Skook News Obituaries: September 17th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
------------------------------------------
Dawn DiMeo Hnatishion, 71, of Cumbola, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem. She was born in Philadelphia on August 22, 1954, a daughter of the late Samuel W. Moser and Ruth V. (Walker) Moser.
In addition to her parents, Dawn was preceded in death by a brother, Samuel.
She was a Christian and had worked as a cook at the Whitehall Diner.
Dawn is survived by her husband, John N. Hnatishion, to whom she was married for 24 years; her daughter, Tina Anthony; her sons, Robert Anthony and John Anthony; her brother, Scott; her sister, Cynthia; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
David C. James, 84, former resident of Palo Alto, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16th at the home of his granddaughter in Frackville.
Born in Frackville, he was a son of the late David and Thelma (Kline) James. He last worked as a cook for Pottsville Hospital until his retirement.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Betty James; his sisters: Shirley Sewinsky and Doris Roberts; his brothers: Lester, Burwell, Melvin and Arthur James.
David was a veteran of the United States Army having served from 1961 to 1964. He then joined the Army National Guard until his retirement in February of 2001.
He was a member of the Altamont Fire Company, Frackville and also enjoyed Nascar and wood carving.
David is survived by his two sons, one daughter, four grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday, September 22nd at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington Street, Frackville. Interment with military honors will follow at Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.
--------------------------------------
Dr. Bixler was a well-known and award-winning educator, curriculum innovator, arts lecturer, and world traveler, leading many tours through Europe and the Middle East.
He received his B.A. from Penn State, his M.A. from Columbia University, and his Ph.D. from New York University. He taught in the Mathematics Department of Baruch College (CUNY), where he created the interdisciplinary study of Mathematics in Islamic Art and Architecture—the subject of his doctoral dissertation. In 1979, at Madison Square Garden, Bixler was presented with The Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching.
He lectured in museums and universities across the country, including New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, where he designed curriculum and conducted workshops for many years.
A devoted Manhattanite, Bixler spent most evenings with friends and colleagues at dinners, theater, concerts, opera, films, cabaret, and other cultural events. He valued his friendships above all else, and those who knew him will remember him fondly as a happy, warm, and generous person.
He is survived by nieces Amanda, Jenny, and Skylar Clark of Big Fork, MN; a nephew, James Kopke of Carol Stream, IL; and three generations of cousins living throughout the United States, England, and Wales.
Dr. Bixler’s favorite charity was Doctors Without Borders. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so by visiting www.doctorswithoutborders.org or calling 1-888-548-1686.
Harry was privately interred in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Saint Clair, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., Saint Clair, was entrusted with arrangements.
--------------------------------------
.webp)
Born in Pottsville, Wendy was the daughter of the late Wendell and Adeline (Main) Weicker. A 1969 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, she worked as a clerk at Fegley’s in Tamaqua and later as a machine operator at Morgan Knitting Mills, retiring in 2001. Wendy enjoyed playing bingo, her trips to the casino and was a proud, active member of the Tamaqua American Legion Auxiliary. She lovingly gave of her time to the weekly Tamaqua American Legion bingo and the South Ward Playground and later cherished the friendships and fellowship she found at senior citizen events. Wendy was known for her exceptional baking skills and her deep devotion to her family—and to her three cherished Labrador retrievers.
She is survived by her loving husband, Midge, and their four daughters: Wendy Seigenfuse and her husband Joseph of Tamaqua; Angela Kovatch and her husband Joseph Jr. of Nesquehoning; Sandra Perla and her companion Robert Cole of State College; and Melanie Murray and her husband Brian of Tamaqua. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Nicholas Boyle and his companion Sarah Allesch, Courtney Kovatch, Caitlyn Kovatch, and Ava Murray; two great-grandchildren, Brinley Boyle, and Reagan Boyle; her sister, Linda Correll of Hazleton; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her beloved family, she was blessed with two bonus grandchildren, Timmy Merrell and Katie Wildrick, who brought her much joy.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Maylath Valley Home Health and Hospice, especially Nurse Tina, and aides Joelle and Virgin for the compassionate care and support they provided.
Services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, with The Rev. Dillon Epler officiating. Call 9-11 AM on Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Wendy’s memory may be made to the Tamaqua American Legion Auxiliary, 206 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252 or to Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue, 345 East Elm Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
.webp)
Judy Yanes, 85, of Schuylkill Township, died on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at her residence. She was the wife of Richard “Dick” Yanes with whom she would have celebrated 64 years of marriage this coming November.
--------------------------------------
.webp)
Born in Coaldale, Judy was the daughter of the late Francis and Jane (Coleman) Pollack. She graduated third in her class from Tamaqua High School in 1958. Judy started working at Carl Baran Motors in Hometown as a bookkeeper and was later employed as the office manager at the Heritage Ford Dealership in Orwigsburg for 34 years. She was a member of the Holy Cross Church in New Philadelphia.
Judy is survived by her husband, Richard Yanes; two daughters, Nicole Andrefski and her husband Chip of Orwigsburg and Nora Best and her husband Michael of Gibsonia, PA; one son, Mark Yanes and his companion Lavinia of Womelsdorf, PA; eight grandchildren, Maeve Yanes, Emalyn Andrefski and her fiancé Michael Sinitsky, Leah Andrefski, Olivia Wingle and her husband Kyle, Ian Andrefski, Cole Andrefski, Shannon Best, and Shea Best; three great-grandchildren, Michael Sinitsky, Charlotte Wingle, and Wren Wingle; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Francis, and Jane; one sister, Mary Rudy, and one granddaughter, Mary Frances Andrefski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Holy Cross Catholic Church, 99 Valley Street, New Philadelphia. Interment in St. Bertha Cemetery, Tuscarora, PA will follow the Mass. Call 9:30-11 AM on Saturday in the church.
Memorial contributions in Judy’s name may be made to St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, 302 Randel Street, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Edward A. Palek, Sr. 91, of Shenandoah passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Seton Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Orwigsburg, PA. Born in William Penn, PA on January 16, 1934, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Varonko) Palek.
Ed was a 1951 graduate of the West Mahanoy Township High School and went on to serve in the United States Army, 3rd Armored Division in Germany. Following his military service, Ed returned to Shenandoah and worked his entire life as a Master Cutter in the garment industry, being last employed by Villa Fashions, Shenandoah. Ed also held a few part-time and retirement jobs in town as he worked for the Shenandoah Water Department and Boyer’s Food Market.
A true family man and role model, Ed was most notably known for his lifelong passion for baseball and his dedication to the Shenandoah Little League. For 56 years, Ed influenced several generations while serving in many capacities including coach, manager, player agent, vice president, umpire, and groundskeeper; along with managing the concession stand for 30 years. In 2017, surrounded by family and friends, Ed was humbled as that concession stand was dedicated in his honor and named after him.
In addition to his parents, Ed is preceded in death by an infant son, Stephen; his brothers- Frank, Andrew, and Joseph; and his sisters- Helen Palek, Margaret Oravitz, Dorothy Palek, and Theresa Banonis.
Ed is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marianne (Peters) Palek; his children- Michelle Olivier (Dale) of Niles, Michigan, Linda Maberry (Don) of Cressona, PA, and Edward Palek, Jr. (Angela) of South Lyon, Michigan: his step-children- Donald Blaine Young, Jr. (Deann) of Summit Station, PA, Kathy Marinelli (Bill) of Orwigsburg, PA, and Andrea Young of Frackville, PA; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 6 to 8 pm at the Oravitz Home for Funerals, Inc, 40 North Jardin Street, Shenandoah, PA. Burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Ed’s memory to the Shenandoah Little League. Go Phillies!
James T. Garraway Jr., 87, of Pottsville, passed away Friday September 12, 2025, at LVHN Muhlenburg.
Born in Frackville on April 12, 1938, he was a son of the late James Sr. and Dorothy (Williams) Garraway.
A graduate of Pottsville High School, he went on to serve in the PA National Guard from 1960-1966.
Most of his working years were spent as a painter in the Reading Railroad Car Shops in Reading, PA and later Conrail. He was one of the last 12 men working at this location when the shops were closed in 1991. After working for Conrail, he retired from the Pottsville Area School District.
James was a life member of the American Hose Co. and a member of the Mechanicsville Fish and Game. He loved fly fishing and often taught fly tying lessons. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and granddaughters.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann (Konkus) Garraway in 2010, his brother Richard Garraway and sister Dolores Miller.
Surviving are his son James T. Garraway III and his wife Danette M of Pottsville, daughter Debra Sisko and her husband Robert E of Lancaster. Granddaughters Anna Sisko, Amelia Garraway, Elizabeth Garraway, and his sister Norma Walsh, Orwigsburg along with a niece and nephews.
Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 Am on Monday, September 22 at Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. Family and friends may call from 10:00 AM to noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Railway Restoration Project 113 at 113 East Sunbury Street Minersville, PA 17954.
The family of Ronald F. Klinger, 83, of West West Terrace, Branch Township, announce his passing on September 15th, 2025.
Born in Pottsville, he was son of the late Harrison Klinger and the late Mary Agnes (Melusky) Klinger.
He was a 1960 graduate of Minersville High School.
