Thursday, January 29, 2026

Schuylkill County Obituaries | January 29th, 2026

                              Skook News Obituaries

Skook News Obituaries:  January 29th, 2026

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Herbert H. "Herbie" Krause, 96, of Rock Rd., Pine Grove, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 in the VA Hospital, Lebanon.

Born on October 18, 1929 in Rock, he was a son of the late Arthur and Edith Minnich Krause.

He was a United States Army Veteran having served during the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Medal w/ 5 Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal.

Herbert worked in construction, was a miner and farmer and a Welder at the former Cressona Aluminum.

He was a member of Salem Hetzel's UCC.

Herbert was a life member of the Amvets Post 114, Pine Grove VFW Post 3432, the Pine Grove American Legion Post 374, and a member of the Pine Grove Masonic Lodge #409 F. & A.M., Rock Fish & Game Protective Assoc., Rock Lodge Hunting Club, Schuylkill Shriners, Rajah Shriners, Reading Consistory, Just 4 Vets, Schuylkill Co. Sportsman's Federation, Summit Station Fire Co., and the NRA. He enjoyed serving in the local honor guard with their ceremonies for other veterans funerals.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, sports and going to breakfast. He loved to tell stories from years past and talk Pennsylvania Dutch. He was an avid Steelers and Yankees fan.

Preceding him in death were his wife of 46 years, Marion Weeks Krause; a son, Craig R. "Booger" Krause, Sr.; a step daughter, Susan Muehleder; three brothers, Stanley, Claude "Bud", and Harold Krause; four sisters, Pearl Klinger, Betty Witmer, Shirley Fidler and Alberta Witmer.

Surviving are a son, Richard Krause; a daughter, Cindy Krause, both of Schuylkill Haven; 5 grandchildren, Richard Krause II, Jennifer Heming, Craig Krause, Jr., Melissa McGoey, and Melinda Rasulov; 5 great grandchildren, Kamryn, Jedd, Ella, Michael and Damien; two brothers, Dale Krause, Kenneth and wife Sandy Krause, both of Pine Grove; nieces and nephews

Memorial Services for Herbert and Marion will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 A.M.at Salem Hetzel's UCC, 261 Hetzel's Church Rd., Pine Grove with Pastor Paul Cronin officiating. There will be a visitation on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at at the Church. Interment with military honors will be held at a later date in Salem Hetzel's Cemetery, Pine Grove.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Salem Hetzel's UCC, 261 Hetzel's Church Rd. Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory..

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements

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Calvin R. Korell
, 74, of Cressona, passed away Wednesday, January 28th.

Cal was born in McCook, Nebraska on December 3, 1951, a son of the late Cletus & Alpha (Lacey) Korell.

He was the widower of Brenda (Gilbert) Korell.

Cal was a Blue Mountain High School graduate.

He served in combat in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and earned a Bronze Star.

Working in contracting, Cal was a heavy equipment operator and mason.

He was a member of the Cressona American Legion Post #286.

Cal attended Grace Evangelical Free Church, Orwigsburg, & Pine Grove Community Church.

He is survived by two sons: Chad Korell, husband of Bonnie, Auburn, and Brandon Korell, Mechanicsburg, two granddaughters, Isabella & Julia, and three brothers: Marvin Korell, Bartley, NE, Glen Korell, Orwigsburg, & Aaron Korell, Auburn.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona, on Friday, February 6th at 11 AM. A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 10 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions in Cal’s name to Cressona American Legion Post #286: 1 Front St. Cressona, PA 17929.

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Carolyn H. Fessler
, 89, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Wednesday, January 28th, at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg.

Born in Minersville, on August 8, 1936, she was a daughter of the late Anna (Rodnick) and Joseph Monti.

She was the wife of the late Howard Fessler Jr. whom she married on February 1, 1958.

She was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church.

She was a graduate of Minersville High School and formerly worked for Alpha Mills as a seamstress. Carolyn enjoyed going to the casino and playing the lottery.

Carolyn is survived by a son Alan Fessler husband of Linda, Minersville; a daughter Cynthia Ebling wife of Edwin, Schuylkill Haven; grandchildren Rachel Hunsinger wife of Nathaniel, Rebecca Hontz wife of Michael, Allison Fisher wife of Andrew; and Erin Ebling; great grandchildren Jacob, Isabella and Jack; a sister Barbara Musick, Minersville; a brother Leo Yob husband of Diane Seltzer; a sister in law Joan Monti, Landsdale; a sister in law, Betty Heinbaugh, Summit Station, a sister in law Shirley Deibert, Auburn; and a brother in law Guy Herring, Allentown.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Francis and Joseph Monti.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven on Monday, February 2 at 10:30 am with Reverend Thomas Osei Gyua officiating. A Visitation will be held in church from 9:15 AM until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, 201 Randel St., Schuylkill Haven.

