Skook News Obituaries: July 6th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Monica Michelle Raczka, 79, of Minersville, passed away peacefully July 3, 2025 at her home.
Born in Pottsville October 29, 1945, she was the daughter of the late John and Anne (Gawrys) Mataka.
She was a 1963 graduate of Cass Township High School
Monica was a loving and devoted wife, sharing many years working alongside her husband, Vic at their company Custom Truck Interiors. She was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her granddaughter Marlena. Monica was a good friend to many people and everyone enjoyed her energy and vivaciousness.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Victor Raczka Sr. in 2001 to whom she was married for 37 years and her granddaughter Marlena Anne DiRenzo in 2020. She also lost her companion of the last 20 years, John Marnikas on January 16 of this year.
Surviving are a son Victor Raczka Jr. of West West Terrace; Daughter Michelle DiRenzo and her husband John of Llewellyn; Brother John Mataka and his wife Irene of Lynnwood, WA; Granddaughters Kaylene and Kaycee Raczka; Nieces and Nephews;
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday from Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. Friends may call from 9:00-11:00 at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The United Way at 9 North Center Street Pottsville PA.
William H Mattern, age 94, of Valley View, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025 at The Gardens at York Terrace, Pottsville.
He was born on Monday, July 7, 1930, in Hubley Twp, a son of the late Lloyd E Mattern and the late Minnie E (Runkle) Mattern.
Bill worked on the family farm, Savidge Sawmill, coal mining, Felty's Tire Shop, and then at Scamper and Hallmark Trailer Co, prior to his retirement.
He was a member of Tri-Valley Bible Church, Sacramento.
Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to camp, motorcycle riding, and spending time with his family.
His wife, Mae A (Martz) Mattern, passed away in 2019. He was also preceded in death by an infant son, Dennis L Mattern.
He is survived by a daughter, Linda C (Dale) Klinger of Valley View; two granddaughters, Shelly R (Karl) Williard of Mckanda, IL and Kristy E Newswanger of Valley View; a grandson, Ryan D (Ashley) Klinger of Valley View; eleven great-grandchild, Rayne, Reagan, Rayce, Karly, Zachary, Madison, Brooke, Zane, Kamryn, Kirra, and Karter; a great great granddaughter, Brynlee; a sister, Shirley A Michael of Valley View; and several nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View.
Burial will be in St. Andrew's United Methodist Cemetery, Sacramento.
Memorial contributions can be made to Tri-Valley Bible Church, PO Box 4, Sacramento PA 17968.
Born in Pottsville October 29, 1945, she was the daughter of the late John and Anne (Gawrys) Mataka.
She was a 1963 graduate of Cass Township High School
Monica was a loving and devoted wife, sharing many years working alongside her husband, Vic at their company Custom Truck Interiors. She was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her granddaughter Marlena. Monica was a good friend to many people and everyone enjoyed her energy and vivaciousness.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Victor Raczka Sr. in 2001 to whom she was married for 37 years and her granddaughter Marlena Anne DiRenzo in 2020. She also lost her companion of the last 20 years, John Marnikas on January 16 of this year.
Surviving are a son Victor Raczka Jr. of West West Terrace; Daughter Michelle DiRenzo and her husband John of Llewellyn; Brother John Mataka and his wife Irene of Lynnwood, WA; Granddaughters Kaylene and Kaycee Raczka; Nieces and Nephews;
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday from Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. Friends may call from 9:00-11:00 at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The United Way at 9 North Center Street Pottsville PA.
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He was born on Monday, July 7, 1930, in Hubley Twp, a son of the late Lloyd E Mattern and the late Minnie E (Runkle) Mattern.
Bill worked on the family farm, Savidge Sawmill, coal mining, Felty's Tire Shop, and then at Scamper and Hallmark Trailer Co, prior to his retirement.
He was a member of Tri-Valley Bible Church, Sacramento.
Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to camp, motorcycle riding, and spending time with his family.