After graduating he enlisted in the Marine Corp. After the Marines he came back to Minersville to marry his High School sweetheart, Kathleen Smith in 1961. Ron and Kathy would have celebrated their 64 Anniversary on September 23rd.
Ron owned and successfully operated Pine Creek Coal Company in Spring Glen, Pa. for 35 years until he and his son and business partner, Bob Klinger sold the business in 2009.
Ron was a firm believer of ‘Faith, Family and Country’.
The family wishes him to be remembered as an Amazing Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. As well as a man of Great Integrity, Generosity, Kindness and Spiritual Values.
He was a member and served on the Board of Directors of the Independent Miners and Associates for over 25 years.
Ron is survived by his wife Kathy Klinger, his sons, Dave Klinger, Hershey, PA and Bob Klinger (spouse Denise), Pottsville, PA. His grandchildren, Jessica, (spouse Nate), Mackenzie, (spouse Anthony), Lauren and Adam; and his great grandson, Jackson.
All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation on Tuesday, September 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Wednesday at St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville, with Fr. Jojappa Adagatla, “Fr. Joji” MSC officiating.
Interment Schuylkill Memorial Park.
The family in lieu of flowers would ask that you donate to Tunnel to Towers Foundation: https://t2t.org/donate/
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
Donald E. Eisenhauer, 85, of Donaldson, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 in the Tremont Health & Rehab Center.
Born on July 6, 1940 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Elmer and Ersal Wendling Eisenhauer.
Donald was a graduate of Tremont High School.
He was part of the Military Police in the United States Army, which he was very proud of.
Donald worked for Tredegar Film Products in Marlin.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved being outdoors.
Preceding him in death were his wife of 54 years, H. Cassandra Sandy Eisenhauer; a granddaughter, Amanda Parker; and a sister Marilyn Forgie.
Surviving are a son, David Eisenhauer of Tremont; two daughters, Christine and husband Dean Nicholas of Tremont, Danielle and husband Chris Natale of Pine Grove; four grandchildren, Nicholas Morgan, Jordan Nicholas, Dustin Eisenhauer, and Brayden Natale; two great grandchildren, Madison Betz and Dylan Parker.
Graveside Services and interment will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Tremont, with Rev. Krista Roehrig officiating.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, is in charge of arrangements
--------------------------------------
Ed was a 1951 graduate of the West Mahanoy Township High School and went on to serve in the United States Army, 3rd Armored Division in Germany. Following his military service, Ed returned to Shenandoah and worked his entire life as a Master Cutter in the garment industry, being last employed by Villa Fashions, Shenandoah. Ed also held a few part-time and retirement jobs in town as he worked for the Shenandoah Water Department and Boyer’s Food Market.
A true family man and role model, Ed was most notably known for his lifelong passion for baseball and his dedication to the Shenandoah Little League. For 56 years, Ed influenced several generations while serving in many capacities including coach, manager, player agent, vice president, umpire, and groundskeeper; along with managing the concession stand for 30 years. In 2017, surrounded by family and friends, Ed was humbled as that concession stand was dedicated in his honor and named after him.
In addition to his parents, Ed is preceded in death by an infant son, Stephen; his brothers- Frank, Andrew, and Joseph; and his sisters- Helen Palek, Margaret Oravitz, Dorothy Palek, and Theresa Banonis.
Ed is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marianne (Peters) Palek; his children- Michelle Olivier (Dale) of Niles, Michigan, Linda Maberry (Don) of Cressona, PA, and Edward Palek, Jr. (Angela) of South Lyon, Michigan: his step-children- Donald Blaine Young, Jr. (Deann) of Summit Station, PA, Kathy Marinelli (Bill) of Orwigsburg, PA, and Andrea Young of Frackville, PA; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 6 to 8 pm at the Oravitz Home for Funerals, Inc, 40 North Jardin Street, Shenandoah, PA. Burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Ed’s memory to the Shenandoah Little League. Go Phillies!
--------------------------------------
.jpg)
Joseph W. Shollenberger, 75, passed away Saturday, Sept. 13th, just short of his birthday. He was a resident of Orwigsburg Nursing and Rehab Center.
Born in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Alfred and Elizabeth (Steffanic) Shollenberger.
A member of St. Patrick’s growing up, he graduated from Nativity. Shockingly, he became an electrician by trade. Before retiring, he was employed by Cardinal Systems.
Predeceased by his parents, brother, Paul (Janet), sister, Mary Roth, and nephew, Steven Roth.
In addition to his brother, Alfred, of Delaware, Joe is survived by nieces Debbie, Stacy (Adam), Becky, Laura, and nephew, Paul (Doris), numerous Juba, Callaghan, & Shollenberger cousins and extended family.
