Obituaries by LocationNovember 1, 1996
Wilmer C. Oswald
Wilmer C. Oswald, 85, of Salisbury Township, formerly of Lynnport, died Wednesday in the ManorCare Health Services, Salisbury Township.
He was an auto mechanic in the New Tripoli area for most of his life.
Born in Jacksonville, he was a son of the late Charles D. and Beulah S. (Leiby) Oswald.
He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II.
Surviving is a nephew.
Lewis B. Fetter
Lewis B. Fetter, 81, of Quakertown, died Wednesday in the Fort Lauderdale Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., while visiting the area. He was the husband of Margaret (Masters) Fetter, the late Evelyn M. (Schmoyer) Fetter and the late Carmella (Dellatore) Fetter. He and his third wife observed their eighth wedding anniversary in September.
He was a crane operator for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 34 years before retiring in 1977.
Born in Brickerville, Lancaster County, he was a son of the Harry S. and Lydia (Bouder) Fetter.
He was a member of Trinity Great Swamp United Church of Christ, Spinnerstown.
Surviving in addition to his widow are four sons, Charles of Orefield, Richard of Winter Park, Fla., Dale of Quakertown and Terry of Walnutport; five daughters, JoAnn DeLong of Schnecksville, Gloria Salomon of Tamarac, Fla., Arlene, wife of Charles Lawrence of Quakertown, and Patricia and Debra, wife of Allen Diehl, both of East Greenville; a brother Harry of Lititz, Lancaster County; a sister, Lois Andrews of Tamarac; two stepsons, Ronald Masters of Allentown and Austine Masters Jr. of Topton; 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Cecilia Brickler
Cecilia Brickler, 71, of Portage, Ind., died Thursday in the Mary E. Bartz Hospice Center, Valparaiso, Ind.
She was last employed as a shirt maker in a garment factory before retiring.
Born in Palmerton, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Maria Josephine (Renaldi) Fortini.
She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Chesterton, Ind.
Surviving are two daughters, Donna Thompson of Michigan City, Ind., and Jean Ross of Winston-Salem, N.C.; a brother Louis of Turtle Creek, Allegheny County; two sisters, Lucy Ruella of Newark, N.J., and Ruth Kraynick of Bethlehem; five grandchildren, nieces and a nephew.
She was also preceded in death by a son John, who died in 1994.
Carl Edward Logan
Carl Edward Logan, 57, of 142 W. Muir Ave., Hazleton, died Thursday afternoon in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, after becoming ill at work on Wednesday morning. He was the husband of Emily (Moses) Logan. They were married for 36 years.
He was a maintenance employee for Pantry Quik at various locations in the area.
Born in Oneida, he was a son of the late Oscar and Ruth (Knapp) Logan, and lived in the Hazleton area most of his life.
He graduated from Mahanoy City High School in 1957.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hazleton.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, Carl J. of Hazleton; a daughter, Brenda Bonacci of Nesquehoning; a brother, Barry of Hazleton; three grandchildren; a niece and a nephew.
Sr. Mary Albensia services scheduled
Funeral services for Sister Mary Albensia Ogorzalek, 85, a native of Lansford who died Wednesday in Stamford, Conn., will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Bernardine Mother House, Reading, followed by interment
in the Sacred Heart Cemetery , Reading.
A member of the Bernadrine Franciscan Sisters for 71 years, she was a daughter of the late Bartholomew and Mary (Poremba) Ogorzalek.
Contributions in her name may be made to the Villa Maria Retreat Center, c/o Sister Concetta, administrator, 159 Sky Meadow Dr., Stamford, Conn. 06905.
Mrs. Ruth N. Kleckner
Mrs. Ruth N. Kleckner, 89, of 740 Hamilton St., Lancaster, and formerly of Tamaqua, died today in the Lancaster General Hospital. She was the widow of Charles S. Kleckner, who died in 1961.
Prior to retiring, she had been employed as a nurse/companion in the Lancaster area.
Born in Tamaqua, she was a daughter of the late Howard W. and Leula (Kistler) Wagner.
A member of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Lancaster, she was a former member of the church board of directors and taught Sunday school for 30 years. She also taught Sunday school at Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, Tamaqua for 20 years, before moving to the Lancaster area.
She is survived by a son, David of Lancaster; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
She was preceeded in death by a son, James W. Kleckner in 1977, and a brother, Arnold Wagner in 1959.
The Jon M. Zizelmann Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.
November 4, 1996
Mrs. Evelyn E. Miller
Mrs. Evelyn E. Miller, 86, formerly of New Ringgold R.1, died Saturday in the ManorCare Health Services, Yardley, Bucks County, where she was a resident since January 1995. She was the widow of Amzie J. Miller, who died in 1991.
A graduate of Kutztown University, she was a teacher at the West Penn Elementary School from 1951 until retiring in 1972.
Born in West Penn Township, she was a daughter of the late Oliver T. and Flossie A. (Zehner) Eberts.
She was a member of the Lutheran congregation of Zions Union Stone Church, New Ringgold R.2.
Mrs. Miller was a 1927 graduate of Tamaqua High School.
Surviving are three daughters. Marleah E. Kline of Reading, Carol Ann, wife of Michael A. Girman of Cherry Hill, N.J., and Sandra E. of Robert J. Besch of Langhorne, Bucks County; two sisters, Mildred, wife of Arnold Koons of New Ringgold R.2, and Arlene, wife of Willard Arner of Dunedin, Fla.; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Diane Duncan, who died in 1983, and an infant son, Amzie O., who died in 1936.
The Robert S. Nester Funeral Home, Rt. 309, Snyders, is in charge of the arrangements.
Doyle T. Steinruck
Doyle T. Steinruck, 71, of Palmetto, Fla., formerly of Bethlehem, died Oct. 26 in his home. He was the husband of Laura Mae (Boyer) Steinruck. They observed their 49th wedding anniversary in January.
He was an administrative assistant in the Homer Research Laboratories of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation until retiring.
Born in Danville, Montour County, he was a son of the late Stuart and Effie (Stettler) Steinruck.
He was a member of Ellenton United Methodist Church, Ellenton, Fla.
Steinruck was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II, having served at Iwo Jima.
He received his bachelor's degree from Bloomsburg State University and a master's degree from Bucknell University.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two daughters, Barbara Novak of Bethlehem and Carol Torbey of Hyannis Port, Mass.; two sons, Thomas of Hatfield and Robert of Nesquehoning; two sisters, Marietta Kressler and Ruth Walters, both of Bloomsburg; five grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Mrs. Florence H. Paules
Mrs. Florence H. Paules, 85, of 4003 Calusa Lane, Ormond Beach, Fla., formerly of Bethlehem, died Saturday in her home. She was the widow of Elmer J. Paules, who died in 1994.
She was a sales clerk for the former Orr's Department Store, Bethlehem, for 18 years before retiring in 1968.
Born in Slatington, she was a daughter of the late Richard and Sarah Ann (Jones) Roberts.
She was a member of Christ United Church of Christ, Bethlehem.
Mrs. Paules was a member of the American Welch Society of the Lehigh Valley since 1937, having served as its president.
Surviving are a sister, Annie Focht of Slatington; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Grace Stanton.
Thomas V. Coleman Sr.
Thomas V. Coleman Sr., 81, of 161 Penn St., Franklin Township, died Saturday in his home. He was the husband of Bertha (Ahner) Coleman. They observed their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 29.
He retired from the Bethlehem Steel Corporation after 27 years of service, having last worked at the Saucon plant open hearth as a furnace tender. He later worked as a custodian for the Northampton Area School District.
Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Thomas A. and Mayme (Steigerwalt) Coleman.
He was a life member of the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.
Surviving in addition to his widow are three daughters, Althea, wife of Clark Shoenberger, and Elaine, wife of Maynard Ahner, both of Cherry Hill Road, Palmerton, and Joan, wife of Delroy Kreiser of Lehighton; three sons, Maynard of Walnutport and Leroy and Dwayne, both of Lehighton; a brother William of Northampton; 17 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Nevin Paul, who died on Nov. 3, 1992.
The Mayes-Melber Funeral Home, 200 Franklin St., Weissport, is in charge of the arrangements.