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Robert F. "Smokey" Deegan
, 95, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Monday, January 26th, at The Gardens of York Terrace, Pottsville.

Robert was born in Pottsville on December 9, 1930, a son of the late James & Edna (Boger) Deegan.

Married nearly 56 years, Bob was the loving husband of Eva B. (Peterson) Deegan.

He was a 1948 graduate of Pottsville High School.

Bob had an impressive 22 year career with the U.S. Navy. He retired holding the rank of Master Chief, Quartermaster.

Being a signalman and navigator, most of this career was spent at Sea, but did do a stint as Drill Instruction in San Diego, Training Center, Ca. Taught ROTC at the University of Washington as assisting professor. One of his favorite tours of duty, was taking a team of men to Ethiopia, to teach at the Emperor Haile Selassie Naval Academy in Massawa, Eritrea.

After retiring, he taught NJROTC, in high school, first in Kentucky, later Northern California wearing the uniform for an additional 9 years. Started and taught Celestial Navigation classes at College of the Redwoods, Ca. In recent years, gardening was his enjoyment and travelling.

In addition to his wife, Bob is also survived by two grandchildren: Jolene Perry, & Joshua Baker, and four great-grandchildren: Jewel, Owen, Mark, & Sage.

In addition to his parents, Bob is also preceded in death by his children: James Deegan, & Kim Deegan.

A private graveside service will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

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David P. Stoppi
passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026.

A lifelong resident of West West Terrace, Branch Twp.., David was deeply devoted to his family, his faith, and his community. He was proud of the life he built in the place he always called home.

He was a loving father of three: Joanne (Gary) Laudeman, Michael (Kim) Stoppi, and Angelina (Plamen) Penev. He cherished his role as grandfather to Savannah Smolskis, Matthew Laudeman, Jordan Urbano, and Brittany Hendricks, and was a proud great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy.

David worked for Baltimore Life Insurance as an agent and loved his job and customers.

David's life was defined by service. He was deeply devoted to the Masonic Society, Lions Club, Newtown Fish and Gun Club, and his Catholic faith.

He could often be found helping prepare pierogies and bleenies for church sales, passing the collection basket at Saturday evening Mass, hanging with the Back Row Crew and generously giving his time to organize countless community events—including his favorite, the Lions' annual golf tournament.

Outside of his service, David found great joy in life's simple pleasures. He had a special love for dogs, especially his beloved dog Captain, and was a familiar sight on the Terrace, happily handing out biscuits to neighborhood pups during their daily walks. He also had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying walking, hunting, and caring for his lawn and gardens.

He is also survived by his siblings, Maria Angelo, Teresa Harvilla, and Kenny Stoppi.

He was predeceased by his parents; his lifelong partner, Fay Hoover; and his beloved dogs, Patches, Lacey, and Mignon.

All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation Friday, February 6th from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home, Minersville. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:30.

David's kindness, dedication, and quiet service will be remembered and cherished by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in eternal peace, welcomed into God's loving embrace and reunited with those who went before him. In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for others or donate to Zoe's House Rescue, Hillside SPCA or your favorite charity

Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.

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Tara Plummer
, 54 of New Ringgold, Pennsylvania- passed away peacefully on January 27th 2026 at Reading Hospital after her battle with Stage 4 Cancer. 

Tara was born on November 22nd 1971 to William Lombardo and Beatrice “Joan” Ramsey in Laurence Harbor, New Jersey. Tara married David Plummer in May of 1995, and together they shared 30 wonderful years. Tara enjoyed her work as a Bus Driver at Eshelman Transportation and formed special bonds with her students, almost as if they were her own children. She was known for her incredible strength and love for her family and friends; her passion for shopping and always being an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on. 

Tara is survived by her brother, William Lombardo of Lattimer; Her children, Haley Lombardo of Tamaqua and David W Plummer of New Ringgold; and her cherished Grandson, Isaac Sienkiewicz. 

Visitation will be held at Hartman Funeral Home Inc on January 31st 2026 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at 1791 West Penn Pike, Route 309. New Ringgold, PA 17960. Tara has requested that her loved ones wear their favorite colors as a celebration of life and the beauty that is in it.

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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville

Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home