Skook News Obituaries: December 8th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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August M. "Buddy" Wise, 80, of Orwigsburg, passed away Wednesday, November 26th, at Broad Mountain Health and Rehabilitation Center, Frackville.
Born in Jamaica, NY on June 6, 1945, Buddy was the son of the late William & Gloria (Gregory) Wise.
He was the loving companion of Denise A. (Mitchell) Carl for 36 years.
Buddy had been formerly employed by Jetson Direct Mailings, Hamburg as maintenance supervisor.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
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Nancy was the loving Mummy of Jamie (Jennifer) Buchinski and Jodie (Norbert Maleschitz) Dermo, the adoring Grammy of Rudy and Lola Dermo, and Paul and Tyler Buchinski, and the older sister of LaMar Chattin. She shared 54 and a half years of marriage with her husband, Raymond, and together they created a lifetime of memories filled with laughter and love.
A graduate of Pottsville Area High School (Class of 1968), Nancy dedicated 25 years of her life to the Alzheimer’s Unit at Schuylkill Center in Pottsville, where her compassion, patience, and love for her patients left a mark on every life she touched. She was, truly, an angel on earth.
Nancy’s heart belonged most of all to her grandchildren. She adored them beyond measure, delighting in every laugh, every hug, every phone call, and every little milestone. Her texts to them were novels written in emojis, her sticker-laden greeting cards were treasures, and her presence at their sporting events and school activities was unwavering. Grammy’s love was fierce, fun, and unconditional
Her sense of humor was as legendary as her texting skills. Nancy could deliver a joke with perfect timing and take one with grace. She listed her height as 5’5” on her driver’s license, though in reality, she was a mighty 4’10”—proving that great things truly come in small, spunky packages.
Nancy’s zest for life extended to all things magical and adventurous. She loved Disney World and rode every roller coaster (much to the delight and occasional terror of her family), with a special fondness for the “Yeti Ride.” Her love for animals was boundless; her home was ruled by a rotund Golden Retriever named Mojo, a mischievous cat named Lucie, and her grandpups Chewie and Philsie, who adored her beyond measure. Her love for animals didn’t stop at pets, though. Wildlife of all kinds stopped by regularly for her famous bread and carrot combo.
Her friendships with Mary Ann, Bev, and Donna brought endless laughter and joy—whether bumming around town or demolishing the Chinese buffet, their antics were legendary. Nancy also had a soft spot for Hallmark movies, Red Lobster, disposable cameras, Denzel Washington, Crocs, the color blue, everything “Wicked,” and Clint Eastwood.
Nancy lived fully, loved fiercely, laughed heartily, and left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her family, friends, and furry companions will carry her memory forward with the same joy, warmth, and humor that she shared with the world.
In Nancy’s honor, hug your loved ones tighter than humanly possible, ride a roller coaster, never forget to text someone a novel-length message with perfectly chosen emojis, and considering supporting your local SPCA.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 15th, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Chris Rothhorpt officiating at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 W. Market Street, Pottsville. A viewing will be held from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
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Eileen was born in Pottsville on April 5, 1955, a daughter of the late Marie (Meyers) and Wassel Mollick.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Theresa Mollick.
Eileen is survived by a brother, George Mollick, she is also survived by Nephew Terrence James Mollick, Niece, Latticia Buckholtz
A Visitation will be held 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, December 12th at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. in Minersville, PA
A Funeral Service follow at 11:00 a.m.
Interment at Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery Pottsville, PA.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., entrusted with the arrangements.
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Funeral services will be announced by the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home.
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He was born on Wednesday, August 19, 1953, in Pottsville, a son of the late William H Bowman and the late Mary E (Smeltz) Bowman.
Ned was a 1971 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
He was a custodian for the Tri-Valley School District.
He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Sacramento.
Ned was an avid Phillies fan. He also enjoyed professional basketball and history.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, Thomas L Bowman.
