Schuylkill County Obituaries for March 9th, 2025

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Skook News Obituaries: March 9th, 2025

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area. 

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Margaret “Margie” Orris, 79, of Frackville, Pennsylvania passed away on March 7, 2025 at Virtua Hospital, Mt Holly, New Jersey. She was the wife of the late John “JR” Orris who passed away in May of 2023. A lifelong resident of Frackville, she was the daughter of the late John and Margaret (Harvest) Kuchta. She was a graduate of Frackville High School Class of 1963. Throughout her life, Margie was a Bell telephone operator, Sears sales associate in the appliance department, and enjoyed working with her family at their watercraft concession in Quakertown. Her most treasured accomplishments included being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Margie enjoyed spending time with the Frackville senior citizens as well as having a good pull at the slot machines in the casinos. Margie valued being a lifetime member of the Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church in Frackville. She is predeceased by her two brothers: Deacon Robert Kuchta and the Very Reverend John Kuchta.

Surviving is one daughter Dr Margie Orris, two sons Dr John Orris and Dr Michael Orris; 5 grandchildren Olivia, Zachary, Sophia, Michael Jr and Victoria.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 9:30-11:00 AM at the Mark J Hummel Funeral Home, 48 N Broad Mountain Ave, Frackville, PA. Religious services to follow at 11:00 AM by Rev. Kirill Zawatski. Interment will be in the parish cemetery following services. MARK J HUMMEL FUNERAL HOME has charge of arrangements.

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David W. Blankenhorn, 70, of Pottsville passed away Friday March 7 2025 at Geisinger St. Luke's Orwigsburg. Born in Pottsville Feb. 25, 1955, he was the son of Robert and Marianne (Beissel) Blankenhorn. David graduated from PAHS class of 1973, where he was a drummer for the marching band. David was a prior member of the Humane fire company, A volunteer firefighter, and one of the first 18 yr olds sworn into the fire dept.

He worked in EMS for 26 yrs, the last 14 yrs of his career in Reading PA, followed by security at the Limerick Nuclear Plant. He attended the Culinary Institute of America, and his family enjoyed his cooking and baking. David was instrumental in volunteering with the former Coal Cracker Young Marines of Minersville. Most recently he was a home health caretaker/aide where he enjoyed his connections with the people, whether it be grocery shopping or just going for a drive with good music blasting! David also enjoyed learning the card game of "Magic" with one of his clients.

David was an excellent marksman and enjoyed hunting with guns and bows as well as fishing, and also enjoyed playing darts and pool. David was passionate about always putting his all into whatever he did, and proving that what he was always told he can't do, He could! His passion was reflected in his love for vehicles and car shows.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years the former Victoria Holshue Son Michael and fiance Malissa, Auburn Son Shawn and wife Gabby, Orwigsburg Son Keith and girlfriend Amy, Lykens 4 Grandchildren Ty, Jayden, Chase and Kelcie. Brother Robb and wife Teresa Blankenhorn, Hamburg Sister Lynn and husband Daniel Moyer, Pottsville Sister Donna and husband William "Chipper" Dallatore, Orwigsburg

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a service on Thursday March 13 at 11am at the Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home with Rev. Hugh Vrablic, pastor of the United Presbyterian Church of Pottsville, officiating the services.

A viewing will be held from 10am until the time of service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow in Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.

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Joan K. Heberling, 89, of Williamstown, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, March 9, 2025 at the Hershey Medical Center.

Born in Williamstown on September 3, 1935, a daughter of the late Russell and Ethel James Shomper. She was a 1953 graduate of Williamstown High School.

Joan was a social member of the Tower City American Legion.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold "Heb" Heberling, August 4, 2018, and her son, Russell Scott Heberling, April 21, 2023.

She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many close friends who cared for her.

Following Joan's wishes, she will be laid to rest privately in the Williamstown Methodist Cemetery.

The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Joan's family.

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Walter "Wimp" Petrachonis, 72, a resident of Nescopeck, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 7, 2025.

Wimp was born in Ringtown on October 22, 1952, a son of the late Joseph and Betty (Shoup) Petrachonis. He was a graduate of the former Ringtown High School, and was a life long self employed musician, mastering the art of the guitar.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joe in 2021, and his long time companion, Linda Hassenbein, in 2024.

Wimp is survived by a son, Jeremy Petrachonis of Mountain Top, and a step daughter, Rebecca Hassenbein, of Albrightsville.

Funeral service details are pending and will be announced upon completion.

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Elizabeth “Betty” Vogel, 81, formerly of McAdoo, passed away Friday morning at the Manor at St. Luke Village, Hazleton.

Born in Chester, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Dora (Hinkle) Beam.

Prior to retiring, she was employed in the area garment industry.

Preceding her in death, were an infant son; a daughter, Barbara Harvilla; and sisters, Arlene Adams and Eleanor Bittner.

Surviving are her daughter, Jean Olear and husband John, Kelayres; son, Frank Willis and wife Tracey, Weatherly; daughter, Stephanie Dziak and husband Bruce, Colorado; grandchildren, Keith, Heather, Frank III, Catherine, Tyler, and Bruce Jr.; greatgrandchildren, Aubrey, Cameron, and Addison; and nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

The Damiano Funeral Home, McAdoo, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville