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In the News
Please submit any obituaries, engagement, marriage, and birth announcements, news articles, biographical information, and photos of relatives. E-mail angelina(AT)ptd.net or fritzfamilyemail(AT)yahoo.com
or A Fritz, P.O. Box 34, Barnesville, PA 18214 USA
This page is under construction as more submissions are added.
Entries are laid out in chronological order within each category of
Obituaries
Births and Birthday Announcements
Engagements, Weddings, and Anniversaries
Injuries and Hospitalizations
Miscellaneous News Articles and Emails
Steven Sheeler
July 2, 1964
A Tamaqua man was killed Tuesday night at 11:45 when his car went off Route 45 and into the brush 300 yards west of the PP&L Company plant in Hauto.
Steven Sheeler, 313 Clark Street, Tamaqua, mwas dead on arrival at Coaldale Hospital where he was taken in the Nesquehoning ambulance. John Puschock, Coaldale, deputy Schuylkill County coroner, listed the cause of death as a crushed skull.
Nesquehoning Chief of Police Harold Billig who investigated, said Sheeler’s car went off the road and traveled 700 feet on the shoulder knocking down steel guard rails then going into the brush where the car halted against two large trees. Sheeler’s body was found lying eight feet to the rear of the vehicle by Joseph Johnson, 212 Gay Street, Tamaqua, as he drove by and saw the wrecked car’s headlights shining through the darkness.
Monroe DeLong
Friday December 17, 1965 Standard Speaker, Hazleton, PA
Monroe DeLong
Monroe DeLong, Ringtown RD died yesterday at Danville State Hospital.
He was born in Girard Manor, son of the late William and Mary (Fritz) DeLong.
He was a member of the United Church of Christ, at Girard Manor.
He is survived by: a sister, Cora, wife of Edward Clark, Ringtown, RD; two brothers, John and Howard, both of Ringtown, RD; and a number of nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Stauffer Funeral Home, Ringtown, with services in charge of Rev. Stanley Shippey, pastor of the United Church of Christ, Sheppton. Interment will be in Girard Manor Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday evening.
Tuesday, December 21, 1965 Standard Speaker, Hazleton, PA
Funerals
The funeral of Monroe DeLong, RD Ringtown, who died Friday, was held at 2 p.m. yesterday from the Stauffer Funeral Home, Ringtown.
Rev. Stanley Shippey, pastor of United Church of Christ, Ringtown.
Rev. Stanley Sheppey, pastor of United Church of Christ, Ringtown, officiated. Interment was in Girard Manor Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Edison Brobst, Henry Fritz, Frank Sarno, John Hinderliter, Jr., Cyrus Clark, and Roy Rupert.
May 10, 1966
Howard DeLong
Howard DeLong , Penneysville, Ringtown, RD1, died this morning, Tuesday, at 2:50 a.m. at Locust Mountain Hospital, where he was admitted Friday, May 6 as a medical patient.
Born in Girard Manor he was educated in local schools. He was a veteran of World War I, having served overseas. His wife, the former Bertha Beeble, died 25 years ago.
The deceased was a member of St. John’s Reformed Church, Girard Manor, before the church was destroyed by fire.
He was also a member of the Sheppton American Legion Post and was last employed at Oneida Colliery.
Surviving are: one son, Alvin of Erwin; one daughter, Violet, wife of Henry Fritz, Shenandoah; one sister, Mrs. Cora Clark, Penneysville, Ringtown, RD1; one brother, John, Ringtown, also nine grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. from the J.A. Oravitz Home for Funerals, 38-40 North Jardin street, Shenandoah with Rev. Galen Klinger, pastor of the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Shenandoah officiating.
Viewing will be Thursday evening from 6-10 o’clock.
Interment will be in the Pheeneysville Cemetery, Ringtown, RD.
J.A. Oravitz and Sons Funeral Service has charge.
May 12, 1966 Standard Speaker, Hazleton, PA
Howard DeLong
Howard DeLong, Phinneysville, Ringtown, RD 1, died Tuesday at the Locust Mountain Hospital after several days illness.
He was a veteran of World War I, and last worked at the Oneida colliery as a carpenter.
A native of Girard Manor, he was a member of the Sheppton American Legion Post.
His wife, the former Bertha Beeble, died 25 years ago.
Surviving are one son, Alvin, Erwin, Pa.; a daughter, Mrs. Henry (Violet) Fritz, Shenandoah; a brother, John DeLong, Ringtown RD 1; a sister, Mrs. Cora Clark, Phinneysville, RD 1, Ringtown, and nine grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday from the Oravitz Funeral Home, 38-40 Jardin street, Shenandoah, with Rev. Galen Klinger officiating, followed by interment in the Phinneysville cemetery near Ringtown. Viewing will be held at the funeral home from 6 to 10 p.m. today.
May 16, 1966 Standard Speaker, Hazleton, PA
Howard DeLong
The funeral of Howard DeLong, Phinneyville, who died Tuesday at Locust Mountain Hospital, Shenandoah, was held Friday afternoon from the Oravitz Funeral Home, Shenandoah.
Rev. Galen Klinger conducted the services and burial took place in the Phinneyville Cemetery, Ringtown.
Pallbearers were Anthony Topolski, Thomas Houser, Celeste Antonelli, Zigmund Vercufski, John Kuzmission and Carl Kolza.
Military rites were accorded at the grave by member of the Knelly-Podany American Legion Post, Sheppton, with Commander George Motil in charge. John Bocar was the bugler.
Prudence Fritz Sheeler
August 27, 1966
Mrs. Prudence (Fritz) Sheeler, 69, Barnesville, died Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Hospital, Hazleton, where she had been a patient since August 19.
Daughter of the late Frank and Rebecca (Hoffman) Fritz, she was born in Grier City on November 10, 1896, and resided in that area all her life. She was a member of the Bethany Evangelical United Brethren Church, Barnesville.
Surviving are her husband John and the following children: Ronald, Mahanoy City; Mrs. Robert (Thelma) Diaz, Ethel and Alberta, all of Brooklyn; Mrs. Jacob (Beatrice) Homanick and George, Barnesville; John, Turkey Run; Herbert, Grier City; Cornelius, Linden, NJ; Martin, Allentown; and Shirley, at home. There are 22 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held Monday. Lamar Christ, Hometown, funeral director, is in charge of arrangements.
Susan Bachert Bittner
November 7 & 8, 1966 Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA
and November 8, 1966 Standard Speaker, Hazleton, PA
Mrs. John H. (Susan) Bittner
Native of Quakake
Mrs. Susan Bachert Bittner, of Tamaqua, RD 2, native of Quakake, died Sunday at 7:30 a.m. at her home after a lingering illness. She was 60.
Mrs. Bittner, born in Quakake on January 8, 1906, resided in the Tamaqua RD 2 area most of her life.
Her parents were the late Edwin Bachert and Daisy Fritz Bachert.
She was of the United Church of Christ faith.
A son Donald died in 1961.
Surviving are her husband, John H. Bittner; children: Doris, wife of Edgar Miller, of Coaldale; Elden, at home; Leslie, of Barnesville; Jane, wife of Eugene Springer, of Tamaqua, RD 2; Lee, of New Ringgold, RD 1; a sister, Mildred, wife of Lee Hinkle, of Quakake; 16 grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday from the Christ Funeral Home, Hometown with Rev. Leonard Rodbourn officiating. Interment will be in Skyview Memorial Park, Hometown.
Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday evening.
John Sheeler
February 9, 1967
John Sheeler, Barnesville, died Monday night at his home.
Born in Long Island, NY, a son of the late John and Mary Sheeler, he had resided in Barnesville 45 years.
The deceased was a member of Bethany Evangelical Church, Barnesville, and the Brotherhood of Railway Car Men of America.
His wife, the former Prudence Fritz, died in August 1966.
Surviving are 11 children: Mrs. Roberto (Thelma) Diaz, Ethel and Alberta, all of Brooklyn; Mrs. Jacob (Beatrice) Homanick and George, Barnesville; John, Shenandoah; Herbert, Grier City; Cornelius, Linden, NJ; Martin, Allentown; Roland, Mahanoy City; Shirley, Tamaqua.
The funeral will be held Friday afternoon from the Griffith Funeral Home, Tamaqua. Rev. Karl Keller, pastor of Bethany Evangelical Church, Barnesville, will officiate. Interment will be in the german Protestant Cemetery, Mahanoy City.
Thomas F. Cunningham
June 13, 1967 Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA
Thomas F. Cunningham
Thomas F. Cunningham, 67, of Still Creek, Tamaqua RD 2, died Monday in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hazleton.
Son of the late David and Abbie (Fritz) Cunningham, he was born in Grier City and lived in Weatherly RD1 prior to locating at Still Creek 18 years ago. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Rush Township.
Surviving are his wife, the former Marie Stewart; two sisters and three brothers: Mrs. Herman (Alvesta) Evanson of Lancaster, Mrs. Robert (Caroline) Bonner and Samuel of Mahanoy City, Leon of Grier City, and Clarence of Park Crest.
Funeral Thursday afternoon from Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, with Rev. Leonard Rodburn officiating. Interment in Skyview Memorial Park, Hometown.
June 13, 1967
Thomas F. Cunningham, of Still Creek, Tamaqua RD2, died Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Hospital, Hazleton.
He was a retired miner.
He was born in Grier City February 14, 1900, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. David (Abbie Fritz) Cunningham.
He was a resident of Still Creek 18 years and resided in Weatherly RD1 prior to that.
Mr. Cunningham was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church, Rush Township.
Surviving are his wife, the former Marie Stewart, and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Herman (Alvesta) Eavenson, Lancaster; Mrs. Robert (Caroline) Boner, Mahanoy City; Samuel, Mahanoy City; Leon, Grier City; Clarence, Park Crest.
The funeral will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. from the Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, with the Rev. Leonard Rodburn officiating. Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park.
Samuel Cunningham
September 25, 1967
Samuel Cunningham, 117 West Mahanoy Avenue, Mahanoy City, died Saturday in the Pottsville Hospital after an illness of about one year.
Son of the late David and Abigail Fritz Cunningham, he was a native of Grier City and resided in Barnesville before moving to Mahanoy City.
HE was formerly employed at Bethlehem Steel Company and was a member of St. Paul’s Reformed Church, Mahanoy City.
Surviving are his wife, Marie (Moss), and the following children: Paul, of Potomac View, MD; Sara, at home; George, Lakewood; Jean, at home.
He was preceded in death by three brothers: Rudy, Thomas and William.
He leaves these brothers and sisters: Leon, Grier City; Clarence, Hosensock; Caroline, wife of Robert Boner, Mahanoy City; and Mrs. Alvesta Evanson, Lancaster; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Wednesday morning from the Haughney Funeral Home, Mahanoy City, with burial following in the Skyview Memorial Cemetery at Hometown.
Mary Fritz Reese
September 4, 1969
Mrs. Mary Reese, of 1004 Club Avenue, Allentown, died yesterday in Central Park Nursing Home, Allentown. She was 83.
She was the widow of Evan Reese.
Born in Schuylkill County, she was a daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Fritz) Dietz.
She was a member of Bethany United Church of Christ, Bethlehem.
Surviving are a son Melvin, city manager of Miami, FL; three sisters, Mrs. Anna Heinbrook and Mrs. Dora Heinbrook, both of Bethlehem, and Mrs. Florence Miller of Ringtown; a brother Fred, of Mount Carmel, and two grandchildren.
Services will be at 11 a.m. in the Harlan C. Hinkle Funeral Home, 1712 West Broad Street, Bethlehem.
Louverdia Fritz Matz
April 29, 1970 Shenandoah Herald
Mrs. Louverdia Matz
Mrs. Louverdia (Fritz) Matz, Grier City, died yesterday at 6:15 p.m., in the Pottsville Hospital, where she had been admitted Sunday. She was in ill health for some time.
Born in Ringtown on Feb 27, 1885, she was a daughter of the late John and Jenny (Fox) Fritz. She had lived in Grier City since 1917.
Mrs. Matz was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 1962, a son, Arlington, in 1967 and a son Paul, who was killed in France in World War II.
Survivors include a son, Clarence, in Stowe, Pa.; a daughter, Mrs. Helen Faust, Grier City; and a son, Ralph, in Grier City. There are ten grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are two brothers, James Fritz, in Shumans, Pa., and Ira Ruppert in Delano.
The deceased was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Barnesville.
The funeral will be Saturday at 11a.m. from the Christ Funeral Home, Hometown. The Rev. Karl Keller will conduct the services. Interment will be in Bethany Cemetery, Barnesville. Friends may call on Friday evening.
Lamar Christ has charge of arrangements.
Thursday, April 30, 1970
Mrs Louverdia Fritz Matz
Mrs Louverdia Fritz Matz, 85, of Grier City, died on Tuesday afternoon in the Pottsville Hospital, following a lengthy illness.
Born in Ringtown on Feb. 28, 1885, she was a daughter of the late John and Jenny Fox Fritz, and resided in Grier City area since 1917, and was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Barnesville.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Arlington, who died in 1967, and Paul, who was killed in France during World War II.
Surviving are two sons, Clarence, Stowe; and Ralph, Grier City; and a daughter, Mrs. Helen Faust, both of Grier City; two brothers, James, Shumans; and Ira Ruppert, Delano.
The funeral will be held from the Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, at 11 a.m. Saturday. Interment will be in the Bethany Cemetery, Barnesville.
Friends may call Friday evening.
Glenn E. Kester
May 23, 1972 Standard Speaker, Hazleton, PA
Glenn E. Kester
Glenn E. Kester, 56, of 324 Richy Ave., West Collingswood, N.J., a native of Quakake Valley, Tamaqua, died at 2:30 p.m. yesterday (Monday) in the Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia, following a lengthy illness.
He was born in Quakake, October 13, 1915 but moved to New Jersey in 1944. He was a son of the late John A. and Nora Fritz Kester.
He was an Army veteran of Wold War II, a member of the Masonic Lodge in Collingswood, the Elks in Philadelphia, and the United Church of Christ, McAdoo.
He was a retired manager for the Roher Chevrolet Garage, Camden, N.J.
Surviving are two brothers, Raymond and Elmer, both of Tamaqua, RD 2.
The funeral will be held from the Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, at 11 a.m. Friday, with the Rev. Dr. Richard E. Owens officiating. Interment will be in the White Church Cemetery, Rush Township.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.
James Fritz
Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA - Monday, January 22, 1973
James Fritz
James Fritz, of Zion Grove, died at Bloomsburg Hospital Saturday morning. He was admitted Jan. 10.
Mr. Fritz had been a miner. He was a member of Davis Chapel of United Methodist Church.
Surviving are daughters, Caroline, wife of L. Peter Fisher, RD 3 Bloomsburg; Marjorie, wife of Alfred McGaw, Sunbury and Mrs. Edna Kapluck, St. Petersburg, Fla.; 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; a stepbrother, Ira Ruppert of Barnesville.
C. E. Barrow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA – January 24, 1973
James Fritz
Funeral services for James Fritz, Bloomsburg R.D. 3, were held Tuesday from the Barrow Funeral Home, Ringtown, with the Rev. William W. Martin of the Ringtown United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was in Davis Chapel cemetery, Zions Grove.
Bearers were Arthur Fisher, Gary Fisher, Cyril Hess, Alfred McGaw, Lee Rupert and David Ruckle.
Morning Press, Bloomsburg, PA – January 22, 1973
James Fritz
Bloomsburg – James Fritz, 86, Bloomsburg RD3, died Saturday morning at the Bloomsburg Hospital where he had been a patient since Jan. 10.
Among the survivors is a daughter Mrs. Alfred McGaw, Sunbury.
James Fritz
James Fritz, 86, Bloomsburg R.D. 3, died early Saturday morning at the Bloomsburg Hospital where he had been a patient since Jan. 10.
He spent his lifetime in Zion Grove and Shuman area, and had been a miner by occupation.
He was a member of the Davis Chapel United Methodist church.
Surviving are three daughters, Caroline, wife of L. Peter Fisher, Shuman; Marjorie, wife of Alfred McGaw, Sunbury, and Edna Kapluck, St. Petersburg, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one stepbrother, Ira Ruppert, Barnesville, Pa.
Funeral services will be held from the Barrow Funeral Home, Ringtown, Tuesday at 2 p.m. with Rev. William W. Martin officiating. Burial will be in the Davis Chapel cemetery.
Monday, January 22, 1973
James Fritz
James Fritz, of Shumans, near Zion Grove, died Saturday at Bloomsburg Hospital where he had been admitted Jan. 10.
A lifelong resident of Zion Grove area, he was a member of the Davis Chapel, United Methodist Church.
He is survived by a step-brother, Ira Rupert, of Barnesville, and three daughters; Mrs. L. Peter (Carolyn) Fisher, with whom he resided; Mrs. Alfred (Marjory) McGaw, Sunbury, and Mrs. Edna Kapluck, St. Petersburg, Fla.
The funeral will be held from the Clarence E. Barrow Funeral Home, Ringtown, on Tuesday at a time to be announced. Interment will be in Davis Chapel Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home this evening.
David Wesley Fritz, Jr.
Dr. William Arthur Van Saun
October 24, 1974
Dr. William Arthur Van Saun, 422 E. Centre Street, Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner, died Thursday morning in the Locust Mountain state General Hospital shortly after being admitted. He had been in ill health for the past several years.
Born in Industry in Beaver County, he was the son of Rev. Arthur and Millie (Glass) Van Saun. He received his education in Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio and graduated from Penn State University in 1939. He graduated from Hahnemann Medical College in 1943, and served with the U. S. Army as a major during World War II. He practiced medicine and obstetrics in
Mahanoy City from June of 1946 to November 1968 when he retired.
Dr. Van Saun was a member of the Schuylkill County Historical Society, the Sons of Union Veterans, American Legion Post 74, Elks jLodge 695, Citizens Fire Company and Chamber of Commerce of Mahanoy City; the Disabled American Veterans; Augustan Society; F&AM Lodge 357; Mizpah Royal Arch Chapter 252; Ivanhoe Commandery 32; Knights of Templar, the Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg; Rajah Shrine Temple, Reading; and the Canonhole Springs Game Club. He was
a member and former elder of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Mahanoy City.
Surviving are his wife, the former Dorothy Sticher; two sons, William Arthur, Jr., of Villanova, and Garth Joseph of Harrisburg; a daughter Valerie K., wife of Maris Eshleman of Fort Knox, KY.
Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Cook Funeral Service, Mahanoy City, has charge.
Herbert J. Purnell
November 18, 1974
Herbert J. Purnell, of 933 East Mahanoy Avenue, Mahanoy City, died at 2:00 a.m. Monday at Episcopal Hospital, Philadelphia, where he was a patient one day. He had previously been a patient at Good Samaritan Hospital for a week.
Mr. Purnell was born in Grier City, February 9, 1908, son of the late James and Ella Fritz Purnell. He lived in Grier City most of his life, moving nine years ago to Mahanoy City.
He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and Church Council and was a former secretary of the Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Schuylkill County Public Fishing Association, the Lewisburg Hunting Club, Travelers Protective Association, Mahanoy Area Christian Brotherhood, Mahanoy City Masonic Lodge 357; Royal Arch Chapter 252, Ivanhoe Commandery 31, all of Mahanoy City, and the Bloomsburg Consistory.
Mr. Purnell was a former secretary of the Anthracite Builders and Contractors Association and of the Grier City Sunday School for many years. He was secretary of the German Protestant Cemetery Association and for 43 years had been a member and director of the former Park Crest Builders.
He was employed as office manager of the Curtis J. Bailey Builders.
Surviving are his widow, the former Erman Volosky; two daughters, Marliss, wife of Gerald Stauffenberger, Tower City; Mrs. Nancy Williams, Mahanoy City; six grandchildren; two brothers, Lamar and Chester, both of Grier City.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning from Christ Lutheran Church, Mahanoy City, with the Rev. Fred T. Crawford, officiating. Burial will be in German Protestant Cemetery.
The Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, has charge.
Dora M. Deitz Heimbrook
October 6, 1975
Mrs. Dora M. Heimbrook, 79, of RD1 Ringtown, widow of William Hiembrook, died Sunday at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Kathryn and Willilam Malloy of 3050 Shakespeare Road, Bethlehem.
She was born in Ringtown, a daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Lorah Deitz. She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Bethlehem.
Surviving, in addition to her daughter Kathryn, are a son William H., of Bethlehem; a sister Mrs. Florence Miller of Ringtown, a brother E. Dietz of Mount Carmel; seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren.
Services will be held Wednesday afternoon at the Snyder-Hinkle Funeral Home, 527 Center Street, Bethlehem.
Raymond P. Kester
August 26, 1976
Raymond P. Kester
Raymond P. Kester, 74, of Tamaqua RD 2, died at 2 a.m. today at the Coaldale State General Hospital, where he had been a patient since Sunday. Death followed a long illness.
Born in Rush Township, March 12, 1902, he was a son of the late John and Nora (Fritz) Kester.
He was a miner for 20 years, employed by the Haddock Mining Co., Silver Brook colliery. He moved to Catasauqua where he was employed by the Bethlehem Steel until he retired in 1966, after which he returned to Rush Township.
Surviving are his wife, the former Pearl Faust; a son, Lester, Catasauqua; Mrs. George (Ada) Robinson, Scotch Plains, N.J.; and Mrs. Leonard (Isabell) Dopsovic, Catasauqua; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and a brother, Elmer J. Kester, Tamaqua, RD 2.
The funeral will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. from the Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, with the Rev. Donald Stump, pastor of St. Matthew’s United Church of Christ, Packer Township, officiating. Interment will be in St. Matthew’s Cemetery, Packer Township.
Friends may call Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Kathryn M. Fritz
December 14, 1976
Miss Kathryn M. Fritz, RN, 65, of 15 N. Greenwood Street, Tamaqua, died at 1:45 a.m. yesterday in Coaldale State General Hospital.
Born in Grier City, she was a daughter of the late Herbert and Mary (Hein) Fritz, and resided in Tamaqua most of her life.
She was graduated from Tamaqua High School in 1929, and Abington Hospital School of Nursing in 1934.
Prior to her retirement 16 years ago, she was supervisor of dispensary at Abington Hospital.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Tamaqua; Abington Alumnae Association; and the auxiliary staff of the Coadale State Hospital.
She is survived by a sister Mrs. Arthur (Ethel) Depew, Tamaqua, with whom she made her home.
Jthe fuenral will be held from the Davis Funeral Home, Tamaqua, 237 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, at 1 p.m. Thursday, with the Rev. Peter Muhr officiating. Interment will be in White Church Cemetery, Rush Township.
Arthur J. Depew
April 19, 1978
Arthur J. Depew, 70, of 15, North Greenwood Street, Tamaqua, died Monday at the Coaldale State General Hospital.
Allen Deebel
Wednesday, April 26, 1978
Allen Deebel, Ringtown RD 1, died Tuesday morning at the St. Joseph Hospital.
A farmer all his life, he was born in Ringtown Valley, son of the late H. Elmer and Margaret (Frey) Deebel.
He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Brandonville.
He is survived by his wife, the former Carrie Bley; a son, James, of Lehighton; a daughter, Mrs. Lester (Jean) Lorah, Center Valley; six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday from the Edward W. Stauffer Funeral Home, Ringtown, with the Rev. Ronald Orovitz officiating. Interment will be in Girard Manor Cemetery.
Lee Hinkel
August 31, 1978
Lee Hinkel
Lee Hinkel, Quakake, died Wednesday at his home following a lengthy illness.
Born in Quakake Balley, June 22, 1907, he was a son of the late Josiah and Amanda Catherine Hinkel and had resided in that area his entire life.
He was a member of the Ascension Lutheran Church, Quakake, and the Quakake Fire Company.
He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas.
Surviving are his wife, the former Mildred Bachert; daughters, Mrs. Ernest (Alfreda) Heckman and Mrs. Clyde (Mae) Schock, Quakake; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; brother, Granville, Hazleton, and sister, Mrs. Arthur (Dora) Beam, McAdoo.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday from the Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, with the Rev. William Pahls officiating. Interment will be in the White Church Cemetery, Rush Township.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Mildred B. Bachert Hinkel
December 22, 1978
Mildred B. Hinkel
Mrs. Mildred B. Hinkel, 64, of Quakake, died this morning at Hazleton Hospital following a lengthy illness.
Mrs. Hinkel, daughter of the late Edwin and Daisy Fritz Bachert, was born Nov. 1, 1914 in Quakake and was a lifelong resident of the area.
She was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church, the Quakake Fire Company Auxiliary and the Order of White Shrine of Jerusalem, Hazleton.
Her husband, Lee, died on August 30 of this year. She was also preceded in death by a son, Thomas, and two sisters, Mrs. Susan Bittner and Mrs. Hester Gerhard.
Surviving are two daughters, Alfreda, wife of Ernest Heckman, and Mae, wife of Clyde Schock, both of Quakake; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Sunday from the Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, RD2 Tamaqua, with the Rev. William Pahls officiating. Burial will be in White Church Cemetery, Rush Township.
Leon F. Cunningham
March 13, 1979
Leon F. Cunningham, Grier City, died Monday shortly after being taken to Coaldale Hospital.
MR. Cunningham was born in Delano June 13, 1914, a son of the late David and Abigail Fritz Cunningham. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Grier City Union Sunday School and a retired employee of Morgan Knitting Mills, Hometown.
Surviving are his widow, the former Mary Rounds; a daughter Evelyn Herring, and a son Leon, both of Grier City; one grandson; a brother Clarence of Delano; three sisters, Mrs. Carolyn Boner, Mahanoy City;o Alvesta, wife of Herman Eavenson, Lancaster; Miriam, wife of Leroy Styier, Narvon; several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Friday morning from the Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometwon, with the Rev. Janet Kline officiating. Interment will be in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown.
Myrtle Walbert Matz
July 15, 1980 Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA
Myrtle Matz
Mrs. Myrtle Matz, Grier City, died Monday at her home.
She was born in Delano, Feb. 4, 1895, a daughter of the late Oliver and Margaret Gerhard Walbert.
Mrs. Matz was a member of Evangelical Christian Church, Grier City.
Her husband, Milton, died Jan. 26, 1953.
Surviving are a son, Oliver, Whitehall; two daughters, Mrs. Violet Rothbauer, New Philadelphia, Rella, wife of John Rupert, Grier City; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ella, wife of Lewis Shaup, Sally, wife of Michael Ference, both of Delano; and a brother, Curtis, Grier City.
Services will be held Saturday morning from Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown. The Rev. William Francis will officiate and interment will be in Bethany Cemetery, Barnesville.
Evelyn Cunningham Herring
June 14, 1983
Evelyn (Cunningham) Herring, age 48, of Grier City, died Sunday.
Born in Frackville, she was the daughter of Leon and Mary (Rounds) Cunningham.
She was employed by Eagle Brothers, Mahanoy City.
Surviving are a brother, Leon Cunningham, Jr., Hazleton; a nephew, Leon, and an aunt, Mrs. Charles (Florence) Blew, Park Crest.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. from the Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, with Rev, Janet Kline officiating. Interment will be in the Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown.
Ruth Mabel Clark Smith
Monday, October 24, 1983, Standard-Speaker, Hazleton, PA
A Ringtown woman was killed, and three others were injured, in a three-car accident in Berks County Saturday afternoon.
Ruth Smith, of Ringtown RD, was a passenger in a vehicle operated by her husband, John, that was struck by a vehicle operated by Ralph Nester, of Schuylkill Haven R.D. 1.
State police at Hamburg said Nester, who was traveling south on Route 61, the Pottsville Pike, on-half mile south of Hamburg, lost control and crossed the center of the highway, traveling at an apparent high rate of speed.
Nester’s auto struck the Smith auto, which was traveling north, as well as another northbound auto operated by Walter Vacula of Schuylkill Haven R.D. 1.
Mrs. Smith and Nester were transported by MedEvac helicopter to the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, where the woman was pronounced dead. Nester was listed in critical condition Sunday night.
John Smith and Vacula were taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Reading, where Smith was listed in satisfactory condition Sunday night. Vacula was treated and released following the 3:15 p.m. accident.
No charges have been filed in connection with the accident, pending further investigation by police.
Mrs. Smith was born in Phinneyville, Ringtown RD, the daughter of the late Charles and Mabel Fritz Clark.
She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Ringtown, and was employed as a sales representative for Stanley Home Productds for many years.
One daughter, Jean, preceded her in death, in 1953.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Ronald, Schwenksville, and Terry, with U.S., Army Intelligence at Hanover, MD, and one daughter, Faith Ann, at home; four brothers, Wilbur, Phinneyville; Clarence, Bethlehem; Ralph, Yerrington, NV; and Clifford, Harwood Mines; two sisters, Mrs. Irvin (Mary) Bley, Phinneyville, and Mrs. Elsie Wolfe, Ringtown RD; seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete. They will be announced by the Edward W. Stauffer Funeral Home, Ringtown.
Jennie C. Knittle Bernet
March 29, 1984
Jennie C. Bernet
Jennie C. Bernet, 83, of 25 Haven St., Schuylkill Haven, died this morning in Pottsville Hospital. She was in ill health for several months.
Mrs. Bernet was born in McKeansburg, a daughter of the late Lewis and Annie Fritz Knittle.
She resided in Schuylkill Haven for 60 years.
Mrs. Bernet was a volunteer worker and a past president of Schuylkill County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
She was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, Schuylkill Haven.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Aaron (Doc) in 1969 and a daughter, Anna Keller, in 1958.
Surviving is a son, Willis, Schuylkill Haven.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Detwiler and Stabingas Funeral Home Inc., Schuylkill Haven. The Rev. H. Robert Anderson will officiate. Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park.
Thelma G. Lorah Bley
Thursday, January 10, 1985
Thelma G. Bley, 69, died Wednesday in Zohlman Nursing Home, Richlandton.
She was born in East Union Township, a daughter of the late Oliver, C. and Christiana Krantz Lorah.
She was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church, Center Valley. She was a former resident of Center Valley area.
Surviving are her husband, Louis J.; three sons, Louis D., Thomas E. and Kenneth J. and a daughter, Judy A., wife of Stephen J. Schlegel, all of Center Valley; five grandchildren; a great grandchild; a brother Raymond, Quakake; a sister, Bertha, wife of Harold Zimmerman, Ringtown.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday from William R. Norcross Funeral Home, Coopersburg. Interment will be in Friedens
Cemetery, Center Valley.
Elmer W. Kester
Tuesday, April 23, 1985
Elmer W. Kester
Elmer W. Kester, 74, of Still Creek, R.D. 1 Tamaqua area, died Saturday in his home.
He was born in Still Creek, a son of the late John A. and Nora Fritz Kester.
He was a retired employee of Correale Construction Co.
He was a member of Christ United Church of Christ, McAdoo, Quakake Fire Company, Weatherly Senior Citizens, and Rush-Ryan-Delano Senior Citizens.
Surviving are his wife, the former Sarah Kahley; three children: John, R.D. 1 Weatherly; Donald S., Still Creek; and Sarah Fay, at home; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be held today at 11 a.m. from the Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, with the Rev. Donald J. Stump, Sr., Weatherly, officiating. Interment will be in the White Church Cemetery, Rush Township.
John W. Bley
December 7, 1985
John W. Bley, 81, of 1004 Club Avenue, Allentown, a Schuylkill County native, died Friday in his home.
He was born in Ringtown, a son of the late Armin and Rebecca Dietz Bley, and was a member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Allentown.
He was a well driller for 26 years, having been last employed in Easton for 12 years.
Surviving are his wife of 52 years, the former Sarah R. Hart; two sons, John W., Jr., Allentown, and Robert A., Lake Hiawatha, NJ; four brothers Samuel, Russell and Irvin, all of Ringtown, and Louis of Center Valley; four sisters, Margaret Morrell, Allentown; Carrie Deebel and Florence Deebel, both of Ringtown, and Dorothy Zimmerman, Wickliffe, OH; two granddaughters.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday from St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Allentown. Kulick Funeral Home, 426 Hanover Avenue, Allentown, has charge of arrangements.
John DeLong
January 13, 1986
John DeLong
John DeLong, 85, R. D. Ringtown, died Saturday at the Ashland State General Hospital.
Born in East Union Township, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Fritz) DeLong.
He was of the Methodist Faith. For many years, he was employed by the Green Thumb Project.
Surviving are nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. from the Edward W. Stauffer Funeral Home, Ringtown, with the Rev. William Martin, officiating. Interment will be in the Girard Manor Cemetery.
Viewing will be Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Contributions may be made to the David Livingstone Missionary Fund, P.O. Box 232, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
David R. Steward
February 7, 1986
David R. Steward, 52, of Sheppton, died Wednesday in his home.
He was born in Hazleton, a son of the late Alvin and A. Margaret Stiles Steward.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, West Hazleton and Azalea Masonic Lodge, Hazleton
Survivors are his wife, the former Mary Bley; a daughter, Mary Ruth Steward, Lansdale; three sons, David and Robert, both of Sheppton, and Charles, at home; two grandsons.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Thomas Cvammen will officiate. Interment will be private. Edward R. Stauffer Funeral Home, Ringtown, is in charge of arrangements.
Martin L. Sheeler
Friday, June 7, 1986
Martin L. Sheeler, 56, of 1019 South Hall Street, Allentown, died Friday at home.
Born in Hazleton, he was a son of the late John and Prudence Fritz Sheeler.
He was employed as a truck driver by Mopac, Souderton, and was an Army veteran of the Korean War.
Surviving are his wife, the former Helen Anderson; two sons, Martin J., York, and Robert, at home; four grandchildren; four brothers, Jack, Mahanoy City; George, Barnesville; Herbert, Park Crest; and Cornelius, Linden, NJ; four sisters, Ethel Kociolek, Schuylkill Haven; Beatrice Homanick, Barnesville; Mary Kobecki, Brooklyn, NY; and Shirley Seymour, Mahanoy City.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Jon Zizelmann Funeral Home, Tamaqua. Interment will be in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown.
William John Fritz
Pottsville Republican, Friday, January 16, 1998
William J. Fritz, 66, of Seipstown, died Thursday at home.
Born in Tamaqua, he was a son of the late Raymond D. and Hannah Fegley Fritz.
He was a self-employed woodworker in Seipstown for the past 10 years. Previously, he was superintendent of maintenance of the Episcopal House, Allentown, for five years until 1983, and a truck driver for the former Modern Transfer, Allentown, from 1961-76.
He was a member of the Cetronia Fire Company.
Surviving are a companion, Grace A. Wotring, with whom he resided; two daughters, Elizabeth A. Faust, Alburtis, and Carol Fegley, Allentown; three sons, William, Hazleton, James, Collegeville, and Michael, York; a sister, Edith Subacz, Hazleton; a stepdaughter, Anna Mae Augustine, Allentown; four stepsons, Harry and James Barron, both of Tamaqua, Ronald Barron, Allentown, and Donald Barron, Washington state; 31 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday from Keller Funeral Home, Fogelsville.
Cornelius W. Sheeler
Pottsville Republican, October 25, 1999
Cornelius W. "Neil" Sheeler, 72, of Glory Road, Hometown, died Saturday at home.
Born in Grier City, Sept. 8, 1927, he was a son of the late John and Prudence Fritz Sheeler.
He worked as an assembler at the General Motors Corp., Linden, N.J.
He was a member of the United Auto Workers.
Preceding him in death were four brothers, John, Herbert, Martin and Roland; four sisters, Thelma Diaz, Ethel Kociolek, Beatrice Homanick and Shirley Seymour.
Surviving are his wife, the former Bertha Fedoriska; two daughters, Kathy Stuma, Tinino, Wash., and Sandra Answorth, Pendleton, Ore.; a brother, George, Barnesville; a sister, Alberta Sheeler, Hawley; three grandchildren; a great-grandchild; nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday from Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown. Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown.
Gertrude Hildebrand Fritz
Standard Speaker, Hazleton, PA Monday, December 3, 2001
Gertrude I. Fritz, 96, a former, and long-time resident of Audenried, died Saturday at the Carbon County Home for the Aged, Weatherwood, where she had lived for the past ten years. Born in Cranberry, November 3, 1905, she was a daughter of the late Nicholas and Minnie (Kepp) Hildebrand, and spent most of her life in Audenried.
Mrs. Fritz was a member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Audenried.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Fritz, Sr.; a son, Thomas Fritz, Jr.; brothers, Thomas, Walter, Albert and Charles Hildebrand; and sisters, Minnie Frailey, Catherine Morton, Mabel Dalton, Hazel Applegate, and Margaret Merenda. Surviving are sons Edwin G. Fritz, Weatherly; Donald L. Fritz, Loganville, GA; four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. from the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Audenried, where her pastor, Rev. Donald Striker, will preside. Burial will follow in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown. Friends may call at Salem Lutheran Church, on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Arrangements are under the direction of the Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home Inc., of Hazleton.
Melva Kester Fink
Times News, Lehighton, PA Wednesday, December 5, 2001
Mrs. Joseph Fink
Mrs. Melva K. Fink, 72, of Shippensburg, Pa., died Sunday evening in the Chambersburg Hospital, Chambersburg, Pa. She was the wife of Joseph Fink.
Prior to retiring, she was employed by the U.S. Army as a general staff secretary and stenographer for the pathology department at the Landstuhl Army Hospital, Landstuhl, Germany. Upon returning to the U.S., she was a family housing officer at Letterkenny Army Depot, Chambersburg.
Born in Quakake, she was a daughter of the late Roland and Stella (Bachert) Kester.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a daughter Susan of Albuquerque, N.M.; and an aunt in Tamaqua.
The Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, is in charge of the arrangements.
Shirley Novatnak
Times News, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001
Ringtown woman killed by vehicle on Hometown Farmer's Market lot
A Ringtown woman struck by a runaway car Wednesday morning on the lot of the Hometown Farmer's Market on Route 54 has died of her injuries.
Rush Township Police report Shirley Novatnak, 52, of R.R. 1 Box 325-B, Ringtown, died Wednesday afternoon at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Trauma
Center, Salisbury Township, after being flown there by MedEvac helicopter.
Police received a call at 8:53 a.m. Wednesday concerning a woman trapped between a truck and a car at the farmer's market in Hometown. By the time officers arrived, the vehicles had been separated by market personnel, police said.
Novatnak was struck by a car operated by Kathleen Tibbett, 74. Tibbett told police she was starting her car, which was parked near the main building of the complex.
She said she put the car in reverse, but the accelerator stuck and she shot across the parking lot. Her car traveled a distance before striking Novatnak just after the victim had made a purchase near the rear of a truck parked on the lot.