He is survived by a brother, Jerry W Bowman and his wife Christine of Valley View; and several nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at St. Paul's Cemetery, Sacramento..
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Charles H. Klauger, 87, of Germanville Road, Ashland, passed away Saturday, December 6, 2025, with family by his side, at his residence. Born in Lavelle, February 25, 1938, he was the son of the late Harry and Esther (Knock) Klauger. He attended the former Butler Township High School, Fountain Springs, and later served honorably with the U.S. Army as a Private First Class Artillery expert during the time of the Vietnam conflict. Charles had been employed for the Strick Trailer Company, and later retiring from Penn Engineering and Manufacturing Company, Bucks County, where he was a fork lift operator. His hobbies were woodworking and carpentry, but most of all, his love of the Ford Mustang automobiles, having in the past a 1968 Mustang, and a 1965 Mustang Convertible, which he still has restored to its original condition. Charles was a member of Christ’s United Lutheran Church, Airport Road, Ashland. Preceding him in death was a sister, Doris Hinkel, a brother, Daniel Klauger, a son, William Pharo.
Survivors:
Wife: Barbara (Miller) Klauger, married 44 years
Daughter: Susan wife of Glenn McLaughlin, Pottstown
Daughter: Bessie wife of Kelly Carpenter, Wilmington, N.C.
Son: John Pharo, Chalfont, PA
Sister: Isabel Hinkel, Ashland
Sister: Joanne Ossman, Richlandtown, PA
Grandchildren: Jason (Kimberly) Collins, Charlie (Tabby) Collins, James (Brittany) Pharo, Kyle (Alexis) Pharo
Great Grandchildren: Xander, Issac, Olivia, Jackson, Jax, Ella
Step Grandchildren: Erin (Andy) Husband, Lauren (Steve) Bolger
Step Great Grandchildren: Lucy, Charlotte, Amy, Caitlin, Addison
Special Grandchildren (Neighbors): Autumn and Wyatt Snyder
Many Nieces and Nephews
What a father is by Bill Pharo:
A father is a strong man,
A willing man
A patient man
Provider without praise
Unsung Hero
Protector against the night
First best friend
Unconditionally loving you always
The one who this was given to
His name is Charlie
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Charles’s Life, December 12, 2025, at 11 AM in Christ United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road, Ashland. Officiating will be Brian Bissel, pastor. Internment with military honors will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Barry Township, Deep Creek Road. A viewing will begin at 9:30 AM in the church until time of service. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome to leave condolences. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, will announce funeral arrangements.
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Alberta M. Wagner, 89, former Ashland resident, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Orwigsburg Center, Orwigsburg.
The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, will announce funeral arrangements.
Elizabeth T. Sabadish, 95, formerly of Branchdale, passed away peacefully Friday December 5, 2025 at LVHN Schuylkill East.
Born in Branchdale, August 27, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Anna (Wenanski) Sabadish.
She worked as a machine operator at the former Honey Bee Blouse Factory, Branchdale and was a member of ILGWU.
She was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville and the former St. Mary Star of the Sea RCC, Branchdale.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by brothers Paul Sabadish; Joseph Sabadish; Sister Catherine Sabadish.
Surviving are a sister Mary Mistishen and several Nieces.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM Friday December 12, 2025 at St. Matthew the Evangelist Church, 139 Spruce St. Minersville, PA 17954 with Rev. Jojappa Adagatla Officiating. Relatives and friends may call from 9:00-10:00 AM Friday at Donald J. Butler Funeral Home 328 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. In lieu of flowers, Contributions can be made to American Heart Association at 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas TX 75231. Burial will be in St. Mary Star of the Sea Cemetery, Llewellyn.
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Born in Branchdale, August 27, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Anna (Wenanski) Sabadish.
She worked as a machine operator at the former Honey Bee Blouse Factory, Branchdale and was a member of ILGWU.
