Obituaries by LocationNovember 11, 1996
Francis P. Semmel
Francis P. Semmel, 74, of 7330 Route 873, Slatington, died Thursday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Alma M. (Roth) Semmel. They observed their 49th wedding anniversary last April.
He was a carpenter and maintenance worker for the Northern Lehigh School District for 11 years before retiring in 1998, and previously had worked for NKI Builders, Neffs.
Born in Neffs, he was a son of the late Francis F.B. and Florence (Kichline) Semmel.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Slatington.
Semmel was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the Allen O. Delke American Legion Post 16, Slatington.
Surviving in addition to his widow are three daughters, Fianna S., wife of Ray G. Christman of Slatington, Lydia M., wife of Ray W. Weaver of Emmaus, and Janice I., wife of Dennis R. George of Allentown; two brothers, Herman R. of Slatington and Richard D. of Slatedale; a sister, Mrs. Eva Pugh of Slatington; and three grandchildren.
Mrs. Anna Herschman
Mrs. Anna Herschman, 76, of 476 E. 11th St., Northampton, died Thursday in the Muhlenberg Hospital Center, Bethlehem. She was the widow of Stephen Herschman.
She was a sewing machine operator for the former D & D Shirt Company, Northampton, for 10 years before retiring in 1984.
Born in Northampton, she was a daughter of the late Kostanty and Sadie (Yovick) Hnatow.
She was a member of Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church, Northampton.
Surviving are two daughters, Diane Hirschman of Northampton and Roma, wife of Frank Gasper of Danielsville; three sons, Stephen, James and Robert, all of Northampton; three brothers, John of Northampton, Anthony of Bath and Paul of Bethlehem; and nine grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a son Gerald.
George H. Leister
George Herman Leister, 64, of Souderton, formerly of Sellersville, died Friday in the North Penn Hospital, Lansdale. He was the husband of Diane M. (Dzurenda) Leister.
He worked for Rosenberger's Dairies, Hatfield Township, for three years before retiring for health reasons in 1986. Previously, he was a driver and salesman for Abbott's Dairies, Philadelphia and Bethlehem, until the company closed in 1983.
Born in West Rockhill Township, she was a daughter of the late George S. and Martha (Barndt) Leister.
He was of the Protestant faith.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two daughters, Christina, wife of Van Luzader of Sellersville, and Georgetta, wife of Duceillio Perez of Nesquehoning; three sons, Richard of Wescosville, Theodore of Sellersville and Andrew of Allentown; four sisters, Edna, wife of Stewart Barndt of Naceville, Bucks County, Cora, wife of William Gulden of Quakertown, Helen, wife of George Brensinger of Tylersport, Montgomery County, and Esther, wife of Harold Moyer of Harleysville; a brother Frank of Milford Square; and eight grandchildren.
Ronald L. Keller Sr.
Ronald L. Keller Sr., 58, of Lower Macungie Township, died Saturday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Susan M. (Miller) Keller. They observed their 16th wedding anniversary in August.
He was president of Keller Moving and Storage, Inc., Allentown, a business started by his father in 1922.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Clement and Cecilia (Brunner) Keller.
He was a Navy veteran.
Keller was a member of the Lehigh Valley master Bowlers Association; the Lehigh Valley Traffic Club; and the Benevolent Fraternal Order of the Elks, No. 191, Bethlehem. He was a life member of the former Allentown-Turner Liederkranz.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, Ronald L. Jr. of Emmaus; two daughters, Sharon, wife of Charles Hinkle of Parryville, and Erin of Philadelphia; a sister, Dolores Gyory of Macungie; a stepson, Steven Brooks of Charleston, S.C.; a stepdaughter Kathy, wife of Douglas Cary of Collegeville, Montgomery County; and a granddaughter.
Mrs. John E. Messinger
Mrs. Marie Ellen Messinger, 73, of Kennett Square, Chester County, formerly of Slatington, died Saturday in the Chester County Hospital, West Chester. She was the wife of John E. Messinger.
Born in Palmerton, she was a daughter of the late John P. and Ruth (Anthony) Bowers.
She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square and the Order of Eastern Star.
She was a graduate of East Stroudsburg University.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, David B. of Kennett Square and Scott J. of Northampton; and two grandchildren.
Mrs. Emily J. Heller
Mrs. Emily J. Heller, 94, formerly of Nazareth, died Friday in Gracedale, Upper Nazareth Township. She was the widow of Raymond C. Heller.
A graduate of Kutztown University, she was a teacher in Nazareth for 24 years before retiring. She and her husband also owned and operated the former Heller's Store in Nazareth for 15 years.
Born in Effort, she was a daughter of the late Calvin and Catherine (Brong) Krome.
She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, Nazareth.
Surviving are two daughters, Mary, wife of Donald Markle of Stuarts Draft, Va., and Kathryn, wife of Curt Marc of Gaithersburg, Md.; a son Reuben of Nazareth; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Raymond H. Riegel
Mrs. Evelyn Riegel, 81, of Kempton, died Saturday in Berks Heim, Bern Township, Berks County. She was the wife of Raymond H. Riegel. They observed their 53rd wedding anniversary in July.
She was a domestic in the Kempton area for 30 years.
Born in Kempton, she was a daughter of the late Milton O. and Emma I. (Burkhardt) Lenhart.
She was a member of the United Church of Christ congregation of New Bethel Union Church, Kempton R.2.
Mrs. Riegel also belonged to the Shoemakersville Fire Company Auxiliary and the Kempton Rod and Gun Club.
Surviving in addition to her husband are three sons, Lester R. of Reading, Bruce K. of Hamburg and Brian D. of New Tripoli; a sister, Mrs. Rhea M. Kuhns of Kutztown; and four grandchildren.
Mrs. Inez C. Loch
Mrs. Inez C. Loch, 81, of The Lutheran Home at Topton, formerly of 2900 Main St., Schnecksville, died Saturday in the home's Henry Health Care Center. She was the widow of Paul G. Loch and Walter O. Roberts.
She was a sewing machine operator for the former Sondra Manufacturing, Allentown, for 25 years before retiring in 1975.
Born in Catasauqua, she was a daughter of the late Lewis M. and Tillie R. (Steitz) Jones.
She was a member of the United Church of Christ congregation of Heidelberg Union Church, Heidelberg Township.
Mrs. Loch was a former membership chairman of the Onteualnee Antique Car Club.
Surviving are a sister, Anna R. Kehm of Allentown; a stepson, Ronald W.C. of Erwinna, Bucks County; and two step-grandchildren.
Mrs. Franklin J. Miller
Mrs. Leona C. Miller, 72, of 1326 Blue Barn Road, Allentown, died Saturday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. She was the wife of Franklin J. Miller. They observed their 49th wedding anniversary last February.
A sample maker, she worked for the former Everything Is Jake, Allentown, from 1984-86, and previously had worked for the former Quote Me, Allentown, for 15 years.
Born in South Whitehall Township, she was a daughter of Mrs. Catherine E. (Kleckner) Schumaker of Orefield and the late Millard Schumaker.
The deceased was a member of Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield, and the Kuhnsville Area Lioness Club.
Surviving in addition to her husband and mother are four sons, Robert D. of Coplay, Barry D. of Slatington, Daniel L. of Coral Springs, Fla., and Mark C. of Allentown; two brothers, Millard Jr. of Orefield and Donald of Allentown; two sisters, Francine, wife of Lloyd Slifer, and Louise, wife of Terry Bastian, both of Emmaus; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
James E. Holben
James E. Holben, 75, of South Whitehall Township, died Saturday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, South Whitehall Township. He was the husband of Dorothy E. (Bair) Holben. They observed their 45th wedding anniversary in June.
An operating engineer, he worked for the former Falcone Grading and Engineering Company, Allentown, until retiring in 1983, and previously had worked for Semmel Excavating, Allentown.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Walter and Margaret (Heist) Holben.
He was a member of Greenawalds United Church of Christ, where he was a former consistory member.
Holben was an Army veteran of World War II, having served in the European Theater of Operations.
Surviving in addition to his widow are four sons, Barry J. of Orefield and Brian K. of Slatington; and five grandchildren.
Mrs. Grace Kathleen Liedel
Mrs. Grace Kathleen Liedel, 78, of Allentown, died Sunday in the Allentown Osteopathic Medical Center. She was the widow of Frank Liedel.
She was a garment worker in the Lehigh Valley area for over 40 years before retiring in 1983.
Born in Fleetwood, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Erma Hilbert.
She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Allentown.