Charles F. Turoscy
Charles F. Turoscy, 81, of Allentown, died Sunday in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown. He was the husband of Angelina (DeBlasio) Turoscy. They observed their 54th wedding anniversary last January.
He was a packer for the Steel Manufacturing Co., Allentown, for 16 years before retiring in 1981.
Born in Slatington, he was a son of the late George and Anna (Schulick) Turoscy.
He was a member of St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church, Allentown.
Turoscy was an Army veteran of World War II.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a brother Paul of Allentown; and three sisters, Pauline Bush of Bethlehem, Verna Carvis of Quakertown and Emma, wife of Joseph Sezbensky of Allentown.
Joseph D. Casey II
Joseph Daniel Casey II, 66, of 7672 Aerie Circle, Macungie, formerly of Schenectady, N.Y., died Sunday in his home.
He was a past shop steward and parts manager for Mack Trucks, Inc., Allentown, for 30 years before retiring in 1985.
Born in Schenectady, he was a son of the late Joseph D. and Callie (Miller) Casey.
He was a member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Whitehall Township.
Casey was a veteran of the Army National Guard, having served in Schenectady.
Surviving are two sons, Joseph D. III of LaQuinta, Calif., and Michael of Macungie; five daughters, Jo-Ann King of Lehighton, Eleanore, wife of William Strobl of Coplay, Darlene E., wife of James Hamershock of Macungie, Doris of Sandy, Utah, and Michele, wife of Wayne Gross of Emmaus; a brother Martin of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; three sisters, Francis, wife of Joseph Rogers of Kinderhook, N.Y., Margaret, wife of Edward Monty of Schenectady, and Betty Yakman of Sciota, N.Y.; his former wife, Eleanor Casey Skelton of Allentown; 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Anthony Matukonis Sr.
Anthony Matukonis Sr., 80, of 221 W. Phillips St., Coaldale, died Sunday in the Geriatric Center of the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. He was the husband of Stephanie (Badowski) Matukonis, who died in 1989.
He was last employed by Strick Trailer, Fairless Hills, Bucks County, and previously was a miner for the former Coaldale Mining Company until it ceased operations in 1956.
Born in Tamaqua, he was a son of the late George and Mary (Seskus) Matukonis.
He was a very member of St. John the Baptist Lithuanian Catholic Church, Coaldale.
Matukonis was an Army veteran of World War II.
Surviving are three sons, Anthony Jr. of Jim Thorpe, Thomas of Summit Hill and Joseph, with whom he resided in Coaldale; a daughter Marybeth, wife of Victor Baddick of Tamaqua; two brothers, Al of Woodhaven, N.Y., and George of Tamaqua; a sister, Anna Finnegan of Oaklyn, N.J.; and four grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a brother Joseph.
The August M. Gulla Funeral Home, 130 E. Ridge St., Coaldale, is in charge of the arrangements.
Elizabeth S. Sloat
Elizabeth S. Sloat, 94, of Kirkland Village, Bethlehem, died Friday in the St. Luke Hospital, Fountain Hill, Bethlehem.
She was a high school English and drama teacher in the Nazareth Area School District for 35 years before retiring.
Born in Weatherly, she was a daughter of the late Harry H. and Lenora (Smithcors) Sloat.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem, its Stephen's Ministry, and was a friendly visitor and past member of the board of deacons.
The deceased was a longtime volunteer at the Nazareth Public Library.
She was a 1925 graduate of Lebanon Valley College and received a master's in education degree from Columbia University.
Mrs. Thelma M. Hodon
Mrs. Thelma M. Hodon, 76, of 318 Mountain Ave., Tamaqua, died suddenly on Saturday in the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. She was the widow of Joseph S. Hodon, who died in May, 1982.
Born in Palo Alto, Schuylkill County, she was a daughter of the late Wilmer L. and Helen E. (Reber) Strauch.
Surviving are two sons, Joseph of Tamaqua and John of Stroudsburg; a stepbrother, William Strauch, residence unknown; two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
The Roche Funeral Home, 237 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Mary S. Itterly
Mrs. Mary S. Itterly, 88, formerly of Flicksville, died Saturday in the Slate Belt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Bangor R.1. She was the widow of Vernon Itterly.
