Obituaries by LocationApril 25, 1997
Francis Rajkowski
Francis Rajkowski, 72, of 257 Waterwheel Road, New Ringgold, died Jan. 12 in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Veteran's Center, Spring City, Montgomery County. He was the husband of Patricia (Balcavage) Rajkowski. They were married for 40 years.
Surviving in addition to his widow is a daughter Alexandra, wife of Nelson Reyes of Philadelphia.
The Roche Funeral Home, 237 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Carmen D. Lascelle
Mrs. Carmen D. Lascelle, 70, a guest at Rau Residential Care, Pamerton, formerly of St. Petersburg, Va., died Thursday in the Palmerton Hospital. She was the widow of Austin T. Lascelle.
Prior to retiring, she was a secretary for the Department of Defense at Fort Lee, Va.
Born in New York City, N.Y., she was a daughter of the late Anthony J. and Carmen E. (Marquez) Magana.
She was of the Catholic faith.
Surviving are a daughter, Patricia E. Hauze of Bethlehem; a son, Michael T. of Clarkston, Ga.; a sister Lucy, wife of John Miser of Fort Myers, Fla.; two brothers, Anthony of Stratford, N.J., and Michael of East Rockaway, N.Y.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Fred D. Heffelfinger Sr.
Mrs. Elizabeth "Dixie" Heffelfinger, 67, of Tioga Township, Tioga County, died Wednesday in the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, Bradford County. She was the wife of Fred D. Heffelfinger Sr. They were married for 51 years.
She and her husband owned and operated Fred's Woodshed in Tioga County for 10 years.
Born in Northampton, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Elsie (Hoch) Kleppinger.
Surviving in addition to her husband are a son, Fred Jr. of Tioga Township; three sisters, Olive Diehl of Hanover Township, Elsie Grohotolsky of Palmerton and Emma Adessa of Caldwell, N.J.; two brothers, Odell of Moore Township and Elvin of Lehigh Township; and two grandchildren.
Daryl L. Ott
Daryl L. Ott, 44, of 807 Franklin St., Roaring Springs, Blair County, died April 18 in a truck accident in Wilmington, Del. He was the husband of Eleanor J. (Schuch) Ott. They observed their 18th wedding anniversary last July.
He was a tractor trailer operator for the past 26 years, having been employed by Smith Transport, Roaring Springs, for the past four years. Previously, he was employed by the Schuck Trucking Company, Slatington, for 10 years, and the Moore Trucking Company, Bangor, for 12 years.
Born in Roaring Springs, he was a son of Harry L. and Doris (Bowser) Ott of Woodbury, Bedford County.
The deceased was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Martinsburg, Blair County.
Surviving in addition to his widow and parents are three sons, Lee D. Ott, Phillip M. Ott and Michael J. Farris, and a daughter, Elizabeth M. Ott, all at home; two brothers, David of State College and Lowell of Martinsburg; and three sisters, Linda of Garden City, Mich., Dianne Conklin of Wilkes-Barre and Delores of Woodbury.
Thomas H. Binder
Thomas H. Binder, 76, of 4344 W. Mountain View Driove, Walnutport, died Wednesday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. He was the husband of Ruth M. (Eisenhauer) Binder. They observed their 55th wedding anniversary this month.
He was an ammonia operator for the former New Jersey Zinc Company, Palmerton, for 42 years before retiring in 1983.
Born in Berlinsville, he was a son of the late Clement and Louise (Spadt) Binder.
He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Indianland.
Binder was an Army veteran of World War II.
He was a life member of the Fritzinger V.F.W. Post 7215 and the Blue Ridge Rod and Gun Club, and a member of the Diamond Fire Company and the Blue Mountain Fish and Game Club, all of Walnutport.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two daughters, Judith A., wife of Robert Frankel Sr. of Walnutport, and Cinthia K., wife of John C. Mettsch of Northampton; three brothers, Harry of Odessa, Fla., James of Bethlehem and Robert of Walnutport; a sister Dorothy, wife of Russell Hummel of Walnutport; and three grandchildren.
April 28, 1997
Edward "Ted" E. Kromer
Edward "Ted" E. Kromer, 73, of 433 N. 10th St., Lehighton, died Friday at his residence. He was the husband of the former Doreen J. Goreham. They were married 50 years on Nov. 14, 1996.
Born in Lehighton, he was a son of the late Arthur U. and Annie H. (Dunkle) Kromer.
He was branch manager and assistant vice president of First Federal Savings, Lehighton, retiring in 1985 after 11 years of employment there. Prior to that, he was assistant branch manager of the former Hazleton National Bank in Lehighton from 1964 to 1974.
A veteran of World War II, he served with the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, retiring as a navigator with the rank of captain.
He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ, Lehighton.