The car pinned Novatnak against the rear portion of the truck and the car.
Novatnak was flown from the scene and died of injuries sustained in the
accident. Tibbett was transported to St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital,
Coaldale, poilce said.
The Rush Township Fire Department and Fire Police and Tamaqua EMS
assisted police at the scene...
Standard Speaker (Hazleton, PA), Friday, December 28, 2001
Shirley Novatnak, 52, of 326 Main Blvd., Ringtown, died unexpectedly Wednesday at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, Allentown.Born in Shenandoah July 5, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Mae (Lorah) Bley.
She was a graduate of West Hazleton High School and Hazleton State Hospital School of Nursing.
She was currently employed as a registered nurse by Hazleton General Hospital in the Gunderson Rehabilitation Unit.A member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Brandonville, she was active as a treasurer and teacher of the Brandonvile Union Sunday School. She was also treasurer of the Brandonville Union Cemetery Association and a member of the Pennsylvania Nurses Association.
She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Robert Novatnak, Ringtown. Two daughters and one son survive: Donna Marie Novatnak, Nadine Lee Novatnak, and Robert Bruce Novatnak, Jr., all at home. Three sisters also survive: Joan Mensinger, Phinneyville; Elaine Miller, Chesapeake, VA; Gloria Smith, West Hazleton; nieces and nephews also survive.
Relatives and friends are invited to call Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stauffer-Heizenroth Funeral Home, 412 West Main St., Ringtown. A religious service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at St. John's Lutheran Church, Brandonville. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in Brandonville Union Cemetery, Brandonville, immediately following the service.
Memorial donations may be made to either Brandonville Union Sunday School or the Brandonville Union Cemetery Association in care of Jean Keller, 180 Main Blvd., Ringtown, PA 17967.
David Barkus
The first five articles can be looked up in the Pottsville Republican archives
if you wish to read them. The Standard Speaker does not yet have any
archives online.
Friday, August 16, 2002
Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA
Friday, August 16, 2002
Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA
Saturday, August 17, 2002
Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA
Saturday, August 17, 2002
Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA
Monday, August 19, 2002
Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA
Thursday, August 22, 2002 Standard Speaker, Hazleton, PA
Monday, August 19, 2002 Standard Speaker, Hazleton, PA
David Barkus
David Barkus, 30, 85 Hazle St., Delano, died Thursday evening.
Born in Pottsville, Nov. 6, 1971, he was the son of Lorraine (Fogarty) Barkus, Grier City; and the late David Barkus.
He was a 1989 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and a veteran of the Air Force.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his daughter, Emilee Barkus, Maple Hill; his grandmother, Gloria Barkus, Delano; a brother, Brian Barkus, Delano; and a sister, Christina Paisley, also of Delano. Uncles and cousins also survive.
His funeral will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. from the Lamar Christ Funeral Home, 31 Mahanoy Ave., Hometown.
Interment will take place in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown.
Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, August 19, 2002 Pottsville Republican, Pottsville, PA
David Barkus
David Barkus, 30, of 85 Hazle St., Delano, died Thursday evening in Morea.
Born in Pottsville, Nov. 6, 1971, he was a son of Lorraine Fogarty Barkus, Grier City, and the late David Barkus. He was a 1989 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School.
He was an Air Force veteran.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are a daughter, Emilee Barkus, Maple Hill; paternal grandmother, Gloria Barkus, Delano; a brother, Brian, Delano; a sister, Christina Paisley, Delano; uncles and cousins.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday from Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown. Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown.
Andrew Chupasco
Monday, September 2, 2002 Standard Speaker, Hazleton, PA.
Andrew Chupasco
Andrew Chupasco, 58, Zion Grove, died unexpectedly Saturday at the Greater Hazleton Health Alliance, Broad Street Campus.
Born in Passaic, N.J., April 12, 1944, he was the son of the late Andrew and Alice (Fritz) Chupasco, and member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ringtown.
He was a 1962 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, and attended Stevens Trade School.
An Air Force veteran, he served during the Vietnam War and was a member of Ringtown American Legion.
He had been employed as an electrician for Industrial Maintenance Associates, West Hazleton.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were a sister, Mary Jane Sawecki; and a brother, Joseph.
Surviving are his wife of 30 years, the former Marion Foose; a daughter, Amy Updegrave, Tremont; siblings, Janice Stoppi, North Wales; Carol Bonk, Florida; Nancy Foster, St. Clair; Susan Chupasco, Mahanoy City; Cecilia Bolish, Ringtown; Russell Chapaska, Oneida; and Frank Knelty, Harrisburg; and one grandson. Nieces and nephews also survive.
The Rev. Jay Serafin will conduct a memorial service Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. John’s Lutheran Church, where relatives and friends are invited to call from 10 to 11 a.m.
Interment will take place at the convenience of the family.
Donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, West Main Street, Ringtown, Pa. 17967.
The Stauffer-Heizenroth Funeral Home, 412 W. Main St., Ringtown, is in charge of the arrangements.
Tuesday, September 3, 2002 Pottsville Republican & Evening Herald, Pottsville, PA.
Andrew Chupasco
Andrew Chupasco, 58, of Zion Grove, died unexpectedly Saturday at Greater Hazleton Health Alliance,
Broad Street Campus.
Born in Passaic, N.J., April 12, 1944, he was a son of the late Andrew and Alice Fritz Chupasco. He
was a 1962 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and attended Stevens Trade School.
He was an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.
He was an electrician for Industrial Maintenance Associates, West Hazleton.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane Sawecki; a brother, Joseph.
Surviving are his wife of 30 years, the former Marion Foose; a daughter, Amy Updegrave, Tremont; five
sisters, Janice Stoppi, North Wales, Carol Bonk, Florida, Nancy Foster, Saint Clair, Susan Chupasco,
Mahanoy City, and Cecilia Bolish, Ringtown; two brothers, Russell Chapaska, Oneida, and Frank
Knelty, Harrisburg; a grandson; nieces and nephews.
Memorial service was held this morning at St. John's Lutheran Church, Ringtown. The Rev. Joseph A.
"Jay" Serafin officiated. Interment was at the convenience of the family. Stauffer-Heizenroth Funeral
Home, Ringtown, was in charge of arrangements.
Saturday, December 11, 2004 Reading Eagle, Reading, PA
Lester P. Fritz, 89, Mohnton, died December 10 at 5:35 p.m. in Mifflin Center, Cumru Township, where he had been a resident for six months.
Born in Schuylkill Haven, he was a son of the late James A. and Carrie (Wenrich) Fritz.
Fritz, had been employed for 15 years as receiver by Two Guys Department Store, Inc., Cumru Township, retiring in 1976.
He was a member of Zion Evangelical Congregational Church, Mohnton, where he was a former member of the choir and Sunday School orchestra. Fritz was a life member of Berkshire Heights Fire Company.
He is also survived by a son, Robert F., Kenhorst. There are also five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, James H., in 2002. Services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Kirkhoff Funeral Home, Bernville.
Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, Bernville.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005 Pottsville Republican & Evening Herald, Pottsville, PA
Nellie A. Fritz, 99, a resident of Mount Carmel Nursing Home, and formerly of 203 B Street, Girardville, died Monday, January 10, 2005, at Shamokin Area Community Hospital.
Born in Shenandoah, September 21, 1905, she was a daughter of the late Stanley and Eva Gibbas Burkevage. She was educated in local schools. She was a homemaker.
She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Girardville, the Rosary Society of the church and senior citizens organizations.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, in 1979; two sons, John and Edward, Jr.; a daughter, Helene; a brother, William Burkevage; a sister, Ann Wysoski.
Surviving are two brothers, Stanley and Albert Burkevage; a sister, Leona Orewicz; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2005, from Oravitz Home for Funerals, Inc., Shenandoah. The Reverend Gregory Karpyn will officiate. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the parish cemetery, Frackville.
Thursday, May 5, 2005 Pottsville Republican & Evening Herald, Pottsville, PA
Catherine Bley, 90, formerly of Phinneyville, died Wednesday morning, May 4, 2005, at St. Luke's Pavilion, Hazleton, where she had been a resident.
Born in Hazleton, September 11, 1914, she was a daughter of the late Constantine and Mary Salvaterra.
She worked as a seamstress in the garment industry in Sheppton early in her life. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Brandonville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Sr., in 1974; a brother, Albert Salvaterra, in 1998.
Surviving are a son, Ralph Jr., and his wife Betty; a granddaughter, Rebecca Bley; a grandson, Ralph Matthew Bley, all of Phinneyville; nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, 2005, from Stauffer-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Ringtown. Interment will be in Girard Manor Cemetery.
Monday, August 15, 2005 West Patterson Record & Herald News, New Jersey
Catherine (Fritz) Pandorf of Little Egg Harbor, formerly of Hillsdale and Hasbrouck Heights, died on August 13, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Benjamin Pandorf, loving mother of Marie Costa and her husband Bob, Bernice Cheney and her husband Mike and the late Joseph Pandorf and his wife Doris, cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Funeral from the Kimak Funeral Home, 425 Broad Street, Carlstadt on Wednesday, August 17, 2005, at 9:30 a.m. and from St. Joseph's R.C. Church, East Rutherford, at 10 a.m. Cremation will be private. Visitation Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005 Pottsville Republican & Evening Herald, Pottsville, PA
Cathryn S. Fritz, 89, of Brandonville, died Monday, September 12, 2005, at Shenandoah Manor Nursing Center, where she was a guest.
Born in Turkey Run, October 24, 1915, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary Kmak Sekula.
She was retired, having worked for both the L & H Dress Factory, Sheppton, and the General Cigar Co., Mahanoy City.
