Skook News Obituaries: December 26, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late Luther and MaryEllen (Keim) Kraft. Bob worked in the maintenance department at Boscov’s and North Schuylkill School District until his retirement.
Bob was a 1961 graduate of the former Ashland High School where he excelled in sports playing football, basketball, baseball and track and field. He went on to graduate from Murray State Junior College in Oklahoma with an Associate’s Degree.
Bob was a United States Air Force Veteran stationed at Elmendorf in Anchorage, Alaska during the earthquake in 1964; he played multiple sports during his enlisted times.
Bob was active in his local community where he was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Frackville and taught Sunday School. He was a member of the Frackville Jaycees, Frackville American Legion Post 398, Frackville Senior Citizens where he enjoyed traveling on their long trips, Friendship Fire Company Englewood, Frackville Ambulance, where he served as the Former Chief, American Red Cross and American Heart - CPR and First Aid Instructor, EMT Instructor; he coached youth sports for the Ashland Black Diamonds and Frackville Mountaineers; he coached football for the North Schuylkill Spartans and served as an EMT, Baseball Statistician, Game Manager and Ticket Collector for the North Schuylkill Athletic Department.
As his time as an athlete, Bob played semi-pro for the Ringtown A’s Baseball Organization and the Schuylkill County Coal Crackers Football. He was inducted into the Jerry Wolman, Northern Anthracite Chapter, Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra Holmes; a nephew, Michael Cataldo; a stillborn brother, Mark Kraft; brother-in-law, Gerald Stromsky.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Kathy M. (Klock) Kraft, Frackville; his daughter Jennifer L. Kraft, Frackville; his sisters: Sharon Cataldo and her husband Joe, Ashland; Betty Stromsky, Lititz; nephew, Joseph R. Cataldo; niece, Amy Kwiatkowski; his niece and god-daughter, Stephanie Stamm; his brother-in-law, Mickey Holmes; his great nieces, Rachael Cataldo and Erin (Taylor) Pecika and their son EJ; his loving dogs and companions, Tucker and Sadie Mae; also survived by additional nieces and nephews.
Graveside services with military honors will be held on Friday at 11:30 a.m. from Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven with Msgr. William Glosser officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in Robert’s name, to the Friendship Fire Company PO Box 157 Frackville, PA 17931 or to the charity of your choice.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Sharon A. Kellner, 51 years of age of Coaldale, Pennsylvania died from injuries sustained due to a motor vehicle accident on Thursday, December 21, 2023, on Blakeslee Blvd in Lehighton, Pennsylvania.
Born Saturday, July 15, 1972 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Sharon is survived by; husband, Richard Jay Kellner; mother, Audrey M. Johnson; step daughter, Jennifer Schwoyer and her husband Daniel; brothers, Donald W. Johnson and his wife Sandy, Clifford L. Johnson and his wife Charlene; sister, Kathryn A. Johnson wife of Gene; grandson, David Schwoyer; great grandchild, Kinsley Knapp, nieces, and nephews.
Sharon was predeceased by; father, Donald R. Johnson; brother, Gregory V. Johnson; stepson, Richard R. Kellner; step grandchild, Amber Lynn Schwoyer.
Sharon's interest in her life was the love of training dogs and her compassion for animals. Sharon will be remembered by her family for her love of her husband Richard and the love of her church family.
Private funeral arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
Thomas D. Bair, 82 of Pottsville died peacefully Christmas Eve at home surrounded by his loving wife, daughter and son-in-law.
He was born January 25, 1941 in Pottsville a son of the late Albert L. and Helena I. Papasodero Bair.
He attended Pottsville School's.
Tom proudly served his country in the Army, 82nd Airborne Division attaining the rank of SP4. He was stationed in Fort Dix, NJ., Fort Bragg, NC and Pirmasens, Germany during the Vietnam War.
He worked 60 years for various trucking companies as a well as Miller Brothers Construction prior to retiring.
Tom was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, Robert E. Baker American Legion Post # 38, Schuylkill Haven, and was a life member of American Hose Company, Pottsville.