He was a life member of Lehigh Fire Company No. 1, Lehighton. He also belonged to Lehighton Rotary Club, where he was a past president; Lehighton F&M Lodge 621, Lehigh Consistory; and Second Air Division of Philadelphia.
He was a life member of the Retired Officers Association, and a charter member and past president of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Retired Officers Association.
Kromer also held membership in the Lehighton VFW Post 256, Lehighton American Legion Post 314, and the World War II Last Man's Club.
Surviving in addition to his wife are a son, Edward E. Kromer Jr. of Bethlehem; four daughters, Doreen A., wife of Michael Harleman of Palmerton, Geraldine, wife of Stephen Holland of Lehighton, Deborah, wife of Michael Strawser of Lehighton, and Diana, wife of Joseph Koma of Palmerton; a brother, Robert, of Lehighton; a sister, Catherine Felter of Lehighton, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
The Kenneth N. Phifer Funeral Home, Third and Alum St., Lehighton, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Harlan L. Green Sr.
Harlan L. Green Sr., 47, of 204 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill, died Monday in his home.
Born in Lehighton, he was a son of the late Reuben and Alice (Hardy) Green.
Surviving are a son, Harlan Jr. of Summit Hill; a daughter, Crystal Green of Summit Hill; four brothers, Delbert of White Haven, David of Summit Hill, Charles of Hazleton, and Dennis of Lehighton; and four sisters, Ruth, wife of Gregory Dunkelberger of Kempton, Linda Eline of Allentown, Brenda of Whitehall, and Darlene Stufflet of Palmerton.
The Richard S. Miller Funeral Home, 137 Fairview St., Lehighton, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Mrs. Debbie Adams
Mrs. Debbie Adams, 41, of 1332 Old Stage Coach Rd., Ocean View, N.J., died Tuesday in New Jersey. She was the wife of Hank Adams.
She was the daughter of Charles and Jean (Hoppes) Vaccaro of Linwood, N.J., who are formerly of Lehighton.
Surviving in addition to her husband and parents are two sons, and a grandfather, Guido Vaccaro of Lehighton.
Helen A. Ott
Helen A. Ott, 82, a former resident of Bangor and West Palm Beach, Fla., died Friday at Weatherwood, Weatherly. She was the wife of the late Harold G. Ott, who died May 22, 1993.
Born in Kunkletown, she was a daughter of the late Quinton and Sally (Meckes) Smith.
She was preceded in death by a son, Dale Ott, in 1992.
Surviving are a brother, Stanley Smith of Kunkletown, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth & Iron St., Lehighton, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Lavona M. Ronemus
Lavona M. Ronemus, 81, of 148 S. Fourth St., Lehighton, died Friday in Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton. She was the wife of the late Robert Ronemus.
Born in Lehighton, she was a daughter of the late George U. and Beatrice T. (Klotz) Edgar.
She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Lehighton.
She was one of the charter members of the Gray Ladies of Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital.
Surviving are a daughter, Carol, wife of John Fronheiser of Lehighton; a sister, Thelma, wife of Willard Beers of Lehighton; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was predeceased by a daughter, Joanne L. Polk, in 1976.
The Kenneth N. Phifer Funeral Home, Third and Alum St., Lehighton, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Lester W. Creitz
Lester W. Creitz, 70, of 2696 Mahoning Drive West, Lehighton, died Friday in Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton. He was the husband of Myrtle F. (Frey) Creitz. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 15.
Born in Mahoning Township, he was a son of the late Daniel and Grace (Gombert) Creitz.
He was a self-employed farmer and also worked for M & O Roofing of Allentown until his retirement. Most recently, he was been employed by the Mahoning Valley Nursing and Convalescent Center.
He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Mahoning Valley.
He was a lifetime member of the Mahoning Valley Fire Company. He also belonged to the Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association.
Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, Ronald, of Tamaqua; two daughters, Naurene DeHaven and Bonnie, wife of Norman A. Frey Jr., both of Lehighton; a brother, Willard of Lehighton, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard.
Funeral arrangements by the Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth & Iron St., Lehighton.
Mrs. Minnie M. Bassler
Mrs. Minnie M. Bassler, 94, formerly of Reynolds and Tamaqua, died Sunday in the Hometown Nursing Center, Tamaqua R.2. She was the widow of George G. Lee Bassler.
Born in Centralia, Columbia County, she was a daughter of the late William and Clara (Krah) Levens.
She was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tamaqua.
Surviving are a daughter Beverly, wife of John Dyott of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; a son, William J. of Towamensing Trails, Albrightsville; three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Bush and Emma Hummel.
The Jon M. Zizelmann Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
John Hadnagy
John "Ike" Hadnagy, 83, of 639 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, died Sunday morning in the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton. He was the husband of Mary M. (Gazdick) Hadnagy. They observed their 62nd wedding anniversary in January.
