 in Tremont.
Mike was born on Monday, June 17, 1968 in Pottsville, a son of Marie Gaunttle Clemens, Donaldson and the late Clayton B. Clemens, Jr.
He attended Pine Grove Area High School. He previously worked as a coal miner and also worked at Guilford Mills for a number of years. He could often be found doing odd jobs around the area for his family and friends.
In his spare time he enjoyed collecting carnival glasses, going to and selling items to local flea markets, and spending time with his friends. He liked sprint car racing and watching comedy shows. In his younger years he was a skilled baseball player and enjoyed hunting. He will be remembered for his sense of humor. This past year he dedicated the majority of his time to taking care of his mother.
Surviving in addition to his mother are his daughter, Amanda Clemens, Donaldson, a grandson Spencer; one brother, Steven Clemens, Donaldson; a sister, Tina Hoy, Zerbe; a niece, Laisey Hoy, Minersville.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City has been honored to serve Mike's family with his cremation arrangements.
Francis H. "Corky" Barton, 94 of Pottsville, died Wednesday night at Luther Ridge Senior Living, Pottsville.
He was born January 16, 1931, in Llewellyn a son of the late, Jerome and Celestine Starr Barton.
He was a 1949 graduate of Branch Township High School and later served in the Army during the Korean War.
Prior to retiring in 1990 he was employed by the former Bell Telephone.
Corky was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Walter Griffiths AMVETS Post #180, Yorkville Hose Fire Co. all of Pottsville; VFW Post 8126 Havre de Grace, MD; Frackville F&AM Lodge #737 where he was past Master.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jerome Barton; a son-in-law Michael Maley; brother-in-law F. Allen Artz, Jr; sister-in-law, Jean Barton.
Surviving are his wife, Dolores Mayernick Barton; 2 sons, Robert Barton and his wife, Robin; William Barton and his wife Christina; a daughter, Linda Maley; all of Pottsville. 5 grandchildren, Samantha and her husband, Matthew; Shawn and his wife Katie; Cassidy, Lindsey, Alex; great-grandchildren; a sister, Diane Barton Artz, Llewellyn; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 7PM Thursday from the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 5PM until the time of services. Interment with military honors will be held privately at a later date. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Corky be made to any veteran's organization of your choice.
The last surviving member of her immediate family, Ida is also preceded in death by all of her siblings: Wilbert, Henry, Clarence, Kara Lynn, & Pearl Reber, Dorothy Hauptly, Joyce Luckenbill, & Alberta Huntzinger. She is also preceded in death by her grandson, Adam Grickis and great great grandson Koda Mount.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted on March 28th at 11am at Zion Red Church, Orwigsburg, with Rev. Dr. Jan Remer-Osborn officiating. A Visitation will be held from 10 until the time of service at the church.
Interment will be private.
At the request of Ida’s family, in lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity International, 322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709-3543 USA (www.habitat.org/donate), or to Zion Red Church, 1287 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg PA 17961.
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Janet Eleanor Weschules RN, 78, of Pottsville, formerly of Minersville passed away Thursday January 31, 2025 at Providence Place.
Born in Pottsville, September 23, 1946, she was a daughter of the late Norman L and Eleanor (Sincavage) Fidler.
She was a 1964 graduate of Minersville Area High School and went on to work as a Registered Nurse at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, providing maternity care for 25+ years.
She was a member fo the former St. Francis of Assisi RCC, now Holy Family Parish of Minersville. Janet enjoyed reading and traveling.
She is survived by her husband Joseph John Weschules of Pottsville; Son Douglas J. Weschules and his wife filve Kimberly of Downingtown; her Grandchildren are Maxwell and Emily Weschules.
Graveside Services will be private at the convenience of the family in St. Francis Cemetery, Minersville.
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Born in Pottsville, PA on August 25, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Lester J. and Mary L. (Reilly) Correll.