She was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville and the former St. Mary Star of the Sea RCC, Branchdale.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by brothers Paul Sabadish; Joseph Sabadish; Sister Catherine Sabadish.
Surviving are a sister Mary Mistishen and several Nieces.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM Friday December 12, 2025 at St. Matthew the Evangelist Church, 139 Spruce St. Minersville, PA 17954 with Rev. Jojappa Adagatla Officiating. Relatives and friends may call from 9:00-10:00 AM Friday at Donald J. Butler Funeral Home 328 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. In lieu of flowers, Contributions can be made to American Heart Association at 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas TX 75231. Burial will be in St. Mary Star of the Sea Cemetery, Llewellyn.
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Born in Pottsville he was the son of John and Margaret Doyle Horan.
He attended the Minersville High school. He was retired from the Federal Government where he worked in refrigeration repair at Fort Indiantown Gap. He was a Marine Corp veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the former St. Kieran’s Church, Hechscherville and a member of St. Michael’s Church of Holy Family Parish, Minersville. He was a life member of the Clover Fire Co. and a member of the Coal Cracker Polka Dancing Group.
He was preceded in death by a daughter Carol.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sarah O’Connor Horn; a son Jack Horan and his wife Holly, Jonestown and a daughter Peggy Bernetski and her husband Andy of Pottsville; 3 grandchildren, Connor, Brenna and Luke; 3 great grandchildren, Addison, Braxton and Wren; and 2 sisters Frances Walker and Jane Radziewicz.
Mass of Christian Burial will be in St. Michael’s Church of Holy Family Parish, 538 Sunbury St., Minersville, date and time to be determined. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in St. Vincent’s #2 Cemetery.
Arrangements are by the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home Minersville.
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Born on May 9th, 1969, Jimmy lived life with a spirit that was uniquely his own. He believed that life was perfect exactly as it was unfolding, and he carried a philosophy that everything happens for a reason. That belief shaped the way he moved through the world—never fighting life, but calmly flowing with it, always looking for meaning, opportunity, and purpose in every moment.
Jimmy enjoyed laughing with his family, and simply being together. He approached both joy and hardship with grace, curiosity, and a wisdom that he shared generously. He saw the bigger picture even in the smallest moments and lived with a perspective most of us spend a lifetime trying to discover.
He had a lifelong passion for the game of golf. A scratch golfer, he was currently a proud member of Eagle Rock Golf Course. In earlier years, he owned and operated Windsor Heights Golf Course, where he shared his love of the sport with countless members of the community. He also served as the golf pro at the former Fountain Springs Country Club, a role that perfectly reflected his dedication, skill, and genuine joy for the game. Golf was not just a hobby for him—it was a true calling that shaped much of his life and the friendships he cherished.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother, Maria (Bulvin) Heuermann.
He leaves behind his wife, Crystal Lucas; his father, Larry Lucas; his stepmother, Janine Lucas; his siblings, Jonathan Lucas and Taylor Lucas; his children, Brandon, Kailee, and Mary Jane Lucas; and his step-father, Robert Heuermann. Jimmy cherished each of them deeply, and being a husband and father was the greatest blessing of his life.
Jimmy will be remembered for his courage, his unfailing belief in the beauty of life, and his ability to rise above the ordinary. His family will miss his humor, his warmth, and the way he made every day feel meaningful—especially the quiet ones.
May his spirit continue to guide us toward seeing the larger picture, just as he always did.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 26th at 4 p.m. from St. Charles Borromeo Church located at 1115 Walnut St., Ashland with Monsignor William F. Glosser. Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation at the church on Friday afternoon from 2 p.m. until the time of mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jimmy’s memory to For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation on their website (click on link) or mailed to: 620 West Germantown Pike, Suite 150, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville & Girardville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born on March 30, 1934 in Strausstown, she was a daughter of the late Curtis and Stella Henne Himmelberger.
She was a 1952 graduate of Hamburg High School.