Throughout his life Tom enjoyed motorcycle riding for charities, his corvette and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Emma Bair; a nephew, Raymond Yocum.
Surviving is his wife of 54 years, Martha "Micki" McShaw Bair; a daughter, Laci Wyda and her husband Michael J., St. Clair; a sister, Tina Keip and her husband David, Tamaqua. nieces, nephews, cousins.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11AM from the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, with Rev. Chris Rothharpt officiating. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 9AM until the time of services. Interment with military honors will follow at Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Tom be made to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.
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Carole C. Reilly, 93, Ashland passed away peacefully on Monday, December 25th with her loving family at her side.
Born in Shenandoah, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Larkin) Hentz.
Carole was a 1947 graduate of the former West Mahanoy Township High School. After graduation, she continued her education at McCann’s School of Business. She then went on to work in the marketing department of the Shenandoah Evening Herald, for Bell Telephone and ended her career working with her husband for Daley’s Clothing Store until they both retired in 1999.
She was a member of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Ashland, the former Fountain Springs Country Club, Friends of Saint Joseph and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Carole shared a love of Bridge, belonging to a Bridge Club with her many friends for over 50 years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years in 2012, John F. Reilly; her brothers: Joseph, Jack, Vincent, Leo, Bernard and Donald; her sisters: Marie and Jule.
Carole is survived by her 3 children: Maureen and her husband James Leibig, Ashland; Karen and her husband Rick Hayek, Collegeville; and her son John F. Reilly Jr., Ashland; her sister, Joanne Lazusky, Frackville; her 8 grandchildren: Katie Muscalus, James Leibig Jr., Jonathan, Christopher, Anthony and David Hayek, John F. Reilly III and Tony Reilly; her 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 30th at 12 noon at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland with Rev. Guiseppe Esposito, pastor, as the celebrant. Friends are invited to her viewing at the church on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. Interment will follow the mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Ashland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made, in Carole’s name, to Saint Charles Borromeo Parish at 1115 Walnut Street, Ashland, PA 17921.
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.
Boe D. Pillsbury, 52, of Old Forge Rd., Pine Grove, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at home.
Born on November 20, 1971 in Pottsville, he was a son of Kitty M. (Spittler) and husband Robert Sowers Sr. of Pine Grove and the late Thomas H. Pillsbury
He was a 1990 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School where he played football and was a member of JROTC and the Debate Team. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 27th Engineers Combat airborne 18th airborne Corp. in Ft. Bragg, N.C.
Boe had been a member of Boy Scout Troop 111 where he achieved the rank of Life Scout. He loved to search flea markets, antiquing, muscle cars, and motorcycles, He was an avid reader with a love of history and enjoyed watching jeopardy. He was happiest spending time in the garage working on and restoring different projects.
Boe worked at various warehouses in the area.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his step mother, Gail Pillsbury; maternal grandparents, Thomas W. Spittler and Shirley J. and husband Joseph Butcavage; paternal grandparents, Charles and Alice Pillsbury; maternal great grandmother Grace Fegley.
Surviving, in addition to his mother and step father, are his wife, Sarah Strouphauer Pillsbury; three sons, Gavin, Connor and Alexander Pillsbury; a granddaughter, Isabella J. Stoudt; his rescue dog "Boy"; two sisters, Hope and husband Daniel Orwig, Shannon Yoder and companion Jacob Camarena, both of Pine Grove; two step brothers, Robert Sowers, Jr., of Pine Grove, Ryan and husband Reniel Castaneira of Florida; a step sister, Bobbi Jo Sowers of Harrisburg; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Noon, at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc, Pine Grove with Pastor John Hassler officiating. There will be a visitation on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 10:30 A.M. until Noon at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 18 Wertz Dr., Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
Born Saturday, July 15, 1972 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Sharon is survived by; husband, Richard Jay Kellner; mother, Audrey M. Johnson; step daughter, Jennifer Schwoyer and her husband Daniel; brothers, Donald W. Johnson and his wife Sandy, Clifford L. Johnson and his wife Charlene; sister, Kathryn A. Johnson wife of Gene; grandson, David Schwoyer; great grandchild, Kinsley Knapp, nieces, and nephews.