Joe’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the caring staff at the retirement home. Especially the nurses and caregivers who constantly put up with his jokes and always put a smile on his face.
A Memorial Service will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, September 20th at Calvary Cemetery Chapel, Pottsville. Interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to a charity close to your heart.
.jpg)
Born in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Alfred and Elizabeth (Steffanic) Shollenberger.
A member of St. Patrick’s growing up, he graduated from Nativity. Shockingly, he became an electrician by trade. Before retiring, he was employed by Cardinal Systems.
Predeceased by his parents, brother, Paul (Janet), sister, Mary Roth, and nephew, Steven Roth.
In addition to his brother, Alfred, of Delaware, Joe is survived by nieces Debbie, Stacy (Adam), Becky, Laura, and nephew, Paul (Doris), numerous Juba, Callaghan, & Shollenberger cousins and extended family.
Joe’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the caring staff at the retirement home. Especially the nurses and caregivers who constantly put up with his jokes and always put a smile on his face.
A Memorial Service will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, September 20th at Calvary Cemetery Chapel, Pottsville. Interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to a charity close to your heart.
--------------------------------------
Born in Frackville on April 12, 1938, he was a son of the late James Sr. and Dorothy (Williams) Garraway.
A graduate of Pottsville High School, he went on to serve in the PA National Guard from 1960-1966.
Most of his working years were spent as a painter in the Reading Railroad Car Shops in Reading, PA and later Conrail. He was one of the last 12 men working at this location when the shops were closed in 1991. After working for Conrail, he retired from the Pottsville Area School District.
James was a life member of the American Hose Co. and a member of the Mechanicsville Fish and Game. He loved fly fishing and often taught fly tying lessons. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and granddaughters.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann (Konkus) Garraway in 2010, his brother Richard Garraway and sister Dolores Miller.
Surviving are his son James T. Garraway III and his wife Danette M of Pottsville, daughter Debra Sisko and her husband Robert E of Lancaster. Granddaughters Anna Sisko, Amelia Garraway, Elizabeth Garraway, and his sister Norma Walsh, Orwigsburg along with a niece and nephews.
Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 Am on Monday, September 22 at Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. Family and friends may call from 10:00 AM to noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Railway Restoration Project 113 at 113 East Sunbury Street Minersville, PA 17954.
--------------------------------------
Born in Pottsville, he was son of the late Harrison Klinger and the late Mary Agnes (Melusky) Klinger.
He was a 1960 graduate of Minersville High School.
After graduating he enlisted in the Marine Corp. After the Marines he came back to Minersville to marry his High School sweetheart, Kathleen Smith in 1961. Ron and Kathy would have celebrated their 64 Anniversary on September 23rd.
Ron owned and successfully operated Pine Creek Coal Company in Spring Glen, Pa. for 35 years until he and his son and business partner, Bob Klinger sold the business in 2009.
Ron was a firm believer of ‘Faith, Family and Country’.
The family wishes him to be remembered as an Amazing Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. As well as a man of Great Integrity, Generosity, Kindness and Spiritual Values.
He was a member and served on the Board of Directors of the Independent Miners and Associates for over 25 years.
Ron is survived by his wife Kathy Klinger, his sons, Dave Klinger, Hershey, PA and Bob Klinger (spouse Denise), Pottsville, PA. His grandchildren, Jessica, (spouse Nate), Mackenzie, (spouse Anthony), Lauren and Adam; and his great grandson, Jackson.
All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation on Tuesday, September 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Wednesday at St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville, with Fr. Jojappa Adagatla, “Fr. Joji” MSC officiating.
Interment Schuylkill Memorial Park.
The family in lieu of flowers would ask that you donate to Tunnel to Towers Foundation: https://t2t.org/donate/
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
--------------------------------------
Born on July 6, 1940 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Elmer and Ersal Wendling Eisenhauer.
Donald was a graduate of Tremont High School.
He was part of the Military Police in the United States Army, which he was very proud of.
Donald worked for Tredegar Film Products in Marlin.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved being outdoors.
Preceding him in death were his wife of 54 years, H. Cassandra Sandy Eisenhauer; a granddaughter, Amanda Parker; and a sister Marilyn Forgie.
Surviving are a son, David Eisenhauer of Tremont; two daughters, Christine and husband Dean Nicholas of Tremont, Danielle and husband Chris Natale of Pine Grove; four grandchildren, Nicholas Morgan, Jordan Nicholas, Dustin Eisenhauer, and Brayden Natale; two great grandchildren, Madison Betz and Dylan Parker.
Graveside Services and interment will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Tremont, with Rev. Krista Roehrig officiating.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, is in charge of arrangements
--------------------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