Surviving are three daughters, Doris Porch of Whitehall Township, Gloria, wife of Gerald Chase of Houston, Tex., and Barbara A. Conrad of Allentown; five sons, Leroy of Milford, Del., Reynold of Boyertown, Richard of Danielsville, Donald of Bethlehem and Dale of Allentown; two sisters, Dorothy of Allentown and Anna Hall in Virginia; two brothers, Paul of Macungie and Jacob of Allentown; 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a son Gene.
Mrs. Dorothy H. Summerson
Mrs. Dorothy H. Summerson, 76, of Allentown, died Sunday in her home. She was the widow of Raymond H. Summerson Sr.
She was a manager for the former Jefferson-Ward, Bethlehem, until retiring in 1984, and later had worked for the Weis Markets, Whitehall Township.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was a daughter of the late John and Helen (Golden) Duffy.
She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Allentown.
Surviving are a son, Raymond H. Jr. of Allentown; a daughter, Dorothy M., wife of George A. Kern of Danielsville; a brother, George R. of Hellertown; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Delbert A. Smale
Delbert A. Smale, 71, of 4603 W. Mountain View Drive, Walnutport, died Saturday in the Mercy Hospital, Scranton. He was the husband of Helen (Chimich) Smale.
He was a welder and mechanic for Durkee Foods, Bethlehem.
Born in Kunkletown, he was a son of the late Harvey and Alma (Smith) Smale.
He was a member of St. Matthew United Church of Christ, Kunkletown.
Smale was an Army veteran and a past commander of the Oplinger-Hower American Legion Post 85, Walnutport.
Surviving, in addition to his widow, are a daughter, Charette, wife of Peter Sedler of Bethlehem; and two grandchildren.
Mrs. Albert E. Hartung
Mrs. Ruth E. Hartung, 72, of Bethlehem, died Saturday in the St. Luke Hospital, Fountain Hill, Bethlehem. She was the wife of Dr. Albert E. Hartung. They were married for 50 years.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Arnold and Marie (Kemmerly) Sagstetter.
She was a member of Fritz Memorial United Methodist Church, Bethlehem.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two daughters, Susan, wife of Andrew Perry of Binghamton, N.Y., and Judy, wife of Thomas Groller of Palmerton; two grandsons and two step-grandchildren.
Gerald Bruce Blackwell Jr.
Gerald Bruce Blackwell Jr., 57, of 208 W. Broad St., Tamaqua, died Saturday in the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. He was the husband of Roseann (Kovack) Blackwell.
He was an alarm technician for Holmes Protection, Edison, N.J., and also had worked part-time for the Under the Apple Tree flower shop.
Born in Linden, N.J., he was a son of Mrs. Geneva (Hillard) Blackwell of Linden and the late Gerald B. Blackwell Sr.
He was an Air Force veteran.
Surviving in addition to his widow and mother are two sons, G. Bruce III of Weatherly and Daniel, at home; a daughter, Cary Sandoval of Baltimore, Md.; a stepson, David Filce of Barnesville; two stepdaughters, Cheryl Filce of Locust Valley and Traci Fritz of Tamaqua; two brothers, Robert of Linden and Michael in California; a sister, Cora Nulton of Linden; 13 grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Sunday evening at the Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, with the Rev. Janet Kline officiating.
Frederick R. Reigel Sr.
Frederick R. Reigel Sr., 57, of Norristown, died Friday in his home. He was the husband of C. Mildred (Lawton) Reigel.
He was a baker for Stroheman Bakeries, Norristown, for 37 years before retiring in July.
Born in Summit Hill, he was a son of the late Raymond and Kathryn (Krapf) Reigel, and had lived in Norristown since 1964.
He was a member of the Salvation Army Church, Norristown.
Reigel graduated from the former Summit Hill High School.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, Frederick R. Jr. of Bridgeport, Pa.; two daughters, Sherrie McMullen of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., and Kathy Whisman of Boynton Beach, Fla.; two brothers, Raymond of North Fort Myers, Fla., and Herbert of Tamaqua; and five grandchildren.
The Boyd-Horrox Funeral Home, 200 W. Germantown Pike, Norristown, is in charge of the arrangements.
William C. Job
William C. Job, of Lot 14, Maple Lane Estates, Freeland R.1, died Saturday in the Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical Center. He was the husband of Florence (Drozic) Job.