His wife, Mae A (Martz) Mattern, passed away in 2019. He was also preceded in death by an infant son, Dennis L Mattern.
He is survived by a daughter, Linda C (Dale) Klinger of Valley View; two granddaughters, Shelly R (Karl) Williard of Mckanda, IL and Kristy E Newswanger of Valley View; a grandson, Ryan D (Ashley) Klinger of Valley View; eleven great-grandchild, Rayne, Reagan, Rayce, Karly, Zachary, Madison, Brooke, Zane, Kamryn, Kirra, and Karter; a great great granddaughter, Brynlee; a sister, Shirley A Michael of Valley View; and several nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View.
Burial will be in St. Andrew's United Methodist Cemetery, Sacramento.
Memorial contributions can be made to Tri-Valley Bible Church, PO Box 4, Sacramento PA 17968.
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Allen Wirtz, 58, of Mahanoy City, was called home to God on, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Broad Mountain Health & Rehabilitation Center, Frackville, PA after a courageous battle with cancer.
Allen was born in Pottsville, PA on November 29, 1966. He was the son of William F. Wirtz Sr. of Mahanoy City, PA and the late Margaret Ann (Woodall) Wirtz.
He graduated from the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 in Marlin.
He was the husband of the late Ruth (Schuetrum) Wirtz. In addition to his wife and mother, he was preceded in death by nephews Brayden Wirtz and AngelRay Wirtz and his beloved Schnauzer Tootsie Pop.
Allen will be sadly missed by Bill Wirtz, husband of Karen, of Mahanoy City, PA; Thomas Wirtz, husband of Candida, of Pittsboro NC; Timothy Wirtz, husband of Kristin, of Ashland, PA. Allen was also a cherished uncle to Allyson Wirtz, Michael Wirtz; Sophia Wirtz; Rayla Wirtz and Gracelyn Wirtz. In addition to his family, Allen leaves behind his homecare angels, aka “Allen’s Angels” Sharon Zukas, Crystal Jarman, Amber McCleary and his buddy Bill Rogers.
Despite his physical disabilities from birth, he lived an active life and devoted his time to making Mahanoy City a better and safer community. He was a member of the Good American Fire Company #3 where he served as Sergeant at Arms, an auditor, mentor for Junior firefighters and an active volunteer firefighter. As a volunteer firefighter, Allen enjoyed servicing the equipment and vehicles as well as spending countless hours washing and waxing them. On the fire scene, Allen was passionate about ensuring his colleagues were safe by making sure their air tanks were adequately filled and changed as needed. His volunteering went beyond the fire scene, Allen served as a regular volunteer for the local food pantry where he could be found unloading trucks, packaging food and assisting with distribution to the community. Allen also served on the Election Board of Mahanoy City as an Inspector of Elections.
When Allen was not volunteering, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was very enthusiastic about NASCAR and enjoyed race season whether it was in person at “Pocono” or on television. He was an avid collector of Dale Earnhardt memorabilia. Allen was extremely gifted at refinishing wood and enjoyed taking on difficult projects to restore old furniture to beautiful new furnishings.
Religious Service will be held at the Good American Fire Company #3, 738 East Mahanoy Street, Mahanoy City, PA 17948 at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
Friends and family may call Tuesday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Good American Fire Company #3.
Interment will be held at the German Protestant Cemetery Association Mahanoy City, PA.
Larry L Schneider, age 54, of Valley View, died Saturday, July 5, 2025 at his residence, with his second mom Suzette and brothers by his side.
He was born on Monday, August 10, 1970, in Pottsville, a son of the late Robert J Schneider, Sr and the late Judith A (Klinger) Schneider.
Larry was a 1989 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
He was a maintenance employee at MI Hegins.
Larry was a member of Hegins Valley Fire Rescue, Sacramento Fire Police, Valley View Gun Club, the former American Legion Post 575, Valley View and VFW Post 8237 Valley View.