Sharon was predeceased by; father, Donald R. Johnson; brother, Gregory V. Johnson; stepson, Richard R. Kellner; step grandchild, Amber Lynn Schwoyer.
Sharon's interest in her life was the love of training dogs and her compassion for animals. Sharon will be remembered by her family for her love of her husband Richard and the love of her church family.
Private funeral arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
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He was born January 25, 1941 in Pottsville a son of the late Albert L. and Helena I. Papasodero Bair.
He attended Pottsville School's.
Tom proudly served his country in the Army, 82nd Airborne Division attaining the rank of SP4. He was stationed in Fort Dix, NJ., Fort Bragg, NC and Pirmasens, Germany during the Vietnam War.
He worked 60 years for various trucking companies as a well as Miller Brothers Construction prior to retiring.
Tom was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, Robert E. Baker American Legion Post # 38, Schuylkill Haven, and was a life member of American Hose Company, Pottsville.
Throughout his life Tom enjoyed motorcycle riding for charities, his corvette and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Emma Bair; a nephew, Raymond Yocum.
Surviving is his wife of 54 years, Martha "Micki" McShaw Bair; a daughter, Laci Wyda and her husband Michael J., St. Clair; a sister, Tina Keip and her husband David, Tamaqua. nieces, nephews, cousins.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11AM from the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, with Rev. Chris Rothharpt officiating. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 9AM until the time of services. Interment with military honors will follow at Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Tom be made to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.
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Born in Shenandoah, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Larkin) Hentz.
Carole was a 1947 graduate of the former West Mahanoy Township High School. After graduation, she continued her education at McCann’s School of Business. She then went on to work in the marketing department of the Shenandoah Evening Herald, for Bell Telephone and ended her career working with her husband for Daley’s Clothing Store until they both retired in 1999.
She was a member of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Ashland, the former Fountain Springs Country Club, Friends of Saint Joseph and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Carole shared a love of Bridge, belonging to a Bridge Club with her many friends for over 50 years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years in 2012, John F. Reilly; her brothers: Joseph, Jack, Vincent, Leo, Bernard and Donald; her sisters: Marie and Jule.
Carole is survived by her 3 children: Maureen and her husband James Leibig, Ashland; Karen and her husband Rick Hayek, Collegeville; and her son John F. Reilly Jr., Ashland; her sister, Joanne Lazusky, Frackville; her 8 grandchildren: Katie Muscalus, James Leibig Jr., Jonathan, Christopher, Anthony and David Hayek, John F. Reilly III and Tony Reilly; her 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 30th at 12 noon at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland with Rev. Guiseppe Esposito, pastor, as the celebrant. Friends are invited to her viewing at the church on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. Interment will follow the mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Ashland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made, in Carole’s name, to Saint Charles Borromeo Parish at 1115 Walnut Street, Ashland, PA 17921.
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 on November 20, 1971 in Pottsville, he was a son of Kitty M. (Spittler) and husband Robert Sowers Sr. of Pine Grove and the late Thomas H. Pillsbury
He was a 1990 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School where he played football and was a member of JROTC and the Debate Team. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 27th Engineers Combat airborne 18th airborne Corp. in Ft. Bragg, N.C.
Boe had been a member of Boy Scout Troop 111 where he achieved the rank of Life Scout. He loved to search flea markets, antiquing, muscle cars, and motorcycles, He was an avid reader with a love of history and enjoyed watching jeopardy. He was happiest spending time in the garage working on and restoring different projects.
Boe worked at various warehouses in the area.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his step mother, Gail Pillsbury; maternal grandparents, Thomas W. Spittler and Shirley J. and husband Joseph Butcavage; paternal grandparents, Charles and Alice Pillsbury; maternal great grandmother Grace Fegley.
Surviving, in addition to his mother and step father, are his wife, Sarah Strouphauer Pillsbury; three sons, Gavin, Connor and Alexander Pillsbury; a granddaughter, Isabella J. Stoudt; his rescue dog "Boy"; two sisters, Hope and husband Daniel Orwig, Shannon Yoder and companion Jacob Camarena, both of Pine Grove; two step brothers, Robert Sowers, Jr., of Pine Grove, Ryan and husband Reniel Castaneira of Florida; a step sister, Bobbi Jo Sowers of Harrisburg; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Noon, at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc, Pine Grove with Pastor John Hassler officiating. There will be a visitation on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 10:30 A.M. until Noon at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 18 Wertz Dr., Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
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Joann E. Woodward, 70, of Ashland passed away Tuesday December 26th at home.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Barbara A. Williard, 81, of Auburn, passed away Saturday, December 23rd, at Reading Hospital, West Reading.
Born in Pottsville, on October 1, 1942, a daughter of the late Irene (Patterson) and J. Stanley Reed.
She was the widow of Gurney Q. Williard, who passed away in 2022.
She was a member of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Schuylkill Haven.
She is survived by daughters; Suzanne, wife of David Johns, of Schuylkill Haven and Sherre, wife of Nevin Maurer, of Pitman, step daughter Carolyn, wife of Randy Jacobs, of Clinton, NC, a step son, Dwayne, husband of Sheila Williard, of Clinton, NC, 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a brother J. Daniel Reed husband of Elizabeth, Orwigsburg.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 3rd at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc in Schuylkill Haven with Rev. Ted Rathman officiating.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the service at the funeral Home.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Red Creek Wildlife Center 300 Moon Hill Drive Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
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Kevin Darrell "Buddy" McFarland, Sr., 68, of Pottsville, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 23rd, in Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest, Allentown.
Born in Oil City, PA on August 20, 1955, he was a son of the late Wallace Polley and Ruth (Jackson) McFarland.
He attended Pottsville Area High School and also heavy equipment operator school in Florida.
Kevin worked at Carpenter Technology Corporation as a crane operator and then Mazucca Enterprises, where he was a truck driver for over 30 years.
He was a member of the Mason Lodge #59.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kelly A. Walker; siblings: Tony McFarland; John Murphy; and China Taylor.
Kevin is survived by daughter, Innocentia S. McFarland, of Blackwood, NJ; sons: Kevin D. McFarland Jr., of Hamburg; Timothy J. McFarland, of Pottsville; Thomas A. McFarland, of Williamsport, PA; and Brandon D. McFarland, of Willow Grove, PA; grandchildren: Elijah, Sincere, and A'Miah Walker, Essence , Kevin III, Prince, Amirra, Major, and Thomas Jr. McFarland, Peyton, and Penelope Wilson, Shaniya and Vayda McShaw, Darien, Tessa, Tiarra, and Stefan Nelson; Kaydiere Teel; Kahadijah Sanders; siblings: Michael, James, and Timmy Murphy; Jeffrey and Joshua Polley; Puggy McFarland; Rebecca Stubbs; and Cynthia Winston.
Through the years Kevin was loved by Ann McFarland; Angel Murphy, and Sonia Nelson.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 30th at 11:30 a.m. at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St. Pottsville.
A viewing will be held at 10:30 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Fern A. (Nana) Schaeffer, 97, of Orwigsburg, passed peacefully, Sunday, December 24th, with her family by her side.
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Joann E. Woodward, 70, of Ashland passed away Tuesday December 26th at home.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Barbara A. Williard, 81, of Auburn, passed away Saturday, December 23rd, at Reading Hospital, West Reading.
Born in Pottsville, on October 1, 1942, a daughter of the late Irene (Patterson) and J. Stanley Reed.
She was the widow of Gurney Q. Williard, who passed away in 2022.
She was a member of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Schuylkill Haven.
She is survived by daughters; Suzanne, wife of David Johns, of Schuylkill Haven and Sherre, wife of Nevin Maurer, of Pitman, step daughter Carolyn, wife of Randy Jacobs, of Clinton, NC, a step son, Dwayne, husband of Sheila Williard, of Clinton, NC, 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a brother J. Daniel Reed husband of Elizabeth, Orwigsburg.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 3rd at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc in Schuylkill Haven with Rev. Ted Rathman officiating.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the service at the funeral Home.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Red Creek Wildlife Center 300 Moon Hill Drive Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
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Born in Oil City, PA on August 20, 1955, he was a son of the late Wallace Polley and Ruth (Jackson) McFarland.