Cheryl was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School. She worked at Weis Markets Bakery in Pottsville and then at Schoeneman's Warehouse.
Cheryl was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Port Carbon, she loved taking pictures, going to the Casino, and vacationing on cruises.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers: Donald and Brian Correll
Cheryl is survived by sisters: Judith Stephenson, Pottsville and Cynthia Bynon, St. Clair; brothers: Gary Correll, St. Clair, Michael Correll, Middleport, Timothy Correll, Mechanicsville, Thomas Correll, St. Clair, and Mark Correll, Palo Alto; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 6:30PM on Wednesday, February 19th, with Rev. Marge Kropp officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday evening from 5-6:30PM at Funeral Home.
Interment will be held private.
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Born and raised in Bunker Hill, Pottsville on March 19, 1929, she was the daughter of the late John and Gertrude (Lynch), Biltheiser. She was employed as an office manager at Town & Country Department Store, Pottsville and then the Union Bank, Pottsville. Margaret was a graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School, Class of 1946, and a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in St. Clair. She loved playing cards, traveling, family outings, and most of all, dancing to Polkas with her husband Michael.
Margaret was the last member of her immediate family. Being preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 52 years Michael M. in 2001, a son Michael M. III in 2001, brothers: John, Joseph, and Philip Biltheiser, sisters: Mary Lubinsky, Ann Heckman, and Gertrude Barone.
Margaret is survived by her daughter Judith A Johnson, sons: Gregory, Mark, Matthew (Janet), Alan (Colleen). Eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church,
St. Clair at 11AM on Saturday, February 15th, with Msgr William Glosser officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Saturday morning from 9.30-11AM at the Church. Interment will be held in the Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery in Pottsville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Clare of Assisi Church Memorial Fund 250 East Hancock Street Saint Clair, PA 17970.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
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Mike was born on Monday, June 17, 1968 in Pottsville, a son of Marie Gaunttle Clemens, Donaldson and the late Clayton B. Clemens, Jr.
He attended Pine Grove Area High School. He previously worked as a coal miner and also worked at Guilford Mills for a number of years. He could often be found doing odd jobs around the area for his family and friends.
In his spare time he enjoyed collecting carnival glasses, going to and selling items to local flea markets, and spending time with his friends. He liked sprint car racing and watching comedy shows. In his younger years he was a skilled baseball player and enjoyed hunting. He will be remembered for his sense of humor. This past year he dedicated the majority of his time to taking care of his mother.
Surviving in addition to his mother are his daughter, Amanda Clemens, Donaldson, a grandson Spencer; one brother, Steven Clemens, Donaldson; a sister, Tina Hoy, Zerbe; a niece, Laisey Hoy, Minersville.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City has been honored to serve Mike's family with his cremation arrangements.
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He was born January 16, 1931, in Llewellyn a son of the late, Jerome and Celestine Starr Barton.
He was a 1949 graduate of Branch Township High School and later served in the Army during the Korean War.
Prior to retiring in 1990 he was employed by the former Bell Telephone.
Corky was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Walter Griffiths AMVETS Post #180, Yorkville Hose Fire Co. all of Pottsville; VFW Post 8126 Havre de Grace, MD; Frackville F&AM Lodge #737 where he was past Master.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jerome Barton; a son-in-law Michael Maley; brother-in-law F. Allen Artz, Jr; sister-in-law, Jean Barton.
Surviving are his wife, Dolores Mayernick Barton; 2 sons, Robert Barton and his wife, Robin; William Barton and his wife Christina; a daughter, Linda Maley; all of Pottsville. 5 grandchildren, Samantha and her husband, Matthew; Shawn and his wife Katie; Cassidy, Lindsey, Alex; great-grandchildren; a sister, Diane Barton Artz, Llewellyn; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 7PM Thursday from the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 5PM until the time of services. Interment with military honors will be held privately at a later date. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Corky be made to any veteran's organization of your choice.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville