Skook News Obituaries: May 22nd, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Hershey, he was the son of Jeffrey and Patrice Holley Bierman. He was a 2012 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville and attended Penn State Schuylkill Campus. He was employed in the service industry and last worked at Boscov's. He was a member of St. Michael's Church of Holy Family Parish, Minersville.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Rebecca; maternal grandfather James W. Holley and his paternal grandparents Ronald and Marion Bierman.
In addition to his parents, Blair is survived by his maternal grandmother Helen Marie Holley and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday morning at 11AM in St. Michael's Church of Holy Family Parish, 539 Sunbury St., Minersville.
Relatives and friends may call at the Church on Saturday morning from 10AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in St. Kieran's #2 Cemetery, Llewellyn.
The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Blair to the Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Rd., Pottsville, Pa. 17901.
Arrangements are by the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, Minersville.
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Elsie P. Davis, 94, of West West Terrace, Branch twp., passed away Wednesday, May 20th, after a brief stay at The Gardens at York Terrace..
Elsie was born on October 6, 1931, a daughter of the late Anna (Tlumac) and Frank Bosack.
She was the widow of Norman Davis.
She was a devout member of Saint Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish. Minersville.
She was a graduate of Branch Twp. High School Class of 1949.
Elsie was a Seamstress in the local garment industry but was better known for her skills as a proficient baker. Baking cakes for countless occasions. In her younger years she also served as a Cub Scout Den Mother at her home. Elsie could routinely be found driving her friends to church and then to the mandatory stop at Palermo’s restaurant.
In addition to her parents and husband Norman, she was preceded in death by a Son, Gene Davis, Granddaughter Amanda Davis, Son in law’s Bill Zeth and David Murphy, a Brother, Sonny Bosack, Sisters, Margaret Clifford, Irene Koury, and Betty Koury.
Elsie is survived by two daughters, AnneMarie Zeth and Cindy Murphy, Sons, Michael Davis, husband of Joanne, and Jerry Davis, husband of Mary. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren and a daughter in law Jane Davis.
All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation 9:00 to 10:45 AM on Tuesday, May 26th at St. Michael Chapel pf the Holy Family Parish.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am with Reverend James Torpey officiating.
Interment at Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Parish Memorial Fund.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Linda Lee Frew, 75, of Frackville, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Ashland on February 20, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Ada (Montgomery) Filer.
Linda was a 1969 graduate of North Schuylkill High School. She later earned her Licensed Practical Nurse certification and dedicated over 40 years of compassionate care to patients at the former Pottsville Hospital until her retirement in 2013.
A devoted woman of faith and service, Linda was a member of First United Methodist Church in Frackville. She also faithfully served as the organist for St. Peter United Church of Christ in Frackville for more than 30 years and was the longtime treasurer for the church consistory.
In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Lance Frew, in 2016.
She is survived by her her son, Mark Frew and his wife, Kelley, of Palmyra; daughter, Wendy Nicodemus and her husband, Russ, of Ringtown; her sisters, Sandra Tertel and her husband, Joseph, of Frackville, and Johann Waizenegger and her companion, William Harp, of Frackville; companion, James Hahn, of Georgia; cherished grandchildren, Grace and Wilson Frew; her nieces and nephews, Joseph Tertel and his wife, Elizabeth, Tracy Hunter and her husband, Jorge, Rebecca Waizenegger, and Brian Waizenegger; great-niece, Ayla Hunter; great-nephew, Cormac Hunter; and her beloved canine companions, Teddy and Harley, along with granddog, Lilly Mae.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Nice-Hart Funeral Home, Inc., 9 North Lehigh Avenue, Frackville, PA 17931. Rev. Arturo A.L. Bautista and Rev. David Davis will officiate. Friends and family are invited to call from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday morning at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.
Ruth Bohnenblust, 101, of Orwigsburg, passed away Wednesday, May 20th, at her residence.
Elsie was born on October 6, 1931, a daughter of the late Anna (Tlumac) and Frank Bosack.
She was the widow of Norman Davis.
She was a devout member of Saint Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish. Minersville.
She was a graduate of Branch Twp. High School Class of 1949.
Elsie was a Seamstress in the local garment industry but was better known for her skills as a proficient baker. Baking cakes for countless occasions. In her younger years she also served as a Cub Scout Den Mother at her home. Elsie could routinely be found driving her friends to church and then to the mandatory stop at Palermo’s restaurant.
In addition to her parents and husband Norman, she was preceded in death by a Son, Gene Davis, Granddaughter Amanda Davis, Son in law’s Bill Zeth and David Murphy, a Brother, Sonny Bosack, Sisters, Margaret Clifford, Irene Koury, and Betty Koury.
Elsie is survived by two daughters, AnneMarie Zeth and Cindy Murphy, Sons, Michael Davis, husband of Joanne, and Jerry Davis, husband of Mary. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren and a daughter in law Jane Davis.
All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation 9:00 to 10:45 AM on Tuesday, May 26th at St. Michael Chapel pf the Holy Family Parish.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am with Reverend James Torpey officiating.
Interment at Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Parish Memorial Fund.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Robert J. Ackell, 77, of Frackville, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 19th, while watching his beloved Philadelphia Phillies.
Born in Shenandoah, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mabel (Savin) Ackell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Christine “Tina” Ackell.
Bob was a graduate of the former Frackville High School, Class of 1967, the final graduating class of the school. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of sergeant and serving from 1968 until receiving his honorable discharge in 1974.
Following his military service, Bob dedicated more than 50 years to the coal mining industry, working for both Reading Anthracite Company and Keystone Anthracite until his retirement. He was a member of the former Annunciation BVM Church, now St. Joseph the Worker Parish. Bob was also a member of Frackville American Legion Post 398.
A devoted supporter of youth athletics in the community, Bob served as both a coach and former president of the Frackville Little League. He also volunteered his time coaching for the Frackville Mountaineer Football and Frackville Biddy Basketball programs. He was an avid Penn State Nittany Lions football and Philadelphia sports fan.
Bob is survived by his two sons, Robert Ackell and his wife, Marcie, of Lavelle, and Joseph Ackell and his wife, Lindsey, of Coatesville; a daughter, Michelle Ackell, of Wilkes-Barre; three sisters, Valerie Bukowski and her husband, John, of Frackville; Mary Ellen Reilly, of Catasaqua and her late husband James Reilly; and Georgine Mankewicz and her husband, Walter, of Shenandoah Heights; his beloved grandchildren, Alissa, Brody, Brook, Hayden, Nolan, and Kellen; along with nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 28th, at 11 a.m. from St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 49 North Line Street, Frackville. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Thursday morning at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment with military honors will follow in Annunciation BVM Cemetery, Englewood section of Frackville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to the FBPA at PO Box 261 Frackville, PA 17931 to help "Light up Frackville" for new town Christmas Lights.
Arrangements are under the care of Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Frackville.
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Born in Shenandoah, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mabel (Savin) Ackell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Christine “Tina” Ackell.
Bob was a graduate of the former Frackville High School, Class of 1967, the final graduating class of the school. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of sergeant and serving from 1968 until receiving his honorable discharge in 1974.
Following his military service, Bob dedicated more than 50 years to the coal mining industry, working for both Reading Anthracite Company and Keystone Anthracite until his retirement. He was a member of the former Annunciation BVM Church, now St. Joseph the Worker Parish. Bob was also a member of Frackville American Legion Post 398.
A devoted supporter of youth athletics in the community, Bob served as both a coach and former president of the Frackville Little League. He also volunteered his time coaching for the Frackville Mountaineer Football and Frackville Biddy Basketball programs. He was an avid Penn State Nittany Lions football and Philadelphia sports fan.
Bob is survived by his two sons, Robert Ackell and his wife, Marcie, of Lavelle, and Joseph Ackell and his wife, Lindsey, of Coatesville; a daughter, Michelle Ackell, of Wilkes-Barre; three sisters, Valerie Bukowski and her husband, John, of Frackville; Mary Ellen Reilly, of Catasaqua and her late husband James Reilly; and Georgine Mankewicz and her husband, Walter, of Shenandoah Heights; his beloved grandchildren, Alissa, Brody, Brook, Hayden, Nolan, and Kellen; along with nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 28th, at 11 a.m. from St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 49 North Line Street, Frackville. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Thursday morning at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment with military honors will follow in Annunciation BVM Cemetery, Englewood section of Frackville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to the FBPA at PO Box 261 Frackville, PA 17931 to help "Light up Frackville" for new town Christmas Lights.
Arrangements are under the care of Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Frackville.
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Gail A. Kern, 84, of Mahanoy City, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Providence Place in Pottsville.
Born at the former Locust Mountain Hospital in Shenandoah on January 7, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Anna (Thompson) Richards.
Gail was a 1959 graduate of the former Mahanoy City High School. She worked for 29 years as a teacher’s aide for Child Development in Mahanoy City until her retirement.
She was a lifelong devoted member of St. Paul’s UCC in Mahanoy City. She served on the Elk’s Lodge Auxiliary for many years. Gail loved cheering on her Penn State Nittany Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, and she enjoyed watching Fox News.
Besides her parents, she was preceded by her husband, Elom Kern in 2001, and her 3 brothers- Robert, Gerald, and John Richards. She was the last member of her immediate family.
Gail is survived by her 2 daughters- Kimberly Butcavage of Mahanoy City and Bonnie Pecika with her husband William of Park Place, 5 grandchildren- Brittney and Bryce Butcavage, William Pecika Jr., Paige Kawana, and Taylor Pecika, along with 6 great-grandchildren- Atlas, Navy, Elom Joseph, Royce, Felicity, and Sonny.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, May 27th from 10 to 11am at St. Paul’s UCC in Mahanoy City. Services will be conducted at 11am by Rev. Craig Zimmerman. Burial will immediately follow at the German Protestant Cemetery in Mahanoy City.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations in Gail’s memory offered to the St. Paul’s UCC Endowment Fund.
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements under the direction of Franklin Fetter, Funeral Director.
Born at the former Locust Mountain Hospital in Shenandoah on January 7, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Anna (Thompson) Richards.
Gail was a 1959 graduate of the former Mahanoy City High School. She worked for 29 years as a teacher’s aide for Child Development in Mahanoy City until her retirement.
She was a lifelong devoted member of St. Paul’s UCC in Mahanoy City. She served on the Elk’s Lodge Auxiliary for many years. Gail loved cheering on her Penn State Nittany Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, and she enjoyed watching Fox News.
Besides her parents, she was preceded by her husband, Elom Kern in 2001, and her 3 brothers- Robert, Gerald, and John Richards. She was the last member of her immediate family.
Gail is survived by her 2 daughters- Kimberly Butcavage of Mahanoy City and Bonnie Pecika with her husband William of Park Place, 5 grandchildren- Brittney and Bryce Butcavage, William Pecika Jr., Paige Kawana, and Taylor Pecika, along with 6 great-grandchildren- Atlas, Navy, Elom Joseph, Royce, Felicity, and Sonny.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, May 27th from 10 to 11am at St. Paul’s UCC in Mahanoy City. Services will be conducted at 11am by Rev. Craig Zimmerman. Burial will immediately follow at the German Protestant Cemetery in Mahanoy City.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations in Gail’s memory offered to the St. Paul’s UCC Endowment Fund.
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements under the direction of Franklin Fetter, Funeral Director.
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Born in Ashland on February 20, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Ada (Montgomery) Filer.
Linda was a 1969 graduate of North Schuylkill High School. She later earned her Licensed Practical Nurse certification and dedicated over 40 years of compassionate care to patients at the former Pottsville Hospital until her retirement in 2013.
A devoted woman of faith and service, Linda was a member of First United Methodist Church in Frackville. She also faithfully served as the organist for St. Peter United Church of Christ in Frackville for more than 30 years and was the longtime treasurer for the church consistory.
In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Lance Frew, in 2016.
She is survived by her her son, Mark Frew and his wife, Kelley, of Palmyra; daughter, Wendy Nicodemus and her husband, Russ, of Ringtown; her sisters, Sandra Tertel and her husband, Joseph, of Frackville, and Johann Waizenegger and her companion, William Harp, of Frackville; companion, James Hahn, of Georgia; cherished grandchildren, Grace and Wilson Frew; her nieces and nephews, Joseph Tertel and his wife, Elizabeth, Tracy Hunter and her husband, Jorge, Rebecca Waizenegger, and Brian Waizenegger; great-niece, Ayla Hunter; great-nephew, Cormac Hunter; and her beloved canine companions, Teddy and Harley, along with granddog, Lilly Mae.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Nice-Hart Funeral Home, Inc., 9 North Lehigh Avenue, Frackville, PA 17931. Rev. Arturo A.L. Bautista and Rev. David Davis will officiate. Friends and family are invited to call from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday morning at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.
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There will be a visitation at the funeral home from 11:00 to 11:30 at which time there will be a service officiated by Rev Kurt Kovalovich.
Interment will be private.
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Peggy L. Paul, 94, of Camp Hill, passed away Wednesday evening, May 20, 2026 at her home.
Born in Reinerton on Friday, January 8, 1932, a daughter of the late William Dougherty and Elsie Carl Davis. She was a graduate of the former Porter Township High School.
Peggy was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, Shiremanstown
She dedicated her life to raising and taking care of her family. Peggy will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
She could often be found cooking, baking, or doing ceramics. Peggy was a skilled seamstress who loved to knit. She was also a gifted pianist who loved to share her music with her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John Paul, 2017; a sister, June Knight; a son-in-law, Mike Himes.
Surviving are her three children, Thomas Paul and his wife Donna, Lewisberry, Sharon Niksic and her husband Mark, Colorado, and Susan Himes, Gardners; four grandchildren, Zach and Josh Paul, and Shane and Kayla Niksic; four great grandchildren.
Services will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City. Visitation will be from 10:30 - 11:00 at the chapel. Peggy will be laid to rest aside her husband in the St. Peter's Cemetery Orwin. Following the services, a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Reinerton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Born in Reinerton on Friday, January 8, 1932, a daughter of the late William Dougherty and Elsie Carl Davis. She was a graduate of the former Porter Township High School.
Peggy was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, Shiremanstown
She dedicated her life to raising and taking care of her family. Peggy will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
She could often be found cooking, baking, or doing ceramics. Peggy was a skilled seamstress who loved to knit. She was also a gifted pianist who loved to share her music with her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John Paul, 2017; a sister, June Knight; a son-in-law, Mike Himes.
Surviving are her three children, Thomas Paul and his wife Donna, Lewisberry, Sharon Niksic and her husband Mark, Colorado, and Susan Himes, Gardners; four grandchildren, Zach and Josh Paul, and Shane and Kayla Niksic; four great grandchildren.
Services will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City. Visitation will be from 10:30 - 11:00 at the chapel. Peggy will be laid to rest aside her husband in the St. Peter's Cemetery Orwin. Following the services, a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Reinerton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
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Obituaries from the past 7 Days
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