She was a member of St. John's Church, Brandonville, the Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens, the Sheppton-Oneida Senior Citizens and the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, and a charter member of the former ladies auxiliary of the Brandonville Fire Company.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 1958; a brother, Edward Sekula; two sisters, Lottie Liss and Rose Lishman.
Surviving are a son, Robert Fritz, and his wife, Dotsy, Phinneyville; two daughters, Barbara Prosick and her husband, Leo, Brandonville, and Catherine Layton and her husband, Royce, Horseheads, N.Y.; two sisters Anna Kaczmarczyk and Sophie Zuber, both of Brandonville; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John's Lutheran Church. The Rev. Joseph A. "Jay" Serafin will officiate. Relatives and friends may call from 9 a.m. until the itme of service Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, Brandonville, c/o P. O. Box 261, Ringtown, PA 17967.
Interment will be in Brandonville Union Cemetery, immediately after the service. Stauffer-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Ringtown, is in charge of arrangements.
Saturday, October 8, 2005 Harrisburg Patriot News, Harrisburg, PA
NEWPORT- A. John Heller, 65, of Newport, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, October 6, 2005, after complications from lung cancer. He was born August 21, 1940, in Barnesville, PA, to the late William and Viola (Fritz) Heller. After serving his time in the Navy, he met his lovely wife Avon. They were married 47 years. They moved to Newport in 1971 and John began working toward his dreams. He owned his farm and raised turkeys for 20 years. After retiring from farming, he started a hardware business with his sons and is the owner of Red Hill Court with his wife by his side.
John was best known for his knowledge on fixing things, friendly personality and sense of humor. He served on the Newport School Board, bank boards, and was active in the community. He was a long time member and Elder of the Highland Presbyterian Church, the Newport American Legion Post #177, Millerstown Moose #925, and PFA.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Avon (Jones) Heller, are two sons, Terry and his wife, Holly, of Newport, and Todd and his wife, Sue, of Newport; daughter, Lisa Nelson and her husband, Fred, of Raleigh, NC; sister, Emma Mazeika, of Barnesville; brother, Bill Heller, of Barnesville; grandchildren, Dakota, Tyler, Hunter, Samantha, Sonny, Carly Jo and Abigail.
Graveside services will be held on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. from the Highland Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends and relatives after the service in the church hall with refreshments.
Thank you to those who have supported John and the family through this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Highland Presbyterian Church, 11 Church Road, Newport, PA, 17074. Arrangements by the David M. Myers Funeral Home, Newport.
Friday, January 6, 2006 Pottsville Republican & Evening Herald, Pottsville, PA
Marcella Georgette Paulette Tissandie Scheeler, 88, of Park Crest, Barnesville,
died Thursday at her home.
She was the widow of Herbert Milton Scheeler.
She was born in Bordeaux, France, and was a daughter of the late Pierre Paul
Henry and Jeanne Marguerite Rambult Tissandie.
She was preceded in death by an infant son, William Herbert Scheeler.
Surviving are a daughter, Frances Wesner, Park Crest, Barnesville, with whom she
resided; three sons, Herbert William and his wife, Connie Goho Scheeler, Grier
City, Barnesville, Daniel Paul and his wife, Claire Fegley Scheeler, Quakake,
and Gerald John Scheeler, Barnesville; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren;
nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Tamaqua,
with the Rev. Bruce Nobel officiating. Interment will be in White Church
Cemetery, Rush Township. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service
at the funeral home.
Saturday, January 14, 2006 Pottsville Republican & Evening Herald, Pottsville, PA
Mildred S. Butkus, 94, formerly of West Wyomissing, died Friday at 1:20 a.m. in
Zerbe Sisters Nursing Center, Canarvon Township, Lancaster County, where she was
a resident since April 2004.
Her husband, Joseph, died on April 2, 2004.
Born in Barnesville, she was a daughter of the late Alvin and Mary Guers Fritz.
She was employed at the former Crystal Restaurant, Reading, for many years as a
banquet leader.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Christine M. Butkus Innus, in 1978.
Surviving are two sons, Leonard J. Butkus, Denver, Pa., and Al A. Butkus,
Leawood, Kan.; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; six
great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; two
step-great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Pleasant View Cemetery,
Spring Township. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society,
498 Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA 19605. Lamm & Witman Funeral Home Inc.,
Wernersville, is in charge of arrangements.
Birth and Birthday Announcements
Maria Boxer
Saturday, August 31, 1968
Maria Boxer, of 230 West Coal street, Shenandoah, is the winner of Sunday’s birthday cake. She will be six years old tomorrow.
Other celebrants of birthdays on Sunday are Alexis Cepukaitis, 242 Ohio avenue, Shenandoah Heights; Patricia Anne Lesko, 517 West Centre street; Henry Fritz, 232 West Lloyd street.
John Michael Maser and Lauren Joan Maser
Thu, 25 Jul 2002
From: "Alfred A. Fritz, Jr."
Hi Everyone-
Want to let you know Donna Maser, Joan's daughter, had twins on 7/20.
Had a good pregnancy and uneventful caesarean section. John Michael weighted 5--3 and Lauren Joan 4-11, They are doing great.
However On7/21 late evening Donna developed difficulty breathing was taken to ICU and on 7/22 was put on a ventilater. She has been diagnosed as having peri-partum cardiomyopathy. She is still on a ventilater tried her off of it today but after 20 minutes had to go back on. She is a little more alert and able to write notes.
The cardiologist said it will be a long recovery period-maybe 6 months.
We are asking everyone to pray for her. Joan is in N.J. Staying at Donna's.
The address is Joan Claypotch c/o Michael Maser, 31 Fieldpointe Drive, North Branch N.J. 08876
Donna was elected Treasurer of the Fritz Family Reunion in 2000 and 2002.
Engagements, Weddings, and Anniversaries
James Edison Brobst
August 7, 1965
Miss Thelma Elaine Houser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Houser, Zions Grove R.D. 1, became the bride of James Edison Brobst, Nuremburg, at Nuremberg United Church of Christ recently.
The Rev. Stanley L. Shippley performed the double ring ceremony before an altar decorated with bouquets of white Fugi mums and blue pompons caladiums. Mrs. Allen Foose, Nuremburg, organist, played “I Love You Truly,” “O Perfect Love,” “Largo” and “Oh Promise Me.”
Bride in Blue
The bride was attired in a blue satin gown with matching accessories. Her blue headdress was adorned with three rings of pearls. She carried a Chantilly lace fan with blue roses and White pompons and stephanotis.
Miss Lois Houser, sister of the bride, was maid of honor in a pink gown with embroidered hem line. She wore a pink veil with rhinestone ornament. She carried a chantilly lacefan with pink rosebuds and white pompons.
Mrs. Roy Rupert, Shoemakersville; Mrs. John Hons, Fern Glen, and Miss Patricia Brobst, Nuremburg, sisters of the groom, served as bridesmaids. All were attired in dresses similar to that of the maid of honor. They carried blue flowers.
Ronald Knapp, Nuremberg, was best man. Roy Rupert, John Hons and Howard Houser, Catawissa R.D. 3, brother of the bride, seated guests.
A reception was held for seventy-five at the home of the bride’s parents. The couple will reside in Shoemakersville.
Mrs. Brobst attended Bloomsburg Schools. The groom attended Nuremburg Schools and is employed at the Reading Textile Mill.
Doris Bittner Miller
January 11, 1967
Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Miller, 27 Bull Run St., Coaldale, will note their 24th wedding anniversary tomorrow. They were married in Trinity United Church of Christ by the late Rev. A. C. Thompson, D. D. Mrs. Miller is the former Doris Bittner, Quakake. They have two sons, Glenn, stationed with the U.S. Air Force at Pease A. F. Base, New Hampshire, and John, Summit Hill.
Donald Matz
May 29, 1967
Washington Girl Engaged To Donald Matz
Mr. And Mrs. Calvin B. Tucker, Washington, D.C., announce the engagement of their daughter, Bonnie Gray Humphries, to Specialist Fourth Class Donald Lee Matz, son of Mr. And Mrs. Ralph Matz, Grier City. A summer wedding is planned.
The bride-elect is a graduate of Springbrook High School, class of 1965, and Gardener’s Business School. She is employed by the Equitable Life Insurance Society, Washington.
Specialist Matz is an alumnus of Mahanoy Area High School, class of 1962, and of the Williamson Trade School, Media. He is serving with the U.S. Army at Cameron Station, Alexandria, Va.
Linda Fritz VanHorn
Saturday, June 17, 1967
Linda Fritz Is Bride of R. VanHorn
Miss Linda Lusetta Fritz, R.D. 1, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Fritz, Shenandoah, was married to Robert Sterling VanHorn, Bloomsburg, in a ceremony June 10 at the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Bloomsburg.
The double-ring ceremony was performed by the pastor, William Hyde. Mrs. Christine Shaffer, organist, and Rev. Galen Klinger, soloist, presented bridal selections.
Bride in Lace
The bride, escorted by her father, wore a long gown of white rose lace with sheath skirt and train. Her shoulder veil was caught to a rose petal headpiece. She carried a colonial bouquet of white orchid, daisies and carnations.
Mrs. Violet Harvey, New York, was her attendant in a pink floor-length gown with empire waistline. She carried a colonial bouquet of pink tea roses and carnations. Paula Jean VanHorn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl VanHorn, was flower girl in a blue dress. Henry Francis Fritz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Fritz, carried the rings.
Earl VanHorn, Bloomsburg, was best man. Ushers were Roland VanHorn and Bernard VanHorn, both of town.
To Live in Bloomsburg
A reception followed in the social rooms of the church. For a wedding trip to Allentown, the bride chose a pink suit with white accessories. They will reside at 3903 Rear Old Berwick Road, Bloomsburg.
The bride graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1966 and is employed at Keystone Discount Store, town. Her husband, a graduate of Bloomsburg High School, is a junior at BSC. He is employed by Kawneer, town.
