Obituaries by LocationFebruary 28, 1997
Amelia R. Johnson
Amelia R. Johnson, 100, of 1009 North St., Jim Thorpe, died Thursday in the Mahoning Valley Nursing and Convalescent Center, Mahoning Township.
She was a first grade teacher at the former Nesquehoning Elementary School many years ago.
Born in Nesquehoning, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Elizabeth (Garis) Ronemus.
She was a member of Grace-St. Paul United Methodist Church, Jim Thorpe, where she was president of the Women's Society of Christian Services and a teacher of the Loyal Women's Bible Class, both for more than 25 years.
Surviving are two daughters, Janice, wife of Peter Madge, and Beverly, wife of Joseph DeLay, both of Jim Thorpe; a son, Dr. Edward of Jacksonville, Fla.; a brother Edward of Nesquehoning; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of the arrangements.
William Stocus
William Stocus, 67, of 103 Brentwood Road, Raritan, N.J., died Wednesday in the Somerset Medical Center, Somerville, N.J. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Derzack) Stocus. They were married for 42 years.
He was a clerk for the Lab Corporation of America, Raritan, until retiring, and previously was employed by the Johns Manville Corporation.
Born in Mahanoy City, he was the son of Mary Maconis of Mahanoy City and the late Albert Stocus.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Raritan, where he was an usher.
A graduate of the former Mahanoy City High School, he was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He also belonged to the V.F.W. Post of Raritan.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son Mark, at home; a daughter Deborah, wife of Craig Stabler in Somerville, N.J.; a brother Guy of Ringoes, N.J.; and three grandchildren.
The August M. Gulla Funeral Home, 130 E. Ridge St., Coaldale, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Kermit N. Serfass Sr.
Mrs. Gloria L. Serfass, 65, of 820 W. Princeton Ave., Palmerton, died Thursday in the Palmerton Hospital. She was the wife of Kermit N. Serfass Sr.
She was a floorlady for the former Natalie Fashions, Palmerton.
Born in Palmerton, she was a daughter of the late Astor A. and Lauretta E. (Haydt) Shupp.
She was a life member of the West End Fire Company, Palmerton, and its Auxiliary, and a member of the Sokol Hall, Palmerton.
Surviving in addition to her husband are three daughters, Cindy L. Betancourt and Susan M. Serfass, both of Palmerton, and S/SGT Holly A. of Fort Hood, Tex.; a son, Kermit N. Jr., and four sisters, Mrs. Shirley M. Strohl, Mrs. Brenda L. Fisher, Linda J., wife of Lannie Kline, and Nancy L., wife of Paul W. Fralix, all of Palmerton; a brother, David A. of Allentown; five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
She was also preceded in death by a son, Gary L.; and two brothers, Kevin and Paul.
The Campton Funeral Home, 525 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, is in charge of the arrangements.
Frank D. Kranitz
Frank D. Kranitz, 69, of 5525 Lehigh St., Whitehall Township, died Thursday in his home. He was the husband of Maria (Marno) Kranitz. They observed their 49th wedding anniversary last July.
He was a laborer for LaFarge Cement Company, Whitehall Township, for 42 years before retiring in 1989.
Born in Northampton, he was a son of the late Frank and Julia (Schneider) Kranitz.
He was a life member of the Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club, Northampton; an active member of the American Legion Post 353, Northampton; and a member of the Grouse Hall Fish and Game, Coplay, and the Blue Mountain Fish and Game, Danielsville.
Surviving in addition to his widow are nephews.
Michael Ernest Jones
Michael Ernest Jones, 36, of 616 Washington St., Walnutport, died Wednesday in the St. Luke Hospital, Quakertown, after being stricken while working near Quakertown.
He was a well driller for R.H. Odenheimer Co., Allentown, for the past three years, and previously had been employed by Ed Swoyer & Sons Plumbing and Heating, Allentown.
He received his certification in plumbing and heating and his journeyman plumbing rank from the Lehigh County Vocational-Technical, and graduated from the Oil Burner Technology School of Allentown.
Born in Northampton, he was a son of Mrs. Helen M. (Seiler) Jones of Walnutport and the late Robert F. Jones.
He was a former member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Berlinsville.
Jones was a member of the Blue Ridge Rod and Gun Club, Walnutport.
Surviving in addition to his mother are two brothers, James J. of Neffs and Robert F. Jr. of Slatington; and three sisters, Mrs. Judith Hunsicker, Iris K., wife of Keith D. Blose, and Joann, wife of Gary A. Warmkessel, all of Slatington.
G. Robert Klotz
G. Robert Klotz, 76, of 125 South St., Lehighton, died Thursday in the Gnaden Huetten Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lehighton. He was the husband of Alma Mae (Roeder) Klotz. They observed their 51st wedding anniversary last month.
He was a meat cutter for A & P Stores for 34 years before retiring in 1980.
Born in East Mauch Chunk, he was a son of the late Harvey J. and Anna S. (Clauss) Klotz.
He was a member of Faith Alive Methodist Church, Bowmanstown.
An Army veteran of World War II, he served in the Pacific Theater of Operations and was a life member of the Elwood Miller AMVETS Post, Lehighton; CBI Veterans Organization, 14th Air Force Organization; and the American Legion Post 173, Tamaqua, and its Last Man's Club.
He was also a life member of Lehigh Fire Company, Lehighton, and a past master of F. and A.M. Lodge No. 621, Lehighton.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a daughter, Karen B., wife of the Rev. Douglas E. Nielsen of Monson, Mass.; and two grandchildren.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron streets, Lehighton, is in charge of the arrangements.
Hope addition
John Hope, 81, of Hometown, Tamaqua R.1, who died last Saturday in his home, was also preceded in death by a brother Albert.
Emil Szerbowski
Emil Szerbowski, 93, of 803 Packer St., Weatherly, died Thursday afternoon in the Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical Center. He was the husband of the late Erna (Dumke) Szerbowski, who died Jan. 16.
He was retired from the maintenance department of the Hazleton General Hospital, where he worked for 31 years.
Born in Bochumb, Germany, he was the son of the late Karl and Wilhelmina (Radoch) Szerbowski.
He was a member of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Weatherly.
He was the last member of his immediate family.
Joseph Barnisky
Joseph Barnisky, 92, of 16 Mauch Chunk St., Tamaqua, died this morning in Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. He was the husband of the late Kathryn (Cunningham) Barnisky, who died in 1972.
Born in Dubois, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary Barnisky.
He owned and operated Barnisky's Cafe on Mauch Chunk Street for 41 years until retiring in 1966.
He was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Tamaqua.
Surviving is a son, Robert, with whom he resided; a daughter, Mary Jane, wife of Charles Casper of Lock Haven; two sisters, Beatrice Davidson of Brockton, and Mary Kurlosky of Narberth, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The Roche Funeral Home, 237 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