She was a floor worker for the former J & B Sportswear, Flicksville, for 15 years before retiring in 1970, and previously was a looper for the former Julius Kayser Co., Bangor.
Born in Kunkletown, she was a daughter of the late Richard and Cora (Frantz) Gower.
She was a member of the Flicksville United Church of Christ, Washington, and its Faithful Few Sunday School Class.
Mrs. Itterly was recognized by the Northampton County Meals on Wheels for her many years of volunteer service.
She also belonged to the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, the Golden Sunshiners, Flicksville; the Flicksville Historical Society; and the former Ethel Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, Bangor.
Surviving are a son, Donald J. of North Bangor; two daughters, Gladys M. Miller of Flicksville and Janet S. Pinto of Upper Mount Bethel Township; three sisters, Eva Borger of Palmerton and Elsie Hahn and Arlene Strohl, both of Slatington; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Rev. Dean H. Sauerwine
The Rev. Dean H. Sauerwine, 80, of Emmaus, formerly of Allentown, Slatedale, Ohio and Clermont, Fla., died Friday in his home. He was the husband of Alice M. (Ginter) Sauerwine. They observed their 57th wedding anniversary in September.
He was ordained a minister in 1956 at Calvary Moravian Church, Allentown, and had served as pastor of various congregations of the United Methodist Church Conference in Florida for many years before retiring in 1981. Previously, he was pastor of Port Washington Moravian Church, Caledonia Methodist Church and Fry's Valley Moravian Church, New Philadelphia, all in Ohio.
Rev. Sauerwine was a 1953 graduate of Moravian College, where he was class president, president of the Archaeology Club, chaplain of Pi Mu pre-theological fraternity, senior representative of the Foreign Mission Society, a member of the Forensic Council and a participant in intramural sports.
He received his bachelor of divinity degree in 1956 and a master of divinity degree in 1972, both from Moravian Theological Seminary.
Born in Slatedale, he was a son of the late Sterling and Florence (Kern) Sauerwine.
He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, Zionsville, and was a 32nd degree mason in Lodge No. 133, Floral City, Fla.
He was a former chaplain of the Community Men's Club at Valvary church in Allentown.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, Dean N. of Emmaus; a brother, Burnell Sayerwine of Rohnert, Calif.; a sister, Dorothea Olewine of Allentown; and three grandchildren.
Leonard D. Kistler Sr.
Leonard D. Kistler Sr., 54, of 215 E. Church St., Slatington, died Friday in the Palmerton Hospital. He was the husband of Crystal L. (Muthard) Kistler. They observed their 11th wedding anniversary last December.
He and his wife owned and operated Lenny's Last Chance Restaurant, Slatington, for the past 28 years. He also owned and operated the former Slatington News Agency and Kistler Beverage, Slatington, and was a police officer in Slatington from 1966-68.
Born in Orefield, he was a son of Ray M.U. Kistler of Promised Land, Pike County, and the late Fern J. (Easterday) Kistler.
The deceased was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Slatington.
He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of the Allen O. Delke American Legion Post 16 and the Loyal Order of the Moose, both of Slatington.
Surviving in addition to his widow and father are two sons, Michael D. of Slatington and Leonard D. Jr., at home; a daughter Leeka, wife of Scott Oncheck of Slatington; two brothers, Glen of Allentown and Rickey of Slatington; two sisters, Phyllis, wife of Fred Sigley of Slatington, and Donna of Orefield; and a granddaughter.
Mrs. Mildred M. Wedde
Mrs. Mildred M. Wedde, 87, of 2700 E. Beersville Road, Moore Township, died Friday in the Muhlenberg Hospital Center, Bethlehem. She was the widow of Charles J. Wedde, who died in February.
She and her husband owned and operated a farm in Moore Township from 1945-64. She was also a machine operator for the former Cross Country Clothes, Northampton, for 10 years before retiring in 1971.
Born in Moore Township, she was a daughter of the late Cloyd H. and Agnes M. (Kichline) Bruch.
She was a member of St. Thomas United Church of Christ, Bethlehem.
