Skook News Obituaries: September 6th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Ashland, PA., Jake was the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Potchney) O'Donnell. John was a graduate of North Schuylkill Jr. Sr. High School class of 1980. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Frackville. Jake was employed as a Truck Driver and was an avid Notre Dame fan, loved college football, bowling, and golf. He spent much of his life as a volunteer firefighter for the American Hose Company in Ashland, Pa. He always enjoyed camping on the weekends with friends that turned into family. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life Eileen, a loving father and great friend. His biggest pride in life was being a Poppy to his 7 grandchildren, he lived for them everyday.
Surviving are four sons, Patrick husband of Kali O'Donnell, Mountain Top, PA., John O'Donnell, Jr., Frackville, PA, Joseph O'Donnell, Wilkes Barre, PA, Edward Korn, Ashland, PA; brothers, Joseph J. husband of Stephanie O'Donnell, Lavelle, PA. Timothy husband of Kathy O'Donnell, Lavelle, PA; 7 Grandchildren, Brayden, Autumm, Ryan, Jayden, Meghan, Addy and Kellen. Graveside Funeral Services will be announced. MARK J HUMMEL Funeral Home, Frackville has charge of arrangements.
Peggy E. Zimmerman, 87, of Winchester, Virginia, and formerly of Lewistown Valley, Tamaqua, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026, at her home in Winchester. She had been a resident of Winchester since November 2021.
Born on December 10, 1938, in Pottsville, PA, Peggy was a daughter of the late Mark and Olive (Kimmel) Killian. The third of six children, she was raised in Landingville. A 1956 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School, Peggy worked as a stenographer at Reider Shoe Company in Schuylkill Haven from 1956 to 1960.
Peggy married Ronald Zimmerman on September 6, 1958. Following the birth of their son, Wayne, in 1960, she became a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. She spent many summers canning and freezing fruits and vegetables for her family.
Ron and Peggy began their married life in a used trailer before moving into a two-bedroom apartment in 1961. In 1970, Ron built their first home, where they lived until building another home in 2001.
In 1964, Ron and his two brothers built and opened Leiby's Ice Cream House and Restaurant. After several years, Peggy began working there part time as a cashier and hostess.
An active woman throughout her life, Peggy was involved in 4-H as a girl and was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the Tamaqua Lionettes. She also helped organize the Little Schuylkill Lionettes, where she served as president three times.
Peggy assisted with the Pottsville Winter Carnival and was the Vulcan Queen in 1979-80. A self-taught cook, she enjoyed preparing old favorites as well as creating recipes of her own. Her talents in the kitchen earned her recognition in recipe contests sponsored by the Times News and the Pottsville Republican. In the Republican's "Share Your Recipe" contest, she earned blue, red, and white ribbons and prizes and was named Grand Champion in the final year of the contest.
A member of Faith United Church of Christ in Landingville, Peggy joined the church choir at the age of 12 and later served one term on Consistory.
Peggy was a lifelong Republican and served as a Walker Township committeeperson for 38 years. She was also Schuylkill County Republican vice chairperson for many years and served on the Schuylkill County Executive Committee. In 1990, she was elected to the Schuylkill County Jury Commission, where she served for 24 years, or six terms, before retiring in 2014.
An avid volunteer, Peggy gave her time for many years to American Heart Care, the Salvation Army, and the American Cancer Society. In recognition of her service to the American Cancer Society, she was named Volunteer of the Year in 1987 and, in 2014, received a national award recognizing 50 years of volunteer service.
Peggy and Ron shared 62 years of marriage until his sudden death on May 21, 2021.
Peggy is survived by one son, Wayne Zimmerman and his wife, Vicky, of Winchester, Virginia; five grandchildren, Heather Frost and her husband, Jeff Bowers, Heath Zimmerman, Heidi Sales and her husband, Chris, Haley Zimmerman and her husband, Logan Kersey, and Della Robertson; eight great-grandchildren, Jessica Frost, Kyle Frost, Christian Frost and his wife, Kelsey, Taylor Sales, Kylun Kersey, Silas Kersey, Seth Zimmerman, and Dillon Evans; two great-great-grandchildren, Kellerman Frost and Natalie Frost; two sisters, Karen Bilinski and Deborah Danchak; one brother, Edward Killian; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ron; her parents, Mark and Olive Killian; two sisters, Dorothy Kramer and Marianne Matrisciano; a special aunt, Eleanor Kimmel; and two infant sons.
Services will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, with The Rev. James Fidler officiating. Burial in Zion Church of Lewistown Valley Cemetery will follow. Friends may call from 12 PM until the time of the service.
Memorial donations in Peggy's name may be made to Faith United Church of Christ, 8 Church Street, Landingville, Pennsylvania 17972.
Arrangements are entrusted to Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Lee I. Miller, 79, of 4th St., Pine Grove, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at home.
Born on April 14, 1947 in Rock, he was a son of the late Carl and Dorothy Schwartz Miller.
He was a 1965 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School and Williamsport Community College (now Penn Tech).
Lee worked in Construction.
He was a member of the GroveLife Wesleyan Church, Pine Grove.
Lee was inducted into the International Who's Who of Professionals in 1998. He was a member of the Orwigsburg Masonic Lodge and the Rajah Shriners.
Preceding him in death were his first wife of 34 years, Carol E. Kline Miller; and a brother, Gary Miller.
Surviving are his wife of 17 years, Karen Jones Miller; four children, John Miller of Pine Grove; Sandra and husband Stephen Cove of Mardella, MD, Tracey Yenilaitus of Pine Grove, Gary and wife Michele Yenilaitus of Schuylkill Haven; two grandchildren, Bentley Yenilaitus and Annaliese Yenilaitus.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., with Pastor David Brady officiating. There will be a viewing on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the GroveLife Wesleyan Church,
Scott “Fudge” Madenford, 58, of Newtown passed away very unexpectedly Thursday evening September 3, 2026.
Fudge was born on Sunday, August 18, 1968, a son of the late Gerald Sr. and Shirley Klinger Madenford.
He was a 1986 graduate of Williams Valley High School.
Fudge has been employed for the past 30 years as an equipment operator with Natural Soil Products, Good Spring.
He was a member of the Newtown Fish and Game, the Newtown Fire Company, the Muddy Creek Sportsman’s Club, and the Wild Turkey Ridge Hunting Club.
Fudge was a man who knew how to have fun and truly live life to the fullest. He had a deep love for sports and could often be found watching multiple games at once, with several TVs going so he never had to miss a moment especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Phillies. He was an avid hunter who loved being outdoors, enjoying the peace, adventure, and memories made in the great outdoors. A true NASCAR fan, he enjoyed the excitement of the races and cheering on his favorites. Fudge was also a skilled cornhole player and always enjoyed a little friendly competition, laughter, and good times with the people around him. More than anything, Fudge believed in enjoying life, making memories, and having fun along the way. If you were lucky enough to call Fudge your family or your friend, you were truly fortunate. His presence brought laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories to the lives of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed, but the joy he brought to others and the memories he left behind will live on forever.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Mardell Eister; two brothers Gerald Madenford, Jr. and Robert Madenford.
He is survived by his wife Cheryl Pollman Madenford to whom they would have celebrated 29 years of marriage in December; his children, Colton Madenford, William Cavanaugh (Brittney), and Courney Cavanaugh; his beloved grandson Cooper; a brother James Madenford (Wendy; two sisters Donna Deeter (Gene) and Janice Abdou (Hamani); his mother-in-law Jean Sommer; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Howard Pollman (David), Ed Pollman (Melissa), Pati Socko, (Eric), Michelle Chicora (Jim), Tony Chiccine (Nicky), Nikki Wolff (Allen); nieces and nephews; his dog, Baby; many friends including Gash, Graeff, and Truance who he did everything with.
Fudge would not want a formal service. He would want you to remember him with a smile on his face, drink in his hand, sitting in a tree stand, and enjoying all the things he loved and the memories shared with him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Newtown Fish and Game, 46 Church Street, Tremont, PA 17981.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc, Tower City is honored to serve the Madenford family.
Charles “Chuck” Buffington, 75, of Hegins, passed away suddenly Friday, September 4, 2026 at his home.
Born on Thursday, June 28, 1951, in Lykens, a son of the late Robert and Catherine Piano Buffington.
Chuck was a 1969 graduate of Williams Valley High School and a 1972 graduate of Thaddeus Stevens Trade School.
He was a retired Tool and Die maker from AMP/TYCO where he was employed for 40 years.
Chuck was a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Chapel, Tower City.
He had a deep love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and enjoyed riding whenever he could. He also loved shooting pool and proudly belonged to several pool leagues. A true Philadelphia Phillies fan, he could often be found cheering on his team. He also gave his time to the Tri-Valley community, coaching youth baseball and helping young players learn the game he loved. Above all, his greatest love was his family, who meant the world to him.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 53 years, Debra L. Geist Buffington, his daughter Jill McAllister and her husband Bradley, of Mechanicsburg, his son Ryan Buffington and his wife Bridgit of Lexington, Kentucky. Three grandchildren, Bryar McAllister and Rydan and Lily Buffington, four brothers Robert Buffington and his wife Shirlee of Florida, John Buffington and his wife Kathy of Tower City, Joseph Buffington and his wife Debra of Newmanstown and Matthew Buffington and his wife Connie of Illinois. Numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City. A visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Chuck will be laid to rest in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Williamstown. Following the committal service a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at the Porter Tower Lions Club Building, Tower City.
Memorial donations in his name can be made to the Sacramento Fire Company, 2206 East Main Street, Sacramento, PA 17968.
Surviving are four sons, Patrick husband of Kali O'Donnell, Mountain Top, PA., John O'Donnell, Jr., Frackville, PA, Joseph O'Donnell, Wilkes Barre, PA, Edward Korn, Ashland, PA; brothers, Joseph J. husband of Stephanie O'Donnell, Lavelle, PA. Timothy husband of Kathy O'Donnell, Lavelle, PA; 7 Grandchildren, Brayden, Autumm, Ryan, Jayden, Meghan, Addy and Kellen. Graveside Funeral Services will be announced. MARK J HUMMEL Funeral Home, Frackville has charge of arrangements.
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Born on December 10, 1938, in Pottsville, PA, Peggy was a daughter of the late Mark and Olive (Kimmel) Killian. The third of six children, she was raised in Landingville. A 1956 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School, Peggy worked as a stenographer at Reider Shoe Company in Schuylkill Haven from 1956 to 1960.
Peggy married Ronald Zimmerman on September 6, 1958. Following the birth of their son, Wayne, in 1960, she became a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. She spent many summers canning and freezing fruits and vegetables for her family.
Ron and Peggy began their married life in a used trailer before moving into a two-bedroom apartment in 1961. In 1970, Ron built their first home, where they lived until building another home in 2001.
In 1964, Ron and his two brothers built and opened Leiby's Ice Cream House and Restaurant. After several years, Peggy began working there part time as a cashier and hostess.
An active woman throughout her life, Peggy was involved in 4-H as a girl and was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the Tamaqua Lionettes. She also helped organize the Little Schuylkill Lionettes, where she served as president three times.
Peggy assisted with the Pottsville Winter Carnival and was the Vulcan Queen in 1979-80. A self-taught cook, she enjoyed preparing old favorites as well as creating recipes of her own. Her talents in the kitchen earned her recognition in recipe contests sponsored by the Times News and the Pottsville Republican. In the Republican's "Share Your Recipe" contest, she earned blue, red, and white ribbons and prizes and was named Grand Champion in the final year of the contest.
A member of Faith United Church of Christ in Landingville, Peggy joined the church choir at the age of 12 and later served one term on Consistory.
Peggy was a lifelong Republican and served as a Walker Township committeeperson for 38 years. She was also Schuylkill County Republican vice chairperson for many years and served on the Schuylkill County Executive Committee. In 1990, she was elected to the Schuylkill County Jury Commission, where she served for 24 years, or six terms, before retiring in 2014.
An avid volunteer, Peggy gave her time for many years to American Heart Care, the Salvation Army, and the American Cancer Society. In recognition of her service to the American Cancer Society, she was named Volunteer of the Year in 1987 and, in 2014, received a national award recognizing 50 years of volunteer service.
Peggy and Ron shared 62 years of marriage until his sudden death on May 21, 2021.
Peggy is survived by one son, Wayne Zimmerman and his wife, Vicky, of Winchester, Virginia; five grandchildren, Heather Frost and her husband, Jeff Bowers, Heath Zimmerman, Heidi Sales and her husband, Chris, Haley Zimmerman and her husband, Logan Kersey, and Della Robertson; eight great-grandchildren, Jessica Frost, Kyle Frost, Christian Frost and his wife, Kelsey, Taylor Sales, Kylun Kersey, Silas Kersey, Seth Zimmerman, and Dillon Evans; two great-great-grandchildren, Kellerman Frost and Natalie Frost; two sisters, Karen Bilinski and Deborah Danchak; one brother, Edward Killian; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ron; her parents, Mark and Olive Killian; two sisters, Dorothy Kramer and Marianne Matrisciano; a special aunt, Eleanor Kimmel; and two infant sons.
Services will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, with The Rev. James Fidler officiating. Burial in Zion Church of Lewistown Valley Cemetery will follow. Friends may call from 12 PM until the time of the service.
Memorial donations in Peggy's name may be made to Faith United Church of Christ, 8 Church Street, Landingville, Pennsylvania 17972.
Arrangements are entrusted to Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Born on April 14, 1947 in Rock, he was a son of the late Carl and Dorothy Schwartz Miller.