He attended Pottsville Area High School and also heavy equipment operator school in Florida.
Kevin worked at Carpenter Technology Corporation as a crane operator and then Mazucca Enterprises, where he was a truck driver for over 30 years.
He was a member of the Mason Lodge #59.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kelly A. Walker; siblings: Tony McFarland; John Murphy; and China Taylor.
Kevin is survived by daughter, Innocentia S. McFarland, of Blackwood, NJ; sons: Kevin D. McFarland Jr., of Hamburg; Timothy J. McFarland, of Pottsville; Thomas A. McFarland, of Williamsport, PA; and Brandon D. McFarland, of Willow Grove, PA; grandchildren: Elijah, Sincere, and A'Miah Walker, Essence , Kevin III, Prince, Amirra, Major, and Thomas Jr. McFarland, Peyton, and Penelope Wilson, Shaniya and Vayda McShaw, Darien, Tessa, Tiarra, and Stefan Nelson; Kaydiere Teel; Kahadijah Sanders; siblings: Michael, James, and Timmy Murphy; Jeffrey and Joshua Polley; Puggy McFarland; Rebecca Stubbs; and Cynthia Winston.
Through the years Kevin was loved by Ann McFarland; Angel Murphy, and Sonia Nelson.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 30th at 11:30 a.m. at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St. Pottsville.
A viewing will be held at 10:30 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Fern was born in Tamaqua, on March 21, 1926, a daughter of the late Anna (Geist) and Paul A. Koch, Sr.
She was the widow of Carl "Pap" A. Schaeffer. He passed away on March 11th, 1995.
She was a member of Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church in the Lewistown Valley. Fern graduated from Tamaqua High School, Class of 1942.
Fern Schaeffer was affectionately known as Nana not only to her family but to her motorcycle family and the community in general. She was everyone’s Nana. Nana loved the Lord, her Family, and Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.
Fern Schaeffer, her husband, Carl and son, Dennis turned their love of Harley-Davidson motorcycles into more than a passion. They opened their family operated dealership on March 27, 1967 in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. Fern was the first full-time employee at the dealership. The men worked swing shift at Parish Steel when they were first starting out. Fern sold and did the ordering of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, parts, and clothing while her boys serviced the motorcycles. Fern actively worked in the dealership until her 95th birthday. Fern shared her knowledge with a smile to anyone willing to listen.
Fern Schaeffer loved to travel the country on her Harley-Davidson. Fern and her husband, Carl, traveled across our beautiful country multiple times and she loved to share details about her adventures. Fern enjoyed annual bus trips to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Ocean Grove to enjoy Gospel music. Fern loved attending church and spending time with her family.
Fern Schaeffer was a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association and Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.). She was also a founding member of the Schuylkill County Motorcycle Club and Deer Lake H.O.G. She was a devout member of the Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church which she attended since birth.
Nana is survived by her daughter-in-law Carol A. ( Kimmel) Schaeffer, widow of Nana's son Dennis. Her two granddaughters are Denise Calderone, wife of Brian and Cherie Bogotuik, wife of Geoffrey.
She is also survived by 3 great grandchildren Carleigh Bogotuik, Nate Calderone and Maggie Calderone
She is also survived by her sister, Pauline Heisler, widow of Jay, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Nana was the oldest child in her family, and was preceded in death by 5 of her 6 siblings Janice Dietrich, Ruth Koch, Robert Koch, Lamar Koch and Paul Koch Jr.
A Religious Service will be held at noon on Tuesday, January 2nd at Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church in Lewistown Valley, PA with her nephew, Wade Mullen officiating. Visitation in the church will begin at 9 AM. She will be laid to rest with her husband Carl, and son Dennis in Manbeck’s Church Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven, immediately following the services in the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) 1123 Brick Hill Road Orwigsburg, PA 17961. Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. Orwigsburg is honored to be serving the family.
