Skook News Obituaries: June 9th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born on August 30, 1940, in Wauseon, Ohio, Jane was the daughter of the late Floyd and Mary (Watkins) Burkholder. She graduated from Onsted High School in 1958 and earned her degree in elementary education from Malone College. On August 11, 1962, she married Clarence Berk in Onsted, Michigan. They shared over six decades of devoted marriage.
Jane dedicated her life to education, teaching for a total of 31 years-first in Canton and Springfield Schools in Ohio for a year at each school, and then for 29 years at Blue Mountain Schools in Pennsylvania, where she retired in 1997.
A woman of faith, Jane attended Grace Brethren Church in Orrville and was a longtime member of Kimmel's Evangelical Free Church in Pennsylvania. She enjoyed sweet treats, traveling, reading, photography, researching on her computer, and tending to her vegetable garden. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family.
Surviving in addition to her husband Clarence are her children, Joy Lynne (Scott) Gold of Orrville and Dennis Berk of Ellon, Scotland; grandchildren, Alexandra (Ryan) Schizkoske of Brockville, Ontario, Jennie Rose (Jihwan) Yoo of Orrville, David (Rachel) Gold of Burlington, KY, and Josiah Gold of Orrville; three great-grandchildren, Erik and Lincoln Schizkoske and Hadley Gold; and her brother, David Burkholder of Adrian, MI.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles Burkholder.
In accordance with Jane's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, June 12th at 11am at the Orrville Grace Brethren Church in Orrville. Jane's family welcomes you to wear something green, as it was her favorite color.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jane's memory to Schuylkill County Child Evangelism Fellowship, PO Box 486, Minersville, PA 17954 or online at https://cefschuylkill.com/
Arrangements are being handled by Auble Funeral Home in Orrville, OH. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.aublefuneralhome.com.
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Bob was a 1966 graduate of Mahanoy Area and was last employed at Lowe’s Distribution Center. He was an Army Veteran and member of the American Legion and life long member of the Trenton Social Club.
Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife Louise who passed in August of 2023. They would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on the day of his death. We’re sure she knew he missed her, so she called him home to be together again. Also preceded in death by a sister Judith Klocek and a nephew Scott Vascavage who he loved deeply.
Surviving are sisters Arlene; wife of Charles Vascavage, Shenandoah, Antoinette Perry, McAdoo, sister-in-law Cindy Berezwick; wife of Mike who was always there for him. Several nieces and nephews. Especially Stacey Vascavage who he spent several vacations. Many loving cousins and friends.
Bob, you will be missed, Loved and forever in our hearts.
Office of Christian Burial and Divine Liturgy at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Mahanoy City, at 11 AM on Thursday, June 12th, with Rev. James Carroll officiating.
Friends and family may call Thursday 10 AM at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church.
Interment at St. Mary's Byzantine Cemetery Mahanoy City, PA.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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Arthur William Shoemaker, aged 71, of Shenandoah, PA, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, June 6th, 2025. Born on July 12, 1953, in Allentown, PA, Arthur was the beloved son of the late Evelyn (Moritz) and Robert Shoemaker.
Arthur honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. Following his military service, he worked diligently as a custodian, contributing to his community with dedication and care.
He is survived by his sister, Marilyn, residing in Allentown, PA, and his brothers, Richard of Lehighton, PA, Robert of North Hampton, PA, and Gary of Shenandoah, PA. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
Arthur's family will hold a private interment at their convenience.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, view the tribute video and send sympathy cards.
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Ed was born in Pottsville to Walter and Helen Rutesky who preceded him in death in addition to a sister, Barbara Mosolino.
He was married to the former Mary Ann Veracco for 58 years.
Ed graduated from Minersville High School and continued his education at West Chester State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. He began his teaching and coaching career at St. Clair High School and it ended at Muhlenberg High School 35 years later. He loved his teaching career, and his greatest satisfaction was teaching and coaching young people. After retirement he was happiest on the ski slope or the golf course.
In Ed’s own words, “I came, I saw, I left.”
In addition to his wife he is survived by two daughters, Christine Davie (James), Melrose MA, and Jill Rutecky (Daniel Poole), Reading, and two grandchildren, Nicole Davie and Lauren Davie.
In accordance with Ed’s wishes, funeral services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com
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Martha was born in Coaldale, on April 18, 1945, a daughter of the late Margaret Theresa (Zubey) and Arthur Howells.
She graduated from Tamaqua High School, class of 1963.
A lifelong Catholic, Martha was a devoted member of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church. She was a proud businesswoman who dedicated her career to running Martha’s Place. In her free time, she enjoyed the companionship of her beloved pets and took great pride in caring for them. Above all, she cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and sister.
Martha is survived by two sons, Kevin Horan, husband of Lacey, and Keith Horan, husband of Molly; a sister, Margaret Cusanelli, wife of Anthony; and a brother, Thomas Howells, husband of Louise.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michael Horan, husband of Rebecca, and Amelia Horan; great-grandson, Jack Horan; niece, Alicia Tomlin; nephew, Thomas Howells; niece Amy Nye; nephew Michael Howells. Great nieces & nephews, Kaela Cusanelli, Sam Cusanelli-Breiner, Britney, Ashley, and Tyler Nye.
She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Howells; nephew, Sammy Cusanelli; and niece, Tara Cusanelli.
Services are private and entrusted to the Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremations Services, Inc., Orwigsburg.
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Born October 22, 1942, in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Elizabeth Bauer.
Maryann was a graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School.
She enjoyed watching the price is right, wheel of fortune and soap operas.
Surviving is her son: Daniel V., husband of Jennifer Schwoyer of Coaldale, grandson: David and his companion Nicole and great grandchildren: Chase Delong, Wyatt Slostad and Kinsley Knapp.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Pamela Kephart; brother Vincent "Butch" Bauer and granddaughter Amber Schwoyer.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Grace Community Church 15 West Ridge Street, Lansford Pa 18232.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
