Skook News Obituaries: November 25th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born Tuesday, November 17, 1936 in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania the son of the late Peter and Mary ( Rimsky) Hoherchak. Joe was also predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years, Cecilia A. (McHale) Hoherchak on October 21, 2011.
Surviving are; daughter, Donna Slaw and her husband Robert; sons, Joseph M. Hoherchak, Jr., David S. Hoherchak and his wife Wanda; 4 grandchildren Robert, Stephanie, Zachary and Narissa and 3 great grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother: Andrew Hoherchak.
He was preceded in death by his siblings: Mary Kuzo, Helen Gimbor, Peter Hoherchak,Jr., Paul Hoherchak, Michael Hoherchak and George Hoherchak.
Joe served honorably as a member of the United States Marines. Joe and Cecilia owned and operated Nova Precision Casting of Auburn retiring in 1988. A member of St. John XXIII R.C.C. of Tamaqua, Joe was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, 4 -Wheeling, snowmobiling, and shooting. Joe was a member of the Andreas Fishing Club.
Private arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. of 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884
Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.
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Born Wednesday, March 31, 1971 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania the son of the late Kermit M. Kistler. Surviving are; his wife of 26 years, Kay Ann (Fertig) Kistler; son, Kevin G. Kistler, Jr.; mother, Darlene (Schaeffer) Clark and her husband Frank; brother, Wayne E. Kistler and his wife Lori. Nieces and nephews also survive Kevin as well as many friends and chosen family members.
Kevin was a devoted family man, a tireless worker, and a proud member of his community. He attended Blue Mountain Schools and was a lifelong member of Zion Stone Church of New Ringgold.
Kevin’s career reflected his unmatched work ethic and dedication. He joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542, where he skillfully operated heavy equipment. After a brief period working out of the hall, Kevin found his professional home with the H&K Group. Over the course of 26 years, he served in various divisions of the company, ultimately rising to the role of Superintendent in the Structures Division. Even during his illness, Kevin’s commitment never wavered—he continued to take calls and oversee tasks until his final days.
Beyond his career, Kevin gave his time and talents generously to his community. He was a member of the New Ringgold Fire Company and the West Penn Gun Club of Clamtown, affiliated with the Moss Glenn Gun Club.
Kevin shared a special bond with his son through their love of collecting antique John Deere tractors. When asked if he collected other models, Kevin Jr. fondly recalled, “My dad was green only.” This passion led Kevin to become an active member of the Schuylkill County Agricultural Museum in Schuylkill Haven, where he enjoyed working with the track and its members and preserving agricultural history for future generations.
Kevin’s life was defined by hard work, loyalty, and love—for his family, his community, and the traditions he cherished. His legacy will live on in the bridges he built, the tractors he restored, and the countless lives he touched.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation services Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884
Funeral services will be held on Friday November 28, 2025 at Noon from the funeral home. Friends and family may call from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services.
Interment will be in Zion Stone Church Cemetery, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania.
Memorial's in Kevin's name can be made to “FARM” care of the Schuylkill County Agricultural Museum.
Schuylkill County Agricultural Museum kindly requests that all monetary donations be addressed to “FARM”.
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Born in Coaldale, the son of the late Arnold and Sarah (Mantz) Watkins. Harold was also predeceased by; his beloved wife of 57 years, Dorothy (Webb) Watkins; son, Barry D. Watkins; grandson; Bryn Watkins; siblings, Arnold Watkins, Noah Watkins, Sarah Harvilla and Mary Fritz.
Harold was a 1955 graduate of Coaldale High School, and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and United States Air Force serving in each branch for 4 years. Harold after 30 years of service as the director of the facilities for Coaldale State Hospital and Miners Memorial Medical Ctr. in Coaldale. Harold liked to tinker with electronics and was a train enthusiast.
Harold is survived by his daughter: Lee Ann, wife of William Coxe of Tamaqua; grandchildren, Tyler Watkins, Ryan Coxe, Mason Malloy, and Madison Malloy. Nieces and nephews also survive Harold
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Celebration of Harold's Life will be held on Monday December 1, 2025 at 2 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends and family may call from 1:00 P.M. until the time of services.
Private interment with Military honors bestowed Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Annville, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in Harold's name may be made to: Hillside S.P.C.A., 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville Pennsylvania 17901.
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Born Saturday, April 26, 1952 in Coaldale, the son of the late Andrew Malay and Elizabeth (Davidyock) Malay. Andy was also predeceased by; sister, Nancy Trevorah.
Surviving are; his wife Donna L. (Baldini) Malay; sons, Andrew Malay, Anthony Malay;, daughter, Andrea Malay; brother, Michael Malay and his wife Sandy; 6 grandchildren.
Andy attended Tamaqua Area Schools and retired from Fuller Steel in Catasauqua. Andy, had his own Pigeon loft and raced his Pigeons as a member of the Tamaqua Flying Club. Andy, belonged to the East End Fire Co, shot darts and pool for a number of teams.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East broad street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
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Carol Ann Frantz, 91, of Lansdale passed away Sunday while a resident of Traditions of Lansdale.Born in Pottsville, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lillian Hamilton Francis
Carol was a 1952 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.
She was married at the age of 20 to her late husband Leonard. Carol lived throughout the country while her husband was in the Air Force. Some of the places she lived in were Mississippi, Maine, and raising her family for 20 years in Garland, Texas before coming back to Lansdale, Pennsylvania.
Carol loved her family dogs and the simple things in life like travel and being with her family. She loved flowers and enjoyed gardening and flower arranging. Carol also collected porcelain dolls.
In addition to her parents and husband she is preceded in death by her daughter Nadine Frantz in 1955 along with her son Denny who passed away 2021. Carol is preceded in death by her sister Elizabeth Jefferson.
Carol is survived by her three sons: Randy Frantz husband to Janice of Coopersburg, PA, Jerry Frantz, husband to Angela of Lansdale, PA, Larry Frantz husband to Denise of E. Greenville, PA. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Lisa Frantz of Boyertown, PA. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 29th at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven. Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
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Deborah M Rosenberger, 63, of Llewellyn, passed away Sunday, November 23rd, at Tremont Nursing Home, Tremont, .Deborah was born in Pottsville, Pa. on November 6, 1962, a daughter of the late Beverly L (Kelly and Gary A. Renninger .
She was the Co-owner and chief Chef at The Station House.
For those that knew her best, she was affectionately known as “Trixie”. For the people that she loved most, she was “Nanny”.
Deborah is survived by her companion, Michael S. Hendricks, a son, Michael Reed, a step son, David, husband of Celina Hendricks. She is also survived by grandchildren London ad Carsyn Reed, Dave Jr., and Emma Hendricks. A special niece, Shannon Renninger, nephew Justin Renninger, Great niece Jaxyn Close, Great nephews, Ryan & Cody Artz.
Deborah is also survived by two sisters, Shirley Renninger, Sharon, wife of Russell Beach, five brothers, David , husband of Maryann Renninger, Gary, husband of Heather Renninger, Paul Renninger, Dennis, husband of Karen Renninger, and Corey Renninger
Nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts.
All Services are private at the convenience of family..
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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George M. Slate, 60, of Minersville. Died Monday at his residence.Born August 8, 1965 a son of the late George A. Slate and Shirley Ann (Stinson) Slate.
He is survived by his mother Shirley, a son, Max, brother Mark, and a sister Christine.
All Services are private.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