Marion Bley Pasdon
August 20, 1969
The wedding of Miss Marion Bley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bley, West Pine Street, Sheppton, to Francis Pasdon, son of Mrs. Agnes Pasdon, 102 Webster Avenue, West Hazleton, took place Saturday morning in the Transfiguration R.C. Church, West Hazleton. The Rev. Daniel P. Olszewski was celebrant of the 9 a.m. nuptial mass, and the Rev. Joseph Hager, of the Trinity Lutheran Church, West Hazleton, gave a blessing.
The wedding reception was held at Gutsie’s Restaurant.
Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a sleeveless gown of hand-crocheted lace in the diamond motif. The round neckline and hemline were edged with pebble puffs. Her triple-tiered French silk illusion veil with a detachable chapel-length veil was arranged on a satin-covered band trimmed with seed pearls and crystals. She wore white peau do soie slippers
and short white gloves, and carried a white straw basket filled with white carnations and daisies.
The bride’s gown was crocheted by her mother.
Miss Barbara Ulshafer, Pearl River, NY, niece of the bride, was maid of honor. Her floor-length sleeveless empire-style gown, with a deep scoop neckline, was of white pique embroidered with regency blue daisies. She wore a regency blue back bow headpiece with fresh flowers tied to streamers, white peau de soie slippers and white gloves. She carried a natural
straw basket filled with multi-colored tinted carnations and daisies.
The best man was Max Aronoff, West Hazleton.
The bride’s mother selected a camel-colored Contessa arnel dress and brown accessories, while the bridegroom’s mother chose an apricot silk shantung ensemble with beaded trim and beige accessoires. Both wore corsages of white carnations and daisies.
The couple will reside at 175 North Church Street, this city.
A graduate of West Hazleton High School, class of 1964, the gride is employed as a secretary by Schivo, Inc., this city. Mr. Pasdon, an alumnus of the same high school in 1964, is a student at the Pennsylvania State University.
Out-of-town guests at the wedding were from New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Philadelphia.
Leon Cunningham
August 27, 1969
Announcement is made of the engagement of Miss Sharon Diane Garber, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Garber, Tamaqua RD1, to Leon Cunningham, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Cunningham, Sr., Grier City, The wedding is scheduled for October 11.
Miss Garber is a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, class of 1965. Her fiancé is employed by Hahn’s Construction Company, Birdsboro.
Vincent Staucilaucki
September 3, 1969
Miss Linda Kelchner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Kelchner, 172 Main Street, Conyngham, and Vincent Stacilaucki, son of Mrs. Loretta Stacilaucki, 718 East Diamond Avenue, Hazleton, and of the late Vincent Staucilaucki, were united in marriage July 12 in Christ Lutheran Church, Conyngham. The Rev. Philip Biblehimer officiated at the 2 p.m. double ring ceremony.
Mrs. Foster Hilliard, Jr., was organist and accompanied Mrs. John Wetzel, Jr., soloist. The wedding reception followed in the church social room.
The bride was given in marriage by her father and had Mrs. Roy Johnson, State College, as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Miss Eileen Staucilaucki, Hazleton, sister of the bridegroom, and Miss Marilyn Mauser, Hazleton.
Neil Craig III, Hazleton, served as best man. Ushers were Bruce Kelchner, Conyngham, brother of the bride, and Joseph McGill, Hazleton. The acolyte was Edward Kelchner, Coinyngham, brother of the bride.
Following a honeymoon trip to Wildwood, NJ, the couple took up residence at 323 Main Street, Conyngham.
The bride is a graduate of West Hazleton High School. Mr. Staucilaucki, an alumnus of Hazleton High School, is employed by Schultz’s Retreading, Hometown.
Glenn L. Purnell
December 14, 1977
The wedding of Linda A. Aungst, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Aungst, Jr., Barnesville, to Glenn L. Purnell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Purnell, Grier City, took place Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Christ United Church of Christ, Rush Township. The Rev. Janet L.Kline officiated at the double ring ceremony and Scott Smith was acolyte.
The altar was decorated with vases of white chrysanthemums and poinsettias and the pews were marked with white satin bows, each centered with a poinsettia.
Mrs. Naomi Lutz, Grier City, presided at the console of the organ and Chester Purnell sang “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Turn Around, Look at Me” and “The Lord’s Prayer.” The reception was held at the Ryan Township firehouse.
Escorted to the altar by her father, the bride wore a white organza gown with Venice lace trimming the neckline and Cluny lace edging the sleeves. The skirt had a ruffled hemline and Cluny lace accented the veil. She carried a bouquet of white roses and white poinsettias with an orchid in the center.
Diane Aungst was maid of honor for her sister, and Faith Anthony, sister of the bridegroom, was matron of honor. The bridesmaids were Shirley Smith and Janice Klevis.
They were similarly attired in light blue gowns with matching coats having hoods trimmed in navy blue velvet. Each carried a bouquet of pink poinsettias and holly.
Aimee Lynn Neyer, cousin of the bride, was flower girl and Bryan Anthony, nephew of the bridegroom, served as ring bearer.
The best man was Joel Smith, brother of the bridegroom. Stewart Anthony, Paul Klevis and Charles Funk were ushers.
The bride’s mother chose a burnt orange gown with a matching coat, while the bridegroom’s mother selected a salmon-colored polyester dress. Each had an orchid corsage.
The bride’s grandmother wore an aqua gown and a corsage of white chrysanthemums.
Following a honeymoon, the couple will reside at 207 North Second Street, Girardville.
The bride is a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School and is employed at the Miners’ National Bank in Hometown. Mr. Purnell was graduated from Mahanoy Area High School and served with the U.S. Army as a military policeman in Colorado. He is employed on the Girardville police force.
Randy Purnell
June 2, 1978
Kathy Saunders, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Saunders, Bovard, became the bride of Randy Purnell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chester Purnell, Grier City, May 27 at 4 p.m. in St. Bede’s Church, Bovard. The Rev. Anselm Ober, rector, performed the double ring ceremony.
After a reception at the Greensburg Firehouse, the couple left to spend a honeymoon in Williamsburg, VA. They will reside at Fox Den Trailer Park, New Stanton.
Excorted to the altar by her father, the bride wore a white knit gown with Venice lace and pearl trim and a chapel-length train edged in lace. She carried her mothers white prayer book with white roses and streamers.
MaryAmatangelo was maid of honor, and bridesmaids were Sharon Becker, Karen Poblik, Mary Kay Arendas, Theresa Bohatch, Jane Montgomery and Judy Montgomery. Flower girl was Carol Saunders.
James Purnell, New Stanton, was best man for his brother, and ushers were Michael, Steve, Greg, Dan and Jim Saunders, brothers of the bride, Jeff Moore, and ring bearer was Brian Saunders.
The bride is a graduate of Hempfield High School and is employed at the Westmoreland Manor Rest Home.
The bridegroom is a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and North Vocational Technical School, Frackville. He is an auto mechanic at Greesburg Motor Company, Greensburg.
Gerald Matz
March 22, 1967
Airman Injured
S/Sgt. Gerald Matz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Matz, Grier City, has been injured in the line of duty while serving with the Air Force in Thailand. The extent of his injuries is unknown. S/Sgt. Matz is married and the father of three children.
Henry Fritz
June 16, 1969
Emergency Removal
Henry Fritz, of 232 West Lloyd street, Shenandoah, was taken to Locust Mountain Hospital in the police squad car at 9:50 p.m. Sunday.
The man’s wife telephoned police and asked for assistance in transporting her husband to the hospital. Fritz was later transferred via ambulance to the Pottsville Hospital.
Miscellaneous News Articles and Emails
October 5, 1973 Standard Speaker, Hazleton, PA
2 Area Men Have Enlisted In U.S. Army
Brian J. McGrory, 786 Alter St., and Oscar F. Brobst, Nuremberg, have enlisted in the U.S. Army, taking advantage of the Delayed Entry Program which permits them to report to Fort Dix, N.J. for basic training at a future date.
McGrory, husband of Roseann McGrory, is a 1969 graduate of the Hazleton Senior High School, and will begin basic training on Jan. 14, 1974. Following that phase of his military education, he will report to the U.S. Army Missile and Munitions Center and School, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala., where he will begin a 34-week course in radar and radar simulator repair.
Brobst, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edison C. Brobst, is a 1973 graduate of the West Hazleton High School, will start his basic training on Oct. 30. He enlisted under the advanced engineer skill option as a mason, with a recommendation to be promoted to the grade of sergeant upon completion of eight weeks in that specialty. In addition to attending WHHS, Brobst also attended the Hazleton Area Vocational-Technical
School.
Time spent at home awaiting entry into the Army will count toward longevity pay and promotion, according to SFC Harold E. Taylor, local Army representative, who enlisted the two men.
Anyone interested in information regarding these programs and enlistment options offered by the Army can contact the sergeant at his office (Room 102) in the Federal Building, 145 E. Broad St., or by telephoning 455-4201.
quinten garber - 12/07/97 03:14:46
My Email:gman@mail.csrlink.net
Hometown: tamaqua, pa
Comments:
My father's family have been in the area (locust valley) since the 1860's . His father's family was Garber and mother's family was Fritz. the Fritz family has a book which covers the family tree. thanks,
Ghostly county tales persist through years
BY ETHEL MANNING Correspondent
From flickering lights at the Baber Cemetery to the legendary Prohibition-era murder of a woman on the Broad Mountain, Schuylkill County's ghostly legends, cloaked in mystery, have been repeated through the decades. About 30 years ago, the "new part" of Pottsville's Charles A. Baber Cemetery had very few burials. The dam was much larger, and a big field toward the back was a popular place for high school boys from Yorkville to gather for after school and weekend pick-up baseball games. One former player would like to be anonymous. He lives out of state but did relate this story: "We were just out there playing ball when it started to get late and for some reason we got into extra innings," he said. "Suddenly, one of the guys started pointing toward the old part and all of us could see a light around the height it would be for a person to be carrying it and about the size of a candle's flame that seemed to be following the path along the old section. "It was just dark enough to see the light clearly and light enough to also see clearly that nobody was carrying it. It was moving by itself," he said. The game ended by unanimous decision and the boys headed home considerably faster than when most games usually broke up. There's a perfectly good explanation for this - and it happens to be found in Welsh ghost lore.