He was a press operator for Tappan Industries, Freeland, prior to retirement.
Born in Sandy Run, Luzerne County, he was a son of the late Foster and Jane (Griffith) Job Sr.
He was a Army veteran of World War II, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5010 and the Park United Methodist Church, both of Freeland, and the Black Creek Township Sportsman Club.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, William D. of Hazleton; a daughter Barbara, wife of Lawrence Graaf of Weatherly; two brothers, Kenneth of Freeland and Foster of White Haven; a sister, Mrs. Arthur (Anna) Wheeler of White Haven; five granddaughters, two great-grandsons and nieces and nephews.
Robert V. Benson
Robert V. Benson, 74, of Shartlesville, Upper Bern Township, Berks County, died Friday in the Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Reading, where he was a patient since Aug. 27. Previously, he was a patient at the St. Joseph Hospital, Reading, for a week.
He was employed as a sewing machine repairman for 20 years for the former Windsor Knitting Mills, Hamburg, and previously had worked for the Reading Railroad in Tamaqua for 15 years. He also had worked for the John Morgan Knitting Mill, first at Tamaqua and then in Strausstown, from 1957-67.
Born in Tamaqua, he was a son of the late Fritz L. and Susan (Kershner) Benson.
He was an Army veteran of World War II.
Benson was a former Boy Scout troop leader in Shartlesville, and a former Little League coach in that community.
Surviving are a son, Robert V. of Shoemakersville; two daughters, Candace J. Sunderland of Bethalto, Ill., and Linda L., wife of Randolph H. Kauffman of Hamburg R.1; a brother, William E. of Hamburg; six grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
The Leibensperger Funeral Home, 63-65 S. Fourth St., Hamburg, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Conrad E. Reber
Mrs. Martha E. Reber, 94, of 19 N. Third St., Hamburg, died Sunday in the Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Tilden Township, Berks County, where she resided since December. She was the wife of Conrad E. Reber of Hamburg.
Born in Lansford, she was the daughter of the late Nathan S. and Emma M. (Hollenbach) Angstead.
She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Hamburg.
Surviving with her husband are two sons, August F. Miller and John L. Miller, both of Hamburg; two daughters, Mrs. Russell (Joyce) Murphy of Coaldale, and Lois C., wife of Paul D. Seyfert Sr. of Hamburg; 20 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 21 great-great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth L. Moore.
The Leibensperger Funeral Homes Inc., 63-65 S. Fourth St., Hamburg, is in charge of arrangements.
Frank Daderko
Frank Daderko, 72, of 306 Spruce St., Tamaqua, died this morning at the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. He was the husband of Helen (Revak) Daderko.
The John Puschak Funeral Home, 208 First St., Coaldale, is in charge of arrangements.
Michael J. Vidzicki
Michael J. Vidzicki, 76, of 300 Union St., Brockton, died Saturday evening in his home. He was the husband of Anna Mae (Kobige) Vidzicki.
Prior to retiring, he had been employed by the George Lynn Construction Co., Port Carbon.
Born in New Philadelphia, he was a son of the late John and Balwina (Novack) Vidzicki.
He was a member of St. Bartholomew's Roman Catholic Church, Brockton.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are five sons, David of Coaldale, Stanley of Brockton, James of Schuylkill Haven, and Joseph and Wayne, both at home; a daughter, Karen, at home; three sisters, Catherine Patrosky of Reading, Vicki Davine of New Holland and Betty Murtha of Texas; two brothers, John of Lewistown Valley and Edward of Lancaster; and three grandchildren.
He was also preceeded in death by a step-mother, Mary (Wencek) Vidzicki and two sons, Michael and Robert.
The Thomas J. Bartashus Funeral Home, New Philadelphia, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Viola M. Kerr
Mrs. Viola M. Kerr of 9 W. Elm St., Tamaqua, died this morning at the home of her daughter at 327 Washington St., Tamaqua. She was the widow of Robert C. Kerr, who died in 1986.
Born in Mahanoy City, she was a daughter of the late William and Clara (Swank) Derricott.
Mrs. Kerr was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Tamaqua, and the Tamaqua CB Club.
She is survived by three sons, Alan R. and William H., both of Tamaqua, and James S. of Earlysville; one daughter, Ruth J. Kerr of Tamaqua; 15 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Phyllis M. Mateyak, and brothers and sisters.
The E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.