Julia E. "Gert" Hollenbach, 79, of Williamstown, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Pottsville.
Born in Lykens, October 29, 1944, a daughter of the late Joseph and Ruby Pinkerton Reho. Gert was a 1962 graduate of Williamstown High School.
She was of the Protestant faith, a member of the Williamstown Fire Company, and was a social member of the Williamstown American Legion, where she enjoyed socializing with friends and having her cup of tea.
Gert had formerly worked for Gary's Bar in Lykens for over 20 years. She also worked at the bowling center at Indiantown Gap and was last employed at MSC, Lickdale, where she was a custodian for 12 years. She owned and operated Gert's Stop and Go Restaurant on Broad Street in Williamstown for over 15 years.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her son, David Hollenbach, 1981, and two brothers, James and Steve Reho.
She is survived by brothers, Joseph Reho, who was her best friend and was always by her side, and George Reho; a cousin Tim Krepich and his wife Karen; nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
Following Gert's wishes there will be no services.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City is honored to serve Gert's family.
Fern Schaeffer was affectionately known as Nana not only to her family but to her motorcycle family and the community in general. She was everyone’s Nana. Nana loved the Lord, her Family, and Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.
Fern Schaeffer, her husband, Carl and son, Dennis turned their love of Harley-Davidson motorcycles into more than a passion. They opened their family operated dealership on March 27, 1967 in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. Fern was the first full-time employee at the dealership. The men worked swing shift at Parish Steel when they were first starting out. Fern sold and did the ordering of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, parts, and clothing while her boys serviced the motorcycles. Fern actively worked in the dealership until her 95th birthday. Fern shared her knowledge with a smile to anyone willing to listen.
Fern Schaeffer loved to travel the country on her Harley-Davidson. Fern and her husband, Carl, traveled across our beautiful country multiple times and she loved to share details about her adventures. Fern enjoyed annual bus trips to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Ocean Grove to enjoy Gospel music. Fern loved attending church and spending time with her family.
Fern Schaeffer was a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association and Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.). She was also a founding member of the Schuylkill County Motorcycle Club and Deer Lake H.O.G. She was a devout member of the Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church which she attended since birth.
Nana is survived by her daughter-in-law Carol A. ( Kimmel) Schaeffer, widow of Nana's son Dennis. Her two granddaughters are Denise Calderone, wife of Brian and Cherie Bogotuik, wife of Geoffrey.
She is also survived by 3 great grandchildren Carleigh Bogotuik, Nate Calderone and Maggie Calderone
She is also survived by her sister, Pauline Heisler, widow of Jay, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Nana was the oldest child in her family, and was preceded in death by 5 of her 6 siblings Janice Dietrich, Ruth Koch, Robert Koch, Lamar Koch and Paul Koch Jr.
A Religious Service will be held at noon on Tuesday, January 2nd at Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church in Lewistown Valley, PA with her nephew, Wade Mullen officiating. Visitation in the church will begin at 9 AM. She will be laid to rest with her husband Carl, and son Dennis in Manbeck’s Church Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven, immediately following the services in the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) 1123 Brick Hill Road Orwigsburg, PA 17961. Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. Orwigsburg is honored to be serving the family.
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Born in Lykens, October 29, 1944, a daughter of the late Joseph and Ruby Pinkerton Reho. Gert was a 1962 graduate of Williamstown High School.
She was of the Protestant faith, a member of the Williamstown Fire Company, and was a social member of the Williamstown American Legion, where she enjoyed socializing with friends and having her cup of tea.
Gert had formerly worked for Gary's Bar in Lykens for over 20 years. She also worked at the bowling center at Indiantown Gap and was last employed at MSC, Lickdale, where she was a custodian for 12 years. She owned and operated Gert's Stop and Go Restaurant on Broad Street in Williamstown for over 15 years.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her son, David Hollenbach, 1981, and two brothers, James and Steve Reho.
She is survived by brothers, Joseph Reho, who was her best friend and was always by her side, and George Reho; a cousin Tim Krepich and his wife Karen; nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
Following Gert's wishes there will be no services.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City is honored to serve Gert's family.
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