Surviving are a daughter, Irene M. Miller of Allentown; four sons, Carl H. Mills of Damascus, Mr., Claire T. Mills of Palmerton and Donald C. Wedde and Kenneth R. Wedde, both of Bath; two brothers, Russell of Tatamy and Warren of Zionsville; four sisters, Edith Werkheiser of Bath, Esther Ziegler and Gladys Sutton, both of Lehighton, and Betty Roth of Wescosville; 13 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Claire Stoltzfus Hoffman
Mrs. Claire Stoltzfus Hoffman, 97, of Coopersburg, died Thursday in the LifeQuest Nursing Center, Milford Township. She was the widow of Leon Hoffman and Sim Stoltzfus.
She was a baker for the Quakertown Diner for five years before retiring in 1974, and previously was a seamstress in various fabric mills for many years.
Born in Birdsboro, she was a daughter of the late Bentley and Phoebe (Mohr) Millard.
She was a member of Solomon's United Church of Christ, Birdsboro.
Surviving are two sons, Randy M. Stoltzfus of Coopersburg and Gene C. Stoltzfus of Wyomissing Hills; a daughter, Phoebe Naomi, wife of John Zissa Jr. of Ashfield, East Penn Township; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Robert M. Yurick
Robert M. Yurick, 61, of Allentown, died Thursday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Sarah A. (Beam) Yurick.
He was an inspector and assembler at Mack Trucks, Inc., Macungie, for 26 years before retiring in 1991.
Born in Sheppton, he was a son of the late Michael T. and Rita L. (Brobst) Yurick.
He was attended Pennsylvania State University and was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, Robert M. Jr. of Bethlehem; a daughter, Michele M., wife of George P. Galgocy of Palmerton; a brother Thomas, residence unknown; a stepson, George S. Gilly of Orefield; four stepdaughters, Vicki L., wife of Buddy Simon of Walnutport, Theresa R., wife of Daniel Newhard of Coopersburg, and Christina M. Gilly and Julie A., wife of Barry A. Prisaznik, both of Allentown; a granddaughter and eight step-grandchildren.
Mrs. Clarence T. Longenbach
Mrs. Betty Jane Longenbach, 60, of 267 E. Moorestown Road, Bushkill Township, died Friday in the Easton Hospital. She was the wife of Clarence T. Longenbach.
She was a sewer for Kraemer Textiles and Lincoln Waist Mill, both of Nazareth, before retiring in 1985.
Born in Bowmanstown, she was a daughter of the late James and Virginia (Hahn) Morgan.
Surviving in addition to her husband are a son David of Bath; two sisters, Lillian Strohl of Nazareth and Arlene Smith of Bethlehem; and a granddaughter.
Mrs. Roman Szumigraj
Mrs. Margaret M. Szumigraj, 70, of 18 Jones St., Lansford, died Sunday at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. She was the wife of Roman G. Szumigraj. They were married 46 years Nov. 19.
She was last employed at the former Pace Children Factory and the former Kiddie Kloes in Lansford.
Born in Junedale, she was a daughter of the late George and Mary (Dudinyak) Prusak.
She was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Lansford, and a member of the Rosary Society of the church.
She was also a member of the Panther Valley Golden Age Club and A.A.R.P.
Surviving with her husband are two sons, Raymond of Sunbury, and David of Tamaqua; a daughter, Mary Ann, wife of John Fada of Summit Hill; a brother, John of Hazleton; and seven grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, Joseph; and sister, Elizabeth Hippensteal.
The Skrabak-Parambo Funeral Home, 210 E. Bertsch St., Lansford, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Stella Hebda
Mrs. Stella Hebda, 85, of 22 Midway, Jim Thorpe, died Sunday in St. Mary Hospital, Amsterdam, N.Y. She was the widow of John Hebda, who died in 1940.
The Skrabak-Parambo Funeral Home, 210 E. Bertsch St., Lansford, is in charge of arrangements.
Joseph A. Kassak
Joseph A. Kassak, of 312 W. Patterson St., Lansford, died Monday at the Veterans Administration Center, Wilkes-Barre. He was the husband of Josephine (Harvanchik) Kassak.
The Skrabak-Parambo Funeral Home, 210 E. Bertsch St., Lansford, is in charge of arrangements.
