Skook News Obituaries: June 11th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Muir, Pennsylvania on February 29, 1940, he was a son of the late Ida (Helt) and John Challenger.
He was the husband of Joan F. (Daubert) Challenger, to whom he was married for 36 years. Jack and Joan enjoyed many trips around the world and loved to travel together.
He was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven, Beckville Gun Club, Cressona, Rainbow Gun Club, Auburn and various golf leagues.
He was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School. He then worked at Acme and retired from Brush Wellman (Materion), Shoemakersville.
Jack was an avid Pennsylvania sports fan, including Penn State, Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. He enjoyed watching and playing golf and hunting.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Jodi Nettles wife of Donald, Schuylkill Haven, John D. Challenger husband of Maureen, Port Carbon and Jill DeLong, Schuylkill Haven; step sons Jeff Snyder husband of Sandra, Nazareth and Michael Snyder husband of Brooke, Ridley Park, PA; grandchildren Donald, Matthew, Jaclyn, Jennifer, Jonny, Candice, Jacob, Joseph, Ben, Carter, Chris, Kyle, Katelyn, Kurt, Evan and Shea; great grandchildren Kyle, Brooklyn, Cole, Cael, Eva, Ari, Grant, Jon Jon, Kingsley, Leah, Kayden and Leo; sister Judy Challenger, Maryland; many nieces and nephews.
Jack is preceded in death by his first wife of 27 years Adele (Miller) Challenger, sister Jean Popalis and brothers Jimmy and Kim Challenger.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday, June 16 at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc in Schuylkill Haven, with Rev. Mike Carpenter officiating.
A viewing will be held prior from 9 until the time of the service.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock Street Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Lehighton, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Della (Fritz) Breiner. Geraldine was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Sherwood L. Balliet, and their son, Tim S. Balliet.
She is survived by her daughters, Gail Loughman (wife of Christopher) and Jill Cravotta (wife of Chuck); her brothers, Kenneth Breiner, and Bruce Breiner (and his wife, Diana); sister-in-law Linda Beibleheimer; her grandchildren, Mallory Freed (and her husband, Zack) and Charlie Cravotta; her great-grandchild, Jaxon Freed; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A proud graduate of Tamaqua High School, Geraldine began her career at the former Atlas Powder Co. in Clamtown. She later partnered with her husband to operate their family business, Balliet’s Fuel Oil. She was a dedicated, long-time member of Zion’s Stone Church of New Ringgold, a former Girl Scout volunteer, and former member of the West Penn Lionettes. Geraldine was grateful to have memories of traveling around the world, accompanying her husband with the International Lions Club. In her free time, she enjoyed crafting, sewing, and gardening. Her greatest joys in life included her unwavering trust in God, and sharing love with her family, friends, and neighbors.
Private funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., New Ringgold, PA. Interment funeral service (with immediate family) will take place at Zion Stone Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Stone Church of West Penn Township, 45 Cemetery Road, New Ringgold, PA 17960.
Obituaries from the past 7 Days
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