He is survived by two brothers, Robert J Schneider, Jr and Gary E Schneider both of Valley View; two sisters, Barbara J (Kevin) Brown of Greenville and Melanie A Schneider of Magnolia, DE; nieces, Samantha and Kayla; nephews, Jacob and Kyle; great niece, Adriana; and great nephew, Grayson.
Services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Curtis Zemencik officiating.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in St. John's "Kimmel's" Cemetery, Ashland.
Memorial contributions can be made to Schneider Brothers Foundation, c/o Link Bank, 1625 W Main St, Valley View PA 17983.
Allen was born in Pottsville, PA on November 29, 1966. He was the son of William F. Wirtz Sr. of Mahanoy City, PA and the late Margaret Ann (Woodall) Wirtz.
He graduated from the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 in Marlin.
He was the husband of the late Ruth (Schuetrum) Wirtz. In addition to his wife and mother, he was preceded in death by nephews Brayden Wirtz and AngelRay Wirtz and his beloved Schnauzer Tootsie Pop.
Allen will be sadly missed by Bill Wirtz, husband of Karen, of Mahanoy City, PA; Thomas Wirtz, husband of Candida, of Pittsboro NC; Timothy Wirtz, husband of Kristin, of Ashland, PA. Allen was also a cherished uncle to Allyson Wirtz, Michael Wirtz; Sophia Wirtz; Rayla Wirtz and Gracelyn Wirtz. In addition to his family, Allen leaves behind his homecare angels, aka “Allen’s Angels” Sharon Zukas, Crystal Jarman, Amber McCleary and his buddy Bill Rogers.
Despite his physical disabilities from birth, he lived an active life and devoted his time to making Mahanoy City a better and safer community. He was a member of the Good American Fire Company #3 where he served as Sergeant at Arms, an auditor, mentor for Junior firefighters and an active volunteer firefighter. As a volunteer firefighter, Allen enjoyed servicing the equipment and vehicles as well as spending countless hours washing and waxing them. On the fire scene, Allen was passionate about ensuring his colleagues were safe by making sure their air tanks were adequately filled and changed as needed. His volunteering went beyond the fire scene, Allen served as a regular volunteer for the local food pantry where he could be found unloading trucks, packaging food and assisting with distribution to the community. Allen also served on the Election Board of Mahanoy City as an Inspector of Elections.
When Allen was not volunteering, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was very enthusiastic about NASCAR and enjoyed race season whether it was in person at “Pocono” or on television. He was an avid collector of Dale Earnhardt memorabilia. Allen was extremely gifted at refinishing wood and enjoyed taking on difficult projects to restore old furniture to beautiful new furnishings.
Religious Service will be held at the Good American Fire Company #3, 738 East Mahanoy Street, Mahanoy City, PA 17948 at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
Friends and family may call Tuesday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Good American Fire Company #3.
Interment will be held at the German Protestant Cemetery Association Mahanoy City, PA.
Arrangements are entrusted to Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. in Mahanoy City. For those wishing to express their condolences, please visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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He was born on Monday, August 10, 1970, in Pottsville, a son of the late Robert J Schneider, Sr and the late Judith A (Klinger) Schneider.
Larry was a 1989 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
He was a maintenance employee at MI Hegins.
Larry was a member of Hegins Valley Fire Rescue, Sacramento Fire Police, Valley View Gun Club, the former American Legion Post 575, Valley View and VFW Post 8237 Valley View.
He is survived by two brothers, Robert J Schneider, Jr and Gary E Schneider both of Valley View; two sisters, Barbara J (Kevin) Brown of Greenville and Melanie A Schneider of Magnolia, DE; nieces, Samantha and Kayla; nephews, Jacob and Kyle; great niece, Adriana; and great nephew, Grayson.
Services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Curtis Zemencik officiating.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in St. John's "Kimmel's" Cemetery, Ashland.
Memorial contributions can be made to Schneider Brothers Foundation, c/o Link Bank, 1625 W Main St, Valley View PA 17983.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville