Skook News Obituaries: October 3rd, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Cheryl Ann Frantz, 66, of Gilberton, PA died on Monday, October 2, 2023, in Salisbury Township, PA. Born on July 10, 1957, in Pottsville, PA, she was a daughter of the late Francis Xavier and Anna (nee Celeb) Docherty. Cheryl was the life partner of Vincent Wallace of Gilberton. A 1975 graduate of the former St. Clair High School, Cheryl worked as a CNA and an activity aide at Schuylkill Manor. She had a heart of gold and cared about all; family was of the utmost importance to her. Cheryl loved to shop, cook, bake, especially for the holidays.
In addition to Vincent, she is survived by daughters, Jessica Shala of Mahanoy City, PA, Jennifer Frantz and her partner, Matthew of Shenandoah, PA, Melissa Maxwell and her husband, Samuel of Beggs, Oklahoma, and daughter, Julie Grady and her husband, Mark of Frackville, PA; grandchildren, Brooke and her partner Breauna, Jon Robert, Josh, Emily, Mason and an expected great grandchild; sisters, Donna Docherty and Denise Wagner and her husband, James; and brothers, Francis Docherty and his wife, Barbara and Richard Docherty and his wife, Irene.
Services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua with The Rev. Fred T. Crawford, III officiating. Call 9-11 AM on Thursday at the funeral home.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
-------------------------------------------Alice Elaine Stevens, 66, of New Ringgold, PA died on Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Lehighton, PA.
Born in Somerville, MA on February 26, 1957, she was a daughter of the late James J., Jr. and Alice (Andrews) Stevens. Alice graduated from Somerville High School and was raised in the Catholic faith. She was employed as a waitress at the Tamaqua Diner for over 20 years. A loving mother and caring sister, Alice looked over everyone she knew.
Alice is survived by her son, Craig A. Stevens of New Ringgold; brothers, Mark Stevens of New Hampshire and Joseph Stevens of New York; and a sister, Gail Stevens of Freeland, PA.
She was predeceased by her brother, James J. Stevens, III.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Donna L. Linkchorst, 77, of St. Clair, passed away Monday, October 2nd, at Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest Hospital, Allentown.Born in Pottsville on May 19, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Rose (Bennett) and Mervin Geist.
Donna was the widow of Joseph C. Linkchorst who passed away on January 9th, 1995.
She was a homemaker most of her life.
Donna is survived by 3 daughters, Donna Marie Linkchorst, of St. Clair; Belinda Harvillas, of New Philadelphia; Brenda Miller, of Pottsville; 3 sons, David Linkchorst, of St. Clair; Thomas Linkchorst; and Charles Linkchorst, of Ringtown. She is also survived by a sister, Cindy Lou Schwartz, of Pottsville; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Donna is preceded in death by her son, Joseph Linkchorst, Jr., sister, Betty Swoyer, and daughter, Evelyn Fabian.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 6th at St. Clair Wade United Methodist Church with Rev. Jack Murray officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.
Interment will follow at Cressona Cemetery.
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Mary Josephine (Szczerbowicz) Zuber, 79, of Shenandoah, peacefully entered into our Lord's care on Tuesday, October 2, at Hospice and Community Care, Lancaster PA.Born in Shenandoah, January 16, 1944, she was a daughter of the late
John and Mary (Samoraj) Szczerbowicz.
A graduate of Shenandoah Catholic High School’s Class of 1961, she prided herself on being cheerleader captain all four years. After graduation, Mary Jo worked in the local garment industry.
Mary Jo was an active member of St. Casimir Roman Catholic Church, Shenandoah. She was the church sacristan for over 17 years. Mary Jo was a Eucharistic Minister, lector and choir member.
Mary Jo was a very kind and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved making award winning Halloween costumes, reading a good book and dancing at any opportunity with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald J Zuber and brother, John Starr.
Surviving are a brother, Richard and his wife Kathy Szczerbowicz; daughters, Jessica, wife of Brian Pfennig and Erica, wife of Keith Fouts; three beloved grandchildren, Rachel Pfennig, Nicholas Troutman, and Kerah Fouts; one great grandson, Finn Troutman; cousins, nieces and nephews. She had a special love for the family pets, Miss Kitty Pfennig and Kash Fouts.
Mary Jo’s family wishes to thank the medical staff at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute and Hospice & Community Care who took such good care of her.
Family and friends are invited to call Monday from 8 until 10 a.m. at Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 501 Washington Street, Frackville. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. in St. Casimir Roman Catholic Church, Shenandoah, by Monsignor Ronald Bocian.
A private interment will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Jo’s name to the Lancaster General Health Foundation, 2110 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 205, Lancaster PA 17601.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Mr. Daniel J. Igo, age 76, of Grier City, passed away unexpectedly Saturday night at St. Luke's Hospital in Allentown surrounded by his family. Born at the former Locust Mountain Hospital he was the son of the late Edward and Margaret (Alex) Igo. He was a 1965 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and attended Harrisburg Area Community College. He served with the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He had been self employed as a general contractor, worked as a corrections officer at SCI Camp Hill and SCI Graterford. He then went of to work for and retired as a building and code Inspector of the PA Department of Labor and Industry. Currently he was a building and code inspector for Hazel Township. He was of the Christian faith. He was a member of both Quakake and Mahanoy City American Legion. A mentor to many high school youth he was an active football and weight training coach at Mahanoy Area, Shenandoah Valley, Tamaqua and Hazleton High Schools.
He is survived by his wife the former Debra F. Wagner to whom he was married 46 years this past September 10th, a daughter Deneen Reese and her husband Tyler of Ringtown, a son Daniel J. Igo of Barnesville, a brother Edward and his wife Pat of Florida and a sister Laura Igo of Cressona.
He is also survived by his grandchildren Charlotte and Jackson Reese and Axton and Parker Igo, his mother in law Bernice Wagner of Mahanoy City, his brother in laws Richard and Harry Wagner (Cindy) as well as nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Friday morning at 11 AM from David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City. The Rev. Robert Adams will officiate.
Interment will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 PM and again on Friday from 10 AM until time of service.
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Ida Mae (Hoffman) Whitcomb, 99, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 1, 2023 at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg.Born on May 16, 1924, a daughter of the Arthur J. and Bessie (Antes) Hoffman. Ida Mae resided on Wiconisco Avenue in Tower City for most of her life.
She was retired from Bestock Garment Industry.
She was a very active member of Christ United Methodist Church, Tower City, where she was involved with the choir, Sunday School, and kitchen committee to name a few. She was also a member of the Williams Valley Community Choir and sang at many weddings.
Ida Mae had many hobbies. She enjoyed cross stitch, crocheting, tending the flowers, and making her famous peanut butter fudge. Her happiest times involved going on outings with her friends and family. She loved Knoebels picnics and the holidays.
Ida Mae was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Marlin R. Whitcomb, Sr.
She was also predeceased by three sisters, Dorothy Joseph, Lorraine Bopp, and Katherine Fitzpatrick; two brothers, Arthur Hoffman Jr., and William Hoffman; a grandson, Lynn K. Reed.
Surviving are her daughter, Linda Reed and her companion Charles Hoffman of Tower City; her son, Marlin R. Whitcomb II, and his wife Jacque of Williamstown; five grandchildren, Douglas Reed (Linda), Gregory Reed (Trisha), Cheryl Reed-Rhine (Brandon), Marlin Whitcomb III, and Leann Scheiber; great grandchildren, Andrew, Tara, Brittney, Megan, Steven, Connor, Ryan, and Kelly Reed, Hunter and Ian Whitcomb, and Bailey and Camryn Scheiber; great great grandchildren, Jackson, Adley, Alena, and Cole Reed.
A Celebration of Ida Mae's Life will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM from the Christ United Methodist Church with Pastor Annette Shutt officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 at the church. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the service in the church social hall. Ida Mae will be laid to rest privately in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 400 E Grand Avenue, PO Box F, Tower City, PA 17980.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. is honored to serve Ida Mae's family.
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Emerson C. Wolfgang, 77, of Ashland passed away Monday evening October 2nd at Geisinger Medical Center-Danville.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Theresa Bashus, 94, of Shenandoah, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Complete Care at Lehigh Center in Macungie, Pa.
Born in Shenandoah on June 5, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Felix and Isabel (Palutis) Meffesky.
Theresa worked for many years as a bank teller for the former Union National Bank in Shenandoah. She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish in Shenandoah.
Besides her parents, Theresa was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Bashus in 1992. They were married on June 25, 1950, in St. Stanislaus Church in Shenandoah.
The surviving family includes her son, Paul Bashus, daughter in law – Pearl Anderson Bashus, granddaughter – Katie Bashus, sister – Mary Ann Wassel, niece – Lisa Wassel, nephew – David Wassel, niece in law – Evelyn Wassel, and nephew – Allan Bashus.
Graveside services will be private.
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements.
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Calvin J. Daubert, 57, of Pottsville passed away Friday September 29, 2023 at Pottsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Born in Pottsville December 3, 1965 he was a son of the late Calvin and Geraldine (Diemler) Daubert. A graduate of Pottsville High School, Calvin worked at Jeld-wen, Pottsville. He was a member of the Phonix Fire Company, St. Clair.
Surviving are 2 sons, Brodey Daubert, Pottsville, Dillon Shistle, New York, daughter Vanessa Shistle, Pottsville, brother Dan Daubert, 2 grandsons Zayne Shistle and Maxon Shistle, former wife Tracey Rondeau,her husband George and their son Wyatt, nephew Ed Daubert and 3 nieces Sue, Krissy and Jenn.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Ed Daubert.
Funeral Services will be held at 6:00 PM Thursday, October 5, 2023 from the Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 North Second Street, St. Clair, PA 17970. Friends may call from 5:00 – 6:00 PM.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.
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June E. Anthony, 94 of Frackville, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.Born in Gowen City, PA on June 20, 1929, she was the daughter of Albert and Mabel Weikel. June was a graduate of Girardville High School.
June was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Anthony of 71 years and her grandson Anthony P. Brophy.
She is survived by her two children, Joanne Brophy and husband Tony of Frackville, John Anthony and wife Linda of Milton and her sisters Dolores Wandall of Delaware and Ann Hunter of Gilbertsville.
June was the grandmother to the late Anthony P. Brophy and wife Sarah, Ashley Borzak and husband Brent, Brandon Anthony, and Jillian Fera and husband Kyle. She was also great grammy to Paige Brophy, Joseph Brophy, Weston Fera, and Reese Fera.
June was a well known hairdresser, owning her own salon in her home for 48 years. She was very active in her community and church. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, The Knights of Columbus, Frackville Senior Citizens, and the Women’s Club. She enjoyed many years of vacationing with her family in Wildwood, NJ, supplying baked goods for her church activities, bowling, and playing cards with her friends. The highlight of her life was the time spent with her family during the holidays and at various family-get-togethers.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, October 8th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 49 North Line Street Frackville, PA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 9th at St. Joseph the Worker Parish at 10:00am. Interment will immediately follow in the parish cemetery.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Chloe M. Matakonis, 43 of Shenandoah, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 28th, 2023 at her residence.Chloe is survived by her four beautiful children: son, Sean Matakonis, Shenandoah; daughter, Olivia Petusky, Bloomsburg; son Matthew Matakonis, Shenandoah; and daughter Willow Matakonis, Shenandoah.
Chloe was born in Girardville, PA, on May 31, 1980, the youngest of four children to Rose Mary (Kuczynski) and the late Robert Matakonis.
Chloe graduated from Shenandoah Valley High School, Class of 1998, and then went on to McCann School of Business earning an associate’s degree in Business Accounting, graduating at the top of her class in 2001.
In addition to her children, Chloe is survived by two sisters, Geraldine Ulicny, of New Philadelphia, and Carrie Ann (Mark) Miravich, of Williamstown, New Jersey; a brother, Albert Matakonis, of Shenandoah; and by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and a great-nephew.
Chloe always brightened every room with her radiating smile and her infectious personality. Chloe’s selfless and caring nature only amplified her beauty. An avid animal lover, Chloe enjoyed caring for many pets throughout her life, always sharing pictures and videos of her cats at play.
Chloe loved all of her children without measure, beaming with pride with each of their many successes.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 10:00 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin Street, Shenandoah with Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian officiating. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. A visitation will be held on Friday morning from 8:00 am until 10:00 am at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to a memorial fund for Chloe’s children.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in care of arrangements.
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