Skook News Obituaries: April 25th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
📩 Daily Schuylkill County Obituary Alerts in Your Inbox
---------------------------------------------------
.jpg)
Born on December 6, 1940, in Reading, Pennsylvania, John was the beloved son of John D. and Marguerite (Abeln) Wandzilak. He pursued higher education passionately and earned a master's degree in education from Kutztown University, laying the foundation for a meaningful career dedicated to teaching.
John devoted many years to the Panther Valley School District, where he was an English and Russian teacher, inspiring countless students with his knowledge and dedication. His commitment to education and the impact he had on his students' lives remain an enduring legacy.
Beyond his professional life, John held a deep appreciation for his passions. A proud member of the NRA, he found enjoyment in target practice, trap shooting and the meticulous craft of bullet making. He was a proud member of the Orwigsburg Rod and Gun Club, among others. His enthusiasm for dirt bikes, motorcycles, horseback riding and travelling brought him joy as he was able to visit 49 states. He also had an affection for the wildlife that visited his yard.
John is survived by his loving wife, Beatrice; his son, Paul Wandzilak and his wife Ann Marie; and his son Steven Wandzilak. He was also the grandfather to Zachary and his partner, Alyssa and their son, his great-grandson, Kaysen; and Lauren and her husband, Carmine. His family circle extends to his brother, Philip Wandzilak and his wife Barbara of Reading; and his sister Delores Hoffman, also of Reading.
Private arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., located at 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. The family welcomes online condolences through their website at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.
John D. Wandzilak, Jr.’s life was marked by devotion to his family, his profession and his interests. He leaves behind a legacy of education and a rich appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
--------------------------------------------------
.jpg)
Born on September 10, 1960, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Jeff was the son of the late Lee and Esther (Hill) Wagner. He was also reunited with his stepchildren Lydia Joy Gundry, Dana Marie Scatton, and Joshua Lee Gundry.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Lenore S. (Weston) Scatton-Wagner; his eldest daughter, Laura Ashlee Wagner & fiancé Carls H. Germain; his son, Bryan Jeffrey Wagner; and his youngest daughter, Jillian Lee Wagner & spouse, David Drozdowski.
He is also survived by his stepmother Lisa L. Rhoades and her husband Wes Rhoades, his brothers—Tim and his wife, Chris; Dave and his wife Linda; & Andy and his wife Michele—as well as his stepchildren Josiah “JJ” Gundry & wife Danielle Parisi, Jacob Goralewski, & grandchildren Elijah, Aria, & Aries.
A 1978 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School, Jeff went on to attend Lock Haven University, earning his bachelor’s degree. He most recently worked at Amazon as a Processing Assistant Administrator and attended mass at Weatherly Faith Church.
Jeff will be remembered as a man who believed in showing up, working hard, and doing things the right way, living out that work ethic every day and taking pride in the life he built. He had the gift of being a natural-born negotiator—not just for the savings, but for the challenge and the story behind every deal.
With a sharp mind and great sense of humor, Jeff enjoyed cheering on the Phillies, watching Survivor from the very beginning, and keeping up with the world through his daily newspapers.
More than anything, Jeff will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and the love he shared—often in his own unique, no-nonsense, but always genuine way.
A memorial service for Jeff will be held on Friday May 1, 2026 at 3 o'clock P.M. from the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 211 1st St., Weatherly, PA 18255. A calling will be held from1 P.M. until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia at give2.chop.edu or The Phillies Charities, Inc., at https://www.mlb.com/phillies/forms/phillies-charities-donations.
--------------------------------------------------
.jpg)
Hoot was born in Ringtown on May 9, 1937, a son of the late John and Elsie (Beaver) Hinderliter.
He was a graduate of the former Ringtown High School, and then worked in the Ringtown Borough as a police officer before becoming a self employed excavating contractor and owner of Hinderliter Hauling & Excavating. After his retirement, he embarked on a 22 year career as a van driver for Rohrer Transportation, where he enjoyed busing children to and from school.
Locally, Hoot was a charter member of the former Ringtown Lions Club, a charter member of the Ringtown Valley Sporting Club, and a 69-year member of the Ringtown Fire Company, where he was the oldest active member. He was also a member of the Shenandoah Fish and Game Club.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janet (Whitner) Hinderliter in 1984, and by several brothers and sisters.
Hoot is survived by his two sons, Steve and his wife Elayne, and Kevin and his wife Tracy, his grandson Matt and his wife Ang, his sister Lois Faust, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends and invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, May 2nd at 11 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church, 106 West Main Street, Ringtown. A viewing will be held on Friday evening , May 1st from 5-8 PM at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown, and again on Saturday morning from 9-11 AM at the church.
Hoot will be laid to rest alongside his wife Janet at St. John's Memorial Park, immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations are asked to be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 106 West Main Street, Ringtown, PA. 17967.
--------------------------------------------------
Obituaries from the past 7 Days
--------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
