Skook News Obituaries: March 20th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Sandra Fahringer, 83, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025.Sandra was born in Pottsville on November 11, 1941, a daughter of the late Raymond and Gertrude (Ebert) Reifsnyder.
She was an excellent baker and enjoyed gardening and puzzles to pass her time. Sandra was a longtime employee of the Schuylkill Haven Shoe Company,
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Nelson Gilbert and by her second husband, Bruce Fahringer along with siblings, "Whitey" Reifsnyder, "Duz" Reifsnyder and Carol Neidlinger.
She is survived by her children, David Gilbert, Carol O'Grady and Sandra, wife of Christopher Noll. A brother, Elmer "Buddy" Reifsnyder survives as do six grandchildren, three great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
A Service Celebrating Sandra's Life will be held at the Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 West Market Street, Pottsville at 6 pm on Wednesday, March 26th. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Sandra's family from 5-6 PM prior to the service.
Sandra will be laid to rest alongside her husband Bruce at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, after the service.
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She was the loving wife of Arthur J. Lewis.
Born February 26, 1946 in Wilmington, DE she was the daughter of the late Jacob Couk and Marian Turner.
Nancy was a graduate of William Penn High School.
She was employed by Ark Senior Care as a caretaker.
Surviving are her husband: Arthur J. Lewis of Tamaqua and two grandchildren; Dracon and Sieh Lewis. Also surviving is one great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her son Kelly James Lewis who passed in 2008.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
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He was the husband of Gail A. (Wills) Eisley, whom he was married to for 61 years.
Born September 25, 1941, in Coaldale, PA, he was the son of the late Harry A. and Helen Mae (Einhouse) Eisley, Jr.
Harry retired from Lehigh Coal and Navigation where he worked as a maintenance supervisor.
He attended Tamaqua Area High School until making the decision to enlist and proudly serve his country in the United States Army.
Harry was a member of St. John's U.C.C.
In his younger years he enjoyed traveling with Gail. Whether it be a trip to the shore, one of their many cruises, or his favorite, their annual trips to Vegas. He could always find an adventure with her by his side.
He looked forward to Michael’s fourth of July parties and the annual family Christmas Eve celebration, nothing made him happier than having his entire family in one place and watching all the great grandchildren together. Harry always liked football, rooting for the Dallas Cowboys. However, his love for football quickly took the back burner when his great grandchildren took up sports. He never missed a soccer game, and weekends were spent traveling the state to watch “his girls” play. More recently his excitement turned to basketball and trips to the local games to root for his great grandson.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his children: Leslie W. along with his wife Tara Eisley. Daughter, Cindy L. Reigel. In addition are his grandchildren: Lisa Reigel and her companion Shawn Frantz. Michael and his wife Jennifer Reigel.
Also surviving are his great grandchildren: Taylor, Ryleigh, Destin, Jackson and Addison. Sister in laws Nancy and Ann Marie Eisley. Many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brothers: William and Herbert Eisley.
A Funeral service will be held Monday evening at 7 pm at the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252. A viewing will be held from 5:30 pm to 7pm at the funeral home.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
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She was born July 9, 1926, in Pottsville a daughter of the late Clem and Mae Higgins Alexis
She was a 1944 graduate of Minersville High School and a graduate of the American Institute of Banking
Jayne worked most of her life for St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, as bookkeeper and secretary of St. Patrick Cemeteries which, include St. Patrick #2 and #3 Cemeteries, Calvary Cemetery and St. Joseph Cemetery, from 1975-2014.
Jayne was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville and a life member of the former Garfield School PTA.
Throughout her life Jayne loved to paint and draw beautiful sketches, she also enjoyed vacations in Cape May, NJ, and having Friday night dinner at the former Gramma's Restaurant in Pottsville.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis Pfluger on September 28, 2006, a sister, Penny Alexis Pflueger.
Surviving are her daughter Kristin Pfluger and her husband Randall Freeman; Deturksville; a granddaughter, Clarie Pfluger; her niece Penny’s daughter, Suzanne Pflueger-Patridge; nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 11AM from St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 10AM until the time of mass. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
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Born on August 10, 1943 in Pottsville she was the daughter of the late Margaret (Hebert) and Curtis Banning.
Kay graduated from Tamaqua Area High School in 1960. She then went on to graduate from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1966. As a pharmacist Kay worked for Banor Drug in Tamaqua. In addition to being a pharmacist Kay and her husband owned and operated Paul Chevrolet in Ashland and Kay Orkin Chevrolet in Tamaqua for many years.
She was of the Lutheran faith and was a member of First United Presbyterian Church in Ashland and a former member of St. Paul’s Lutheran in Gordon. She also was the former choir director at Zion Lutheran in Tamaqua.
For over 60 years Kay was the wife of Paul Orkin, they were married in 1965.
Kay enjoyed gourmet cooking, reading, golf and collecting 1920’s antique Whiting and Daris art deco mesh purses.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Dr. Richard Banning.
Kay is survived by; spouse Paul Orkin, Ashland; daughter Jacqueline Sturr (Matthew), Laurel MD; son Ben Orkin (Erin), Ashland; grandchildren Dorothy, Alexander & Abigail; nephew Dr Todd Banning DO (Lisa), Lehighton; niece Dr. Rebecca Banning MD, FL; sister-in-law Linda Banning, Andreas.
Services will be private at the family’s request. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to First United Presbyterian Church, 200 N. 9th St, Ashland PA 17921 or American Cancer Society, 16 N 4th St, Minersville PA 17954.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Donaldson, on March 9, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Ethel (Tobin) Reidler (Reightler) and Samuel Reightler.
Married 68 years, Joan was the widow of Harold W. Berkheiser.
After attending business school, Joan was employed at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Camp Hill; Lykens Valley Tannery, Pine Grove; Alpha Mills, Schuylkill Haven; and retired from Argo Knitting Mills, Schuylkill Haven.
Joan was a member of St. Paul's Summer Hill United Church of Christ, Auburn
Joan is survived by a son, Harold R. Berkheiser, husband of Janis, of Lebanon; two daughters, Karen Berkheiser, of Schuylkill Haven; & Linda, wife of Frank Honyara, of Schuylkill Haven. She is also survived by grandchildren: Aaron Honyara, Evan Berkheiser, husband of Christy, Kaitlyn, wife of Cody Miele; great grandchildren: Olive Berkheiser and Dutch Miele; siblings, Claire Coleman and Charles Reidler, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Joan is preceded in death by brothers: Robert Reightler, Samuel "Mike" Reidler, Harold "Johnny" Reidler, & Leslie Reightler, and sister, Janet Lengel.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 24th at St. Paul's Summer Hill United Church of Christ, Auburn with Pastor Kenneth McDowell officiating. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
Interment will follow at Summer Hill Cemetery, Auburn.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to St. Paul's Summer Hill United Church of Christ, 1235 Summer Hill Rd. Auburn, PA 17922.
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Nancy Karpowicz, 71, a resident of Shenandoah, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 16th, 2025.
Nancy was born in Philadelphia, on May 5, 1953, a daughter of the late Leonard and Ann (Kaplafka) Dugal. She worked and lived in the West Virginia area until 2018, working in the banking industry and also a a deputy tax collector in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Upon retirement, she and her husband John moved to the Shenandoah area.
In addition to her husband John, she is survived by two sons, Andrew, with Kathy and Michael. Four grandchildren, Nicholas, Nathan, Andrew and Julianne also survive as does a step-sister, Susie Curry.
Nancy will be laid to rest at a later date at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville during private services.
The Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Ringtown, is assisting Nancy's family during their time of need.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