He was a miner for the former Lehigh Navigation Coal Company and worked in the Nesquehoning Colliery for 22 years before retiring. He was also a local musician for 60 years.
Born in Nesquehoning, he was a son of the late Michael and Kathryn (Tizzeker) Hadnagy, and was a lifelong resident of the community.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Nesquehoning.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two sons, Joseph C. of Woodbridge, Va., and Edward J. of Jim Thorpe; a daughter, Donna M., wife of Michael Krajnak of Jim Thorpe; a sister Margaret, wife of Joseph Gogal of Nesquehoning; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by five brothers, Michael, Charles, Frank, Paul and Joseph; and a sister, Anna Baroletti.
The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Joseph W. Nock Jr.
Mrs. E. Virginia "Ginny" Nock, 69, of Quakertown, formerly of Lehighton and Browns Mills, N.J., died Saturday in the Quakertown Hospital. She was the wife of Joseph W. Nock Jr. They observed their 50th wedding anniversary in November.
Born in King of Prussia, she was a daughter of the late John Upton and Ada B. (Carpenter) Hoffman.
She was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Quakertown, where she was a volunteer at its thrift shop. She was a former member and volunteer of All Saints Episcopal Church, Lehighton.
Surviving in addition to her husband are a son, Joseph W. III of Green Lane; a daughter Linda, wife of Dale Smith of Pennsburg; a brother Edward of Lafayette Hill, Montgomery County; three sisters, Hazel, wife of Earl Douglas of Skippack, Betty, wife of Frank Waters of Allentown, and Maxine Kreiner of Norristown; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Julie Renee Searfoss
Julie Renee Searfoss, 16, of 4070 Robert Road, Emmaus, died Friday in a two-car accident on Route 222 in Maxatawny Township.
Born in Allentown, she was a daughter of Gregory A. and Sharon R. (Smoyer) Searfoss, with whom she resided.
She was a counter person at the former Bavarian Pretzel, Allentown, and previously had worked at Cavaluzzo's Pasta, Steaks and Subs, Emmaus.
She was a junior at Emmaus High School, where she was on the honor roll and a member of the Spanish Honor Society. She was a member of the track team while a student at the Emmaus Junior High School.
The deceased was a former member of the Western Lehigh Youth Association's traveling soccer team and played softball for the Emmaus Youth Association's Royals teams for several years.
A poet, she had her work published by the Dominican Publishing Company and the Spring Collage of Emmaus High School.
She attended St. Matthew Evangelical Congregational Church, Emmaus.
She recently received her lifeguard's certification.
Surviving in addition to her parents are a brother, David Alan, at home; maternal grandmother, Hilda Smoyer of Emmaus; paternal great-grandparents, George and June Searfoss of Allentown; and paternal great-grandmother, Ruth Weaver of Lehighton.
David K. Van Buskirk
David K. Van Buskirk, 75, of Walnutport, formerly of Kunkletown R.3, died Saturday in the Brookmont Acres Nursing Home, Effort. He was the husband of the late Laura T. (Winter) Van Buskirk.
He was a precision inspector for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 26 years before retiring in 1991. He and his wife also operated an art school in Montclair, N.J., for many years.
Born in Burlington, Vt., he was a son of the late Russell and Hazel (Knight) Van Buskirk.
He attended the Apostolic Good Shepherd Church of Charity, Kresgeville.
Van Buskirk was a paratrooper during World War II.
Surviving are a brother Roger of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; a sister, Patricia Prinzing in Arizona; and a foster son, Stewart Counterman of Lehighton.
The Kresge Funeral Home, Rt. 209, Brodheadsville, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Miriam R. Peiffer
Mrs. Miriam R. Peiffer, 84, of 1006 S. Second Ave., Lebanon, died Sunday in her home. She was the widow of Eulan H. Peiffer, who died on July 8, 1993.
She was retired from the former Peiffer's Foodmarket.
Born in Myerstown, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Ella (Kase) Holland.
She was a member of Grace United Church of Christ, Lebanon.
The deceased was a graduate of Lebanon Valley College.
Surviving are a daughter, Esther M., wife of Neal Houser of Lehighton; two sons, David E. of South Bend, Ind., and Thomas C. of Campbelltown; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several cousins.
She was the last member of her immediate family.
The Christman's Funeral Home, 226 Cumberland St., Lebanon, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Marvin C. Hettler
Mrs. Ruth Ann Hettler, 73, of 105 N. Chestnut St., Summit Hill, died Saturday in the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton, where she was a patient for six days. She was the wife of Marvin C. Hettler.
She was a turner for Scotty's Fashions, Lehighton, until retiring.
Born in Quarryville, Lancaster County, she was a daughter of the late Howard A. and Mary Groff.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two daughters, Jacqualyn Budney of Pocono Summit and Deborah Jane Yost of New Ringgold; a son, Marvin B., at home; a sister, Jane Hassler, a half-brother, Doug Groff, and a half-sister, Arleta Vega, all of Quarryville; and two grandchildren.