She married Frank W. Mutschler on October 8, 1955 and moved to Pine Grove.
The Lord chose to have Faye work with children and they were a big part of her life. She was a Sunday school teacher, a teachers aide for 6 plus years in the Pine Grove Area School District, helped a friend start a day care center and worked for Schuylkiill Co. Child Development.
Faye and her husband were instrumental in helping to start the Echo Valley Grace Brethren Church, Tremont in 1978, where she has been a member since. She served many years in various ministries and was a pianist. She also helped to start the Preschool at the Church where she was an aide, bookkeeper and became the director until she retired in 2006.
Faye loved her family deeply and especially enjoyed her grandchildren. She was a hard worker, an excellent homemaker with a servants heart. She had a love for music and enjoyed playing the piano. Faye loved reading her Bible and lived what she believed. She enjoyed trips to the family cabin and camping trips shared with friends.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 43 years, Frank Mutschler; five brothers, Russell, Myles, Curtis, Leon and Glenn Himmelberger; three sisters, Ella Stambaugh, Mildred Pottieger and Fern Barner; several nieces and nephews.
Surviving are three daughters, Pamela and husband Kenneth Irving, Tina Mutschler, Ramona and husband Samuel Kramer; a son Mark and wife Kim Mutschler, all of Pine Grove; 6 grandchildren, Andrew and wife Amanda Irving, Jodi and husband Korey Harris, Amanda and husband Keith Lehr, Corey Mutschler, Kole and wife Kate Kramer, Alexa and husband Tyler Smith; 10 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at Echo Valley Grace Church, 46 Tremont Rd., Tremont with Pastors Christopher Laughlin and Jim Laird officiating. There will be a viewing on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 9:00 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. at the Church. Interment will follow in St. Matthew's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to Echo Valley Grace Church, 46 Tremont Rd., Tremont, PA 17981 in her memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
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Rod was born on January 16, 1948 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He grew up with a strong sense of duty, integrity, and compassion—values that shaped his remarkable life. A proud graduate of Pine Grove High School, Class of 1965, he later served his country in the United States Navy. There, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Good Conduct Medal. His service was a lifelong point of pride.
On June 15, 1968, Rod married the love of his life, Elaine. Their partnership lasted more than 57 years and was built on devotion, friendship, and unwavering support. Together, they raised their daughter, Melissa, who later married Joseph Palmieri. Rod cherished his family above all else. His granddaughters, Carleigh and Sophia, were his greatest joy.
Rod dedicated 38 years of his professional life to Reneer Films/ Omnova Solutions, where he retired as Operations Manager in 2010. His strong work ethic, leadership, and commitment left a lasting impact on colleagues and the company alike.
Active in his community and passionate about public service, Rod served on the Orwigsburg Borough Council and was Chairman of the Municipal Authority. He was a proud member of the Shartlesville, Strausstown, and Orwigsburg gun clubs and an active member of the American Legion James Steele Post 369.
Rod embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid golfer and found joy in woodworking, fishing, and trap shooting. But above all, he treasured time spent with his family, moments of laughter, conversation, and togetherness that will forever remain in their hearts. He is preceded in death by his brothers Leonard and James, whom he remembered lovingly throughout his life.
Rod will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was warm, dependable, and a joy to be around. He made every space brighter with his presence. His peaceful passing reflects the grace with which he lived, surrounded by the love he so generously gave to others.
Though his absence leaves a deep void, his legacy of kindness, service, and love will continue to guide and inspire those who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Arrangements: Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday December 29, 2025 at St. Ambrose Church 10:30am. Visitation will begin 9:15am.
Though his absence leaves a deep void, his legacy of kindness, service, and love will continue to guide and inspire those who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Arrangements: Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday December 29, 2025 at St. Ambrose Church 10:30am. Visitation will begin 9:15am.
Interment with Military Honors will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA following mass.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to one of the area animal rescues.
Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc, Orwigsburg, is honored to be serving the family.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville