Skook News Obituaries: December 26th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Rudy Benkert, 66, of Lake Wynonah, passed away Wednesday, December 24th, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Allentown.Born in Philadelphia on July 11, 1959, he was a son of the late Rudolph & Gilda (Riccio) Benkert.
Married 38 years, he was the husband of Patricia (Bilinski) Benkert.
Rudy was a 1978 graduate of Lincoln High School. He earned an associate degree from Philadelphia Community College.
He served in the U.S. Navy as a STG2.
Rudy was employed as a field technician for Domino for 37 years.
He was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven.
Rudy was very involved in Boy Scouts and served as a youth football and PIAA referee for many years.
In addition to his wife, Rudy is also survived by two sons: Ryan Benkert & Eric Benkert, two grandsons: Orrin Wilde, & Viktor Wilde, siblings: Linda Lyman, wife of Ray, Delaware, Anthony Benkert, Philadelphia, Mary Smith, wife of Andy, Indiana, Donna Sliwka, Bensalem, & Joseph Benkert, husband of Irene, Michigan, and nieces & nephews.
A Committal Service will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville on Wednesday, January 7th at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blood Cancer United, Attn. Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087, to support Lymphoma Research Efforts.
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Born October 18, 1959, in Ashland, PA, to the late Victor L. Burke and Elizabeth A. Burke (Brennan).
Jim was a lifelong resident of Shenandoah's West End and a proud Democrat who served on Borough Council. Jim was passionate about keeping his community safe with a commitment to support students, teachers, and family.
With deep roots in the community and a strong background in labor, Jim spent 30 years as a dedicated member of Laborers' Union Local 1174 before retirement. Jim was also dedicated to his dogs, the joy they brought and unconditional love they shared, loyal companions.
Jim is survived by his sisters, Patricia (Patti) Barrett and spouse Jerry Barrett; Ann Burke and fiancé Ben Jacobs; sister-in-law, Lisa Link. Also, his great friend, Paul Whitecavage. Additionally, he leaves behind nephews, nieces, and great nieces.
He was preceded in death by brothers Joseph "Butch" Burke and Michael Burke.
Throughout his life Jim was an active member of numerous organizations, including Hairy Canneries, RumDums, and the Shenandoah Fish and Game Club. He had a passion for tinkering and fixing discarded items, showing that nothing was truly "broken", only waiting to be fixed. He did so with bikes that he then gave away to the neighborhood kids. He was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys.
Services will be in the form of a Celebration of Life to be announced.
Jimmy will be remembered for his love of family, his beloved mother, and his dogs. He will be greatly missed by all who had the great privilege to know and love him.
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Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