The August M. Gulla Funeral Home, 130 E. Ridge St., Coaldale, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Lena Collura
Mrs. Lena Collura, 87, of Easton, died Saturday in the Easton Hospital. She was the widow of Ettore "George" Collura.
Born in Nesquehoning, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Biaggia (Rizzo) Rao.
She was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Easton.
Surviving are a daughter, Catherine Biggs, and a sister, Josephine Corona, both of Easton; and two grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a son Bernard.
Creitz services
Military funeral services for Lester W. Creitz, 70, of 2696 Mahoning Drive West, Lehighton, who died Friday in the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. John United Church of Christ, Mahoning Valley, with the Rev. David H. Knoebel officiating, followed by interment
in the church Cemetery . Calling hours are scheduled from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday in the church.
The deceased was an Army veteran of World War II, having served in the European Theater of Operations.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron streets, Lehighton, is in charge of the arrangements.
Arlene E. Arndt
Arlene E. Arndt, 91, formerly of 223 N. Carlisle St., Allentown, died Saturday in the Valley Manor Nursing Center, Coopersburg.
She was a cigar maker for the former General Cigar Factory, Allentown, for 32 years before retiring in 1968.
Born in West Penn Township, she was a daughter of the late Oscar and Sarah (Smith) Arndt.
She was a member of St. Mark United Church of Christ, Allentown.
Surviving are nieces and nephews.
Mark Hathaway
Mark Hathaway, 28, of Orefield, was pronounced dead Friday at the scene of a car accident in Heidelberg Township. He was the husband of Rebecca L. (Baer) Hathaway. They observed their first wedding anniversary last September.
He was a welder for various welding companies in the Lehigh Valley and was a past steward of Lehigh Valley Carpenters Local 600.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of Lewis E. Hathaway of New Tripoli and the late Barbara A. (Kurz) Hathaway.
The deceased was an Army veteran of the Persian Gulf War and a Purple Heart recipient.
Surviving in addition to his widow and father are a son Zachary, at home; his stepmother, Mary A. (Muth) Hathaway of New Tripoli; four brothers, Michael E. of Santa Cruz, Calif., Lewis N. of Virginia Beach, Va., Robert G. of Allentown and William G. of New Tripoli; and a sister, Laura A. Bronseld of Fort Collins, Colo.
Mrs. Emily G. Blew
Mrs. Emily G. Blew, 87, of 1613 Centre St., Ashland, formerly of Tuscarora, died Friday afternoon shortly after admission to Christiana Hospital, Christiana, Del. She was the widow of Luther T. Blew, who died in November, 1961.
Born in Barnesville, she was a daughter of the late George and Emma (Werner) Deem.
She was a member of Advent Lutheran Church, Tuscarora; and the Rush-Ryan-Delano Senior Citizens.
Surviving are a son Thomas of Tuscarora; two daughters, Ruth Walter of Ashland and Emily Dmytrow of Tuscarora; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild and nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by seven brothers, Clarence, Roy, George, Irvin, Harold, Elmer and Walter.
Mrs. Stephen Papincak
Mrs. Miriam Papincak, 76, of 797 Alter St., Hazleton, died Sunday in the Hazleton General Hospital. She was the wife of Stephen Papincak. They were married for 49 years.
She retired in 1980 from the Hazleton General Hospital, where she was an instructor in medical-surgical nursing education. She previously served as a public school nurse with the Hazleton School District.
Born in Hazleton, she was a daughter of the late James and Rose (Collins) Hanley.
She received her bachelor's degree from College Misericordia and her master's degree in nursing education from Temple University, Philadelphia.
She graduate from Hazleton High School in 1937 and the Hazleton State Hospital School of Nursing in 1941.
She was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Hazleton; the Hazleton General Hospital Alumni Association and Ladies Auxiliary; and a member and past treasurer of R.P.E.P. and Local 8701 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
Surviving in addition to her husband are a son, Stephen Jr. of Weatherly; four sisters, Mrs. Joseph (Beatrice) Kesselring of Hazleton, Mrs. Jack (Peggy) Kaufman of Berwick, Mrs. James (Rose) Somers of Weatherly and Mrs. James (Jeanne) Stolz of Mount Bethel, Northampton County; two grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Kenneth W. Smith
Kenneth W. Smith, 82, a resident of Weatherwood, Weatherly, for the past 20 years, formerly of 178 Avenue A, Palmerton, died Sunday in the home. He was the husband of the late Martha A. (Wentz) Smith.
He worked for the former New Jersey Zinc Company, Palmerton, for many years before retiring.
Born in Parryville, he was a member of the the Evangelical Church, Palmerton.
There are no immediate survivors.
