Skook News Obituaries: January 7th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
Robert Harold Himmelberger, 56, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Wednesday, December 31st, at St. Lukes Hospital, Orwigsburg.
Robert was born in Reading, Pa. on December 19, 1969, a son of the late Joanne (Noll) and Harold Himmelberger.
In addition to his parent’s he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Himmelberger, a sister Donna Mae Himmelberger. Robert is survived by brothers, Richard and Edward Himmelberger.
All services are private.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
She was born on October 24th, 1936 to the late Arnold and Helen (Gleason) Lord, both of the Minersville area .
She was a 1955 graduate of Minersville High School. She spent many years working in retail, first as a cashier at the former Economy Market in Minersville. She later worked at Boscov’s and was a long-standing fixture at the courtesy desk there, up until her retirement.
In addition to her parent’s, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Orff, and her son, James. She is survived by a daughter Nicole, of Hazleton along with several nieces and nephews and two “grand” dogs, Abbey & Katie.
She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville where she sung in the church choir for several years.
Family and friends may call Saturday, January 10, from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville.
A Mass of Christian Burial with be celebrated 10:30 am at St. Michael the Archangel church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville with Fr. Jojappa Adagatla, MSC officiating.
Interment Mount Peace Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to Brandon’s Forever Home 187 N. Church St. Hazleton, Pa. 18202
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
William was born in Monessen, PA on March 21,1939. The only child of the late Minnie
(Fulgenzio)and John Gaydos.
(Fulgenzio)and John Gaydos.
Bill graduated from Monessen High School, California University of PA and Indiana University
with master's degrees in education. He also served in the United States Army.
with master's degrees in education. He also served in the United States Army.
Prior to retiring he worked as a speech and hearing teacher at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit, Pottsville, PА.
William is survived by two cousins, Mark Sparacella, VA Beach, VA and Phillip Sparacella,
Monessen, PA.
Bill was also survived by many friends. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery,
Monessen, PA.
Monessen, PA.
There will be no local services held.
Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. is honored to be serving the family.
She was born in Tower City, on Sunday, July 1, 1928 a daughter of the late Howard and Beulah Hause Carl.
Elsie was a homemaker most of her life, always making sure her family was her top priority.
She always looked forward to spending time at her camp along the Juniata River in Newport, where many memories were made with her family and friends. She never missed an opportunity to go dancing and enjoyed singing along to all kinds of music.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband John, 1997 and a son, Randy, 1975.
She is survived by her son, John W. Frank and his companion Julie Schaffer; a grandson Ricky Rabuck and a great granddaughter, Haylee Rabuck; step grandchildren Michelle Carl and Elaine Torres.
Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:00 am from the Greenwood Cemetery, Tower City with Pastor Annette Shutt officiating.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Kathryn had several vocations, all of which reflect her core values of service, dependability, and compassion for others. She worked as a telephone operator at the Mantzville phone company, where she met her beloved husband, Wayne, in 1953. They celebrated 71 years of marriage last December. Kathryn was a rural mail carrier for over 16 years, serving the Andreas area.
Kathryn was also instrumental in the formation of the Penn Mahoning Ambulance Association, where she volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Kathryn owned and operated Kayway Kennels and was a breeder and shower of Collies and Shelties.
Kathryn is now reunited again with family that preceded her in death: father (Roy Weaver), mother (Maizie Weaver (nee Gombert)), son (Darryl Troxell), brother (Junior Weaver), and sisters (Mae Anthony, Esther (Reigel) Bordnar, and Betty Lucas), and many dogs.
Above all, Kathryn cherished her family and is survived by her husband Wayne Troxell, son Brad Troxell and his wife Christine (nee Cool), granddaughters Maizy Troxell and Alana Troxell, sister Patricia Peltz (husband Eugene Peltz), many nephews and nieces.
Kathryn enjoyed square dancing with her lifelong partner Wayne. She also was an avid gardener, traveler, reader, and quilter. She was a markswoman, having been certified by the National Rifle Association. Kathryn had spent a considerable amount of time tracing the lineage of her family tree and was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her greatest joy was spoiling her two granddaughters, who lovingly called her O'ma. For them, she hosted many tea parties, took weekly trips to the Hometown Farmers' Market, baked endless treats, and created many entries for the Schuylkill County Fair.
Services for Kathryn will be held at 11am on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Ben Salem U.C.C. Church, 1965 Church Hill Rd, Lehighton, PA, with Rev Randy Lentz officiating. Calling hours are from 9am to 11am at the church. Interment in church cemetery. Contributions may be made to Ben Salem U.C.C., PO Box 128, Andreas, Pa 18211. Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
Born on October 20th, 1944 in Butler Township, PA, Frank grew up hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. He graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1966 before joining the Exxon Corporation, where he devoted his career for 33 years before he retired in 1999. Frank and his wife, Anna Marie, of Tamaqua, PA, spent their retirement years in the active retirement community of Sun City, in South Carolina.
There Frank became skilled at wood working and was a member of the Sun City Wood Workers Club and became an instructor. He was also active with the Stain Glass Club, the Corvette Club, and various card clubs.
Above all, Frank was a family man, which shaped every aspect of his life. Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Anna Marie (Ripko) Stefanick, who stood by his side for 58 years; his son, Frank, two grandchildren, Garrett and Abby, his daughter Jodi Ann, and his sister, Cheryl Walters. He also leaves behind many friends and neighbors who were touched by his famous sense of humor and wit. He never knew a stranger and often made those around him smile. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Frank Jerome and Anne Stefanick of Nesquehoning, PA.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. Frank will be remembered as being generous in spirit and committed in purpose. He was also known for his love of sarcasm. His legacy lives on through the lives he enriched with his kindness, creativity, and unwavering support.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, January 16, 2026 at Saint Gregory the Great in Bluffton, SC, where Frank was an usher. It will be followed by a hospitality gathering at St. Gregory Parish Life Center. Burial services will be held at a later date in Frank’s hometown of Nesquehoning, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 31 St. Gregory Dr., Bluffton, SC 29909.
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
