Skook News Obituaries: July 13th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville, he was the grandson of the late Howard and Helen Blankenhorn.
Howard, or "Les" as he was affectionately known throughout the community, graduated from Pottsville High School in 1957 and later attended the Radio Electronics Institute in 1975. Broadcasting was his lifelong passion, and he often told family and friends that one day he would become a broadcaster. He fulfilled that dream when he joined WPPA-WAVT in September 1969. He later continued with Pottsville Broadcasting Company, where he was promoted to Operations Manager before retiring in October 2009 after more than 40 years in broadcasting.
Over his four decades with Pottsville Broadcasting Company, Les became one of the most familiar voices in Schuylkill County sports. He was best known as the voice of Pottsville Area Crimson Tide football and basketball, bringing local games into the homes of generations of listeners. His weekday afternoon program, "Get More with Les," aired from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on WPPA AM 1360. Behind the scenes, his coworkers affectionately referred to him as the "Swiss Army Knife" or the "MacGyver" of the station because he could solve virtually any technical problem and took great pride in keeping the studio organized and running smoothly.
Les also generously shared his broadcasting talents in service to the community. For many years during the 1980s, he volunteered as master of ceremonies for the local Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon held at Fairlane Village Mall.
He was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pottsville, where he served on the Church Council. He was also deeply involved with the Pottsville Salvation Army, serving for many years as Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Board and Chairman of the annual Christmas Drive. Les also served on the Board of Directors of the Economic Opportunity Cabinet of Schuylkill County and as President of the East Side Area Project Council during the $5 million federal Home Rehabilitation Project for low-income homeowners. He was a longtime member of the American Hose Company of Pottsville.
A lifelong supporter of local auto racing, Les served as a track announcer for many years and was inducted into the Coal Region Racing Hall of Fame in 2022 in recognition of his decades of contributions to racing throughout the anthracite region.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane (Belas) Blankenhorn; two daughters, Jennifer L. Martin and her husband, Jesse C. Martin Jr., of Exeter, and Cindy Studlack and her husband, John Studlack, of Minersville; and three cherished grandchildren, Jasmine E. Sam, Colin Studlack, and Sara Studlack.
More than anything, Les will be remembered for the voice that became part of everyday life in Schuylkill County and for his lifelong commitment to serving the community he loved. His kindness, humor, and familiar voice will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former colleagues, and the countless listeners who welcomed him into their homes for more than four decades. His legacy will live on in the family he loved and in the countless lives he touched throughout Schuylkill County.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury Street, Minersville at 11AM. Relatives and friends can call from 9AM until thetime of the service. Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Lehigh Valley Office, 2132 S. 12th Street, Suite 101, Allentown, PA 18103. Contributions will also be accepted at the funeral home.
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She was born on March 16, 1934, in Ashland, a daughter of the late Elmer Reinoehl and the late Helen (Wolfgang) Reinoehl.
Jeanette was a 1951 graduate of the former Hegins Twp. High School.
In her early years she worked in area garment factories and then on the family farm. She was always working at the various farmer's markets for the family business.
She was a member of Zion EC Church, Pitman. She always enjoyed going weekly to get her hair done and her pinochle card game with friends. Jeanette was a lover of cats.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ralph Kehler in 1962 and by her second husband, Franklin Zimmerman in 2024. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert Reinoehl.
She was a wonderful mother to her children and is survived by three daughters, Donna Rothermel and her husband David of Klingerstown, Jane Hogan and her husband Mike of Enola, and Jo Ann Love and her husband Jason of Draper, UT; three sons, Samuel Zimmerman and his wife Melissa of Pitman, Rick Kehler and his wife Laurie of Pitman, and Ray Zimmerman and his companion Vicki Kimmel of Pitman; fourteen grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren.
Private services will be held at Zion EC Church, Pitman, with Rev. Todd Wolfe officiating.
Burial will be in Zion Cemetery, Pitman.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View, is honored to serve the Zimmerman family.
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Born on December 27, 1963, John was a son of the late Concetta (Azzara) Coleman and Gary Coleman.
He worked as a pipe fitter and had a great love for reggae music.
John was husband of the late Debra (Wesner) Coleman.
He is survived by a daughter, Cheyenne Coleman, of Shenandoah; a son, Sebastian Bowen, of Frackville; and two sisters, Janet Conway and Bernadette Gray.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Steven Coleman, and a daughter, Jessica Coleman.
A religious service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Mahanoy City, PA, with Deacon Dave Henninger officiating.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the funeral home.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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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