He was a 1965 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School and Williamsport Community College (now Penn Tech).
Lee worked in Construction.
He was a member of the GroveLife Wesleyan Church, Pine Grove.
Lee was inducted into the International Who's Who of Professionals in 1998. He was a member of the Orwigsburg Masonic Lodge and the Rajah Shriners.
Preceding him in death were his first wife of 34 years, Carol E. Kline Miller; and a brother, Gary Miller.
Surviving are his wife of 17 years, Karen Jones Miller; four children, John Miller of Pine Grove; Sandra and husband Stephen Cove of Mardella, MD, Tracey Yenilaitus of Pine Grove, Gary and wife Michele Yenilaitus of Schuylkill Haven; two grandchildren, Bentley Yenilaitus and Annaliese Yenilaitus.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., with Pastor David Brady officiating. There will be a viewing on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the GroveLife Wesleyan Church,
74 Bethel Rd., Pine Grove, PA 17963, in his memory.
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Fudge was born on Sunday, August 18, 1968, a son of the late Gerald Sr. and Shirley Klinger Madenford.
He was a 1986 graduate of Williams Valley High School.
Fudge has been employed for the past 30 years as an equipment operator with Natural Soil Products, Good Spring.
He was a member of the Newtown Fish and Game, the Newtown Fire Company, the Muddy Creek Sportsman’s Club, and the Wild Turkey Ridge Hunting Club.
Fudge was a man who knew how to have fun and truly live life to the fullest. He had a deep love for sports and could often be found watching multiple games at once, with several TVs going so he never had to miss a moment especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Phillies. He was an avid hunter who loved being outdoors, enjoying the peace, adventure, and memories made in the great outdoors. A true NASCAR fan, he enjoyed the excitement of the races and cheering on his favorites. Fudge was also a skilled cornhole player and always enjoyed a little friendly competition, laughter, and good times with the people around him. More than anything, Fudge believed in enjoying life, making memories, and having fun along the way. If you were lucky enough to call Fudge your family or your friend, you were truly fortunate. His presence brought laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories to the lives of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed, but the joy he brought to others and the memories he left behind will live on forever.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Mardell Eister; two brothers Gerald Madenford, Jr. and Robert Madenford.
He is survived by his wife Cheryl Pollman Madenford to whom they would have celebrated 29 years of marriage in December; his children, Colton Madenford, William Cavanaugh (Brittney), and Courney Cavanaugh; his beloved grandson Cooper; a brother James Madenford (Wendy; two sisters Donna Deeter (Gene) and Janice Abdou (Hamani); his mother-in-law Jean Sommer; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Howard Pollman (David), Ed Pollman (Melissa), Pati Socko, (Eric), Michelle Chicora (Jim), Tony Chiccine (Nicky), Nikki Wolff (Allen); nieces and nephews; his dog, Baby; many friends including Gash, Graeff, and Truance who he did everything with.
Fudge would not want a formal service. He would want you to remember him with a smile on his face, drink in his hand, sitting in a tree stand, and enjoying all the things he loved and the memories shared with him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Newtown Fish and Game, 46 Church Street, Tremont, PA 17981.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc, Tower City is honored to serve the Madenford family.
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Born on Thursday, June 28, 1951, in Lykens, a son of the late Robert and Catherine Piano Buffington.
Chuck was a 1969 graduate of Williams Valley High School and a 1972 graduate of Thaddeus Stevens Trade School.
He was a retired Tool and Die maker from AMP/TYCO where he was employed for 40 years.
Chuck was a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Chapel, Tower City.
He had a deep love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and enjoyed riding whenever he could. He also loved shooting pool and proudly belonged to several pool leagues. A true Philadelphia Phillies fan, he could often be found cheering on his team. He also gave his time to the Tri-Valley community, coaching youth baseball and helping young players learn the game he loved. Above all, his greatest love was his family, who meant the world to him.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 53 years, Debra L. Geist Buffington, his daughter Jill McAllister and her husband Bradley, of Mechanicsburg, his son Ryan Buffington and his wife Bridgit of Lexington, Kentucky. Three grandchildren, Bryar McAllister and Rydan and Lily Buffington, four brothers Robert Buffington and his wife Shirlee of Florida, John Buffington and his wife Kathy of Tower City, Joseph Buffington and his wife Debra of Newmanstown and Matthew Buffington and his wife Connie of Illinois. Numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City. A visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Chuck will be laid to rest in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Williamstown. Following the committal service a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at the Porter Tower Lions Club Building, Tower City.
Memorial donations in his name can be made to the Sacramento Fire Company, 2206 East Main Street, Sacramento, PA 17968.
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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
