Obituaries by LocationApril 22, 1997
Mrs. Elizabeth Steele
Mrs. Elizabeth Steele, 74, of Orlando, Fla., formerly of Lansford and Lehighton, died Friday, April 18, in her home. She was the widow of Dr. James M. Steele, who died in 1971.
A registered nurse, she last worked at the former Coaldale State General Hospital.
Born in Lansford, she was a daughter of the late William and Martha (Terry) Kennedy.
She was a 1940 graduate of the former Lansford High School, and was a former member of the Mahoning Valley Country Club.
Surviving is a sister, Arlene Morris of Huntington Valley, Montgomery County.
She was also preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn J. Gilfert, who died Oct. 16, 1995.
Joseph J.Sheerin
Joseph J. Sheerin, 75, of 524 Rolling Mill Ave., Tamaqua, died Monday in the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. He was the husband of Grace E. (Kehler) Sheerin.
He was an electrician for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation before retiring.
Born in Tamaqua, he was a son of the late Charles and Catherine (Truskey) Sheerin.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lansford.
Sheerin was an Army veteran of World War II.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, Joseph J. Jr. of Tamaqua R.1; a daughter Marlene, wife of George Darker of Tamaqua; a brother Charles of Birdsboro, Berks County; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The Jon M. Zizelmann Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
Clarence Getz
Clarence Getz, 86, formerly of Gloversville, N.Y., and Lehighton, died Sunday in the Mahoning Valley Nursing and Convalescent Center, Mahoning Township.
A graduate of Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N.J., he was the organist and choir director of the First Presbyterian Church, Gloversville, for many years before retiring. He also taught organ and voice lessons and was a substitute teacher at several public schools in Gloversville before returning to Lehighton.
Born in Henryville, he was a son of the late Isaac and Lauretta (Boorem) Getz.
He was a member of Jacob's United Church of Christ, Weissport.
Getz was an Army veteran of World War II, having served as a sergeant in the European Theater of Operations with the 250th General Hospital Unit.
He was the recipient of Rotary International's Harris Award in Gloversville.
Surviving are two brothers, Robert and Walter, and three sisters, Beatrice, wife of Hearl Long of Lehighton, Bertha, wife of Willard Gersbach of Slatington, and Mrs. Leona Fisher of Weissport.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Henry, Fred and Curleigh; and a sister, Mrs. Anitta Becker.
The Mayes-Melber Funeral Home, 200 Franklin St., Weissport, is in charge of the arrangements.
Stephen J. Bretzik
Stephen J. Bretzik, 51, of 612 Lehigh St., Jim Thorpe, died Monday morning in the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton, after being stricken at work. He was the husband of Holly (Yeakel) Bretzik. They observed their 10th wedding anniversary on Nov. 1.
He was a custodian at the L.B. Morris Elementary School, Jim Thorpe.
Born in Jim Thorpe, he was a son of John Bretzik Sr. of Jim Thorpe and the late Sophie (Bennick) Bretzik.
The deceased was a member of the Jim Thorpe Rod and Gun Club.
Surviving in addition to his widow and father are a son David and a daughter Amanda, both at home; two brothers, Joseph of Lehighton and Thomas in Florida; and a sister Dolores, wife of Robert Ashman in Maryland.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, John Jr.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of the arrangements.
Hiller services
Graveside services for William E. 'Sparkle' Hiller, 73, of Sorrento, Fla., formerly of Jim Thorpe, who died April 8 in the Mount Dora Health Care Center, Mount Dora, Fla., will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Evergreen Cemetery , Jim Thorpe, with the Rev. Sara Ehrets officiating.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of the arrangements.
George L. Deisenroth
George L. Deisenroth, 53, of 505 Lansford Court, Lansford, died Sunday morning in his home. He was the husband of Ann (Bartol) Deisenroth.
Before becoming ill, he was employed by Bob's Lawn and Landscaping of Allentown.
Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of Anna (Hagelgans) Deisenroth of Weatherly, and the late William R. Deisenroth.
He was a member of Salem United Church of Christ, Weatherly.
Deisenroth was an Air Force veteran of 12 years, having served in the Philippines and Vietnam and attaining the rank of sergeant.
He was a past commander of the Coaldale American Legion Post 170.
Surviving with his mother and widow are two daughters, Tina and Jamie, and a son Eric, all at home; a brother William of Williamsport; two sisters, La-May, wife of Daniel Jones of White Haven, and Nancy, wife of John Cosgrove of Weatherly; and nieces and nephews.
The Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home, First and Carbon streets, Weatherly, is in charge of the arrangements.