Dewi Sant (St. David) prayed that his people would always find themselves prepared for death and not be unaware of their need to ask God forgiveness for their sins. This is how the "canwyll corph" - corpse candle - legend came about. Even today, particularly in remote parts of North Wales, people say that a few nights before a death, a bright candle light follows the exact path a funeral procession will take to someone's grave. Although the ballplayers didn't stick around to see where the light stopped, it just may have ended up at some old Welsh family's plot.
Tavern shenanigans
There is a tavern in Pottsville where a ghostly barkeep has been playing pranks on more recent employees for nearly a century. Although keeping a lower profile than the better-known spook at Rebecca's restaurant, Orwigsburg, this ghost is known for poltergeist-like annoyances. It all began when a turn-of-the-last-century barkeep fell down the stairs between the bar and the basement storage area as he was closing for the night. He regained consciousness, went home and went to bed - but he never
woke up again in this world because he apparently sustained a severe concussion in the fall. The bar has been haunted ever since. Most of the ghost's activities happen when a lone bartender is cleaning up a closing time. He or she opens the trapdoor to take items downstairs, picks them up, and turns to find that the trapdoor has been closed. Sometimes it's the reverse: The trapdoor was closed and the person discovers it opened. By whom? There is a picture of the bartender sporting a big
handlebar mustache and a white apron. He looks like someone who might enjoy a good joke. Items like boxes of napkins, coasters and toothpicks - even kegs of beer - mysteriously make their way up or down the stairs without any visible help, generally when the bartender has just brought them to the opposite location. Oddly enough, the ghost seems to be busier when the bartender is a female.
Mystery on the mountain
The county's most famous ghost, that of a woman murdered on the Broad Mountain during Prohibition, is an example of what folklorist Dr. Thomas E. Graves, Orwigsburg, calls a "traveling tale." The legend of how she was murdered and her body burned beyond recognition by bootleggers who believed her to be a police informant is now told about practically any mountain in the county although Peach Mountain seems to be a popular new location. Wherever she haunts, cars mysteriously stop. Or, if they
were shut off, won't start again. Pottsville author John O'Hara even referred to the murder (although not to the ghost) in his Gibbsville short story "The Gunboat and Madge." The original ghost reports also spread to lovers' lanes all around the county. During the depression, the late Martin Reynolds, father of artist Patrick M. Reynolds, often dressed up in a sheet as the "official ghost" at a popular parking spot near the Live Oaks Colliery outside of Minersville. He had the nickname "Speck"
all his life, making one wonder if it was short for "specter."
Strange happenings
Although not necessarily ghosts as such, the next two stories deal with strange phenomena. A boulder big enough for two people to sit on, the Coolie Stone, is located between Park Place and Trenton. According to local legend, the stone revolves around midnight, "just like a little kid's sit and spin," according to
Kathleen Wufsus , Park Place, whose family has lived for five generations in the same home in that patch. The word "Coolie" has nothing to do with Chinese laborers but takes its name from a cold spring near the rock called. Wufsus said there are no ghost stories associated with it, but then, isn't a rock that turns around all by itself weird enough?
Even pets involved
A newly divorced single mom we'll call Jill was living with her two-year old daughter, Sandy, and her sister, Margaret, in their family home in a town outside of Pottsville in the late 1970s. They frequently used the services of a high school baby-sitter named Linda when they went out. One evening they returned to find Linda, a kid who doted on pets, gushing enthusiastically: "You didn't tell me about your new dog! He's so cute!" "What dog?" Jill asked. "That little white terrier - well, he's
mostly white but he has a few brown patches. I tried to make friends with him when I saw him in the hallway after I put Sandy to bed. I guess he's shy. I only saw him a few times but I suppose he's hiding under a bed or something." "You don't mean Rusty?" "Of course not. I know your other dog and this little guy doesn't look at all like him. This is just a little dog." Margaret brought out an old photo album. After a little searching, the sisters found the right page. "Do you mean this dog?"
Jill asked the sitter. "That's the one - but who's the fat, little kid?" "I'm the fat little kid," Jill said. "The dog's name was Skippy and he died when I was 7 years old."
The following article is about the Tamaqua Elks Lodge where Kenneth Alvin F. is a member and his son David Allan F. had been a member. Kenneth's 65th birthday was celebrated there and his children David and Angelina used the bowling alley in the basement of the building.
January 2001
Gabbing with goblins
State ghost hunters make contact at Tamaqua Elks Building
By DONALD R. SERFASS
What do you say when a ghost floats by?
State ghost hunters returned to the Tamaqua Elks Building for an all night vigil Saturday and hit pay dirt. Six members of the Montour County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Ghost Hunters Association said they were pleased to have found the rare opportunity to interact with the unknown.
The experts in the paranormal say they made contact with at least one of the ghosts purported to occupy the building's unused third floor, an area with 10 rooms.
"It's a female and her name begins with A-N-G or A-N-Q, I think it's Angelique," expressed Kristine Reynolds, Danville, known as a sensitive. In that capacity, Reynolds is said to possess a form of psychic abilities that allow her to sense beyond the scope of most people. She was the first to detect a spooky aura early in the evening.
But in addition to being home to a spirit named Angelique, the building's third floor contains too many different auras to count, Reynolds said. "And there definitely are two that drift from place to place," she stated.
The actual ghost hunting expedition involved scanning the building with ultra-sensitive sound and imaging equipment. Activity heightened close to 11 p.m. when investigators apparently made contact with what they called a presence in the document room. The small room is a former office located adjacent to the main ballroom, the former lodge meeting room at the building's north end. The location of the ghost was pinpointed through use of a Geiger counter and compass. However, the ghost hunters also employed contrivances such as infrared scopes, motion detectors and video recorders to document the event.
"The radiation level is high at the document room. Something definitely is going on in there," announced lead investigator Kevin Tersavige, Danville, prior to entering the room. By asking a variety of questions and reading responses on the active compass, Tersavige appeared to communicate with an ethereal presence that responded to the name Angelique.
"They have an electro-magnetic field that can be detected," he said, explaining how the technique works. "Do you know you're dead? Do you want to pass on? We can help you," he offered. The compass needle spun wildly in response to Tersavige's questions. However, the compass motion stopped
after a few minutes. "She's no longer responding," he said, mentioning that spirits can be fickle.
In the particularly unnerving session, various batteries powering a flashlight, two-way radio and a camera suddenly went dead as Tersavige posed questions to the spirit. Fortunately, the ghost hunters were prepared with back up batteries and managed to record the session, including a series of orbs of light traveling in the room. In addition, a TIMES NEWS photo taken at the site displays what appears to be an eerie image. "We're dealing with something we can't see but they knew we were coming and they like putting on a show," Tersavige noted.
While little was learned about the presence named Angelique, the interaction was seen by the ghost hunters as a major breakthrough that will open the door to future dialogue. Tersavige also indicated that "ghosts are very territorial," but hypothesized that the spirit might have no relationship to the Elks Lodge. "This might not be somebody who died in here. She might've been at this location even before the building was here," he explained.
One person who stopped by to see the activity said she wasn't surprised, since she'd heard about the ghost for years. "I feel it's not an evil presence," said Colleen Zelonis, Locust Valley.
The investigators have been concentrating their investigation on the third floor of the Tamaqua Elks Lodge Building since last year when an Oct. 23 TIMES NEWS story recounted the many reports of mysterious, unusual events attributed to the site. The Halloween feature story mentioned details of
several deaths and suicides that took place on the building's top floor over the years. The accounts of subsequent poltergeist-type activity prompted the state ghost hunters to launch their investigation.
The group first visited the site on Dec. 9 and 10. Even before completing hours of tests and observations at that time, the ghost detectives concluded that the 97-year-old Tamaqua Elks Building is haunted by a special type of presence. "It's interactive. They want you to know they're here.
All you need do is acknowledge them. The more we come back, the more they'll interact with us," Tersavige said.
Other crewmembers included Jim Britton and Chad Sickora, Shamokin, and Whitney Tersavige and Taylor Anderson, Danville. Also on hand was Dennis Bechtel, a reporter for Tidelines, the Pottsville Area High School student newspaper.
In an odd twist, the Stephen King-like escapades actually have helped to increase the popularity of the local Elks organization. As knowledge of the ghost mystique has spread via the TIMES NEWS and its website, www.tnonline.com, the resurging Elks organization is seeing an increase in membership inquiries. "People are calling to join the Elks just because of the ghost," admitted Steve Tertel, exalted ruler.
The Tamaqua Elks Lodge reportedly is planning to take advantage of the opportunity later this year by hosting a special open house-type affair for Halloween. This early notice gives local residents a full 10 months to build up the courage to pay a visit to the infamous third floor.
Email from
Genevieve Crabtree who lives in the Philippines.
Friday, January 19, 2001
Dear Angelina,
I think you must have watched on your TV screen what is going on in the Philippines these days. Our President as of today is history already , all his cabinet members has resigned and the military has turned their back on him as their commander -in-chief and the people has been marching the street demanding that he resign as president , our economy has fallen to the lowest ebb or is death.
Democracy is also dying in an atmosphere of a decaying economy, where our national concern has plunder the nation with billion of pesos and the people are living below the level of poverty in the world standard.
What shame, what heart can some people do to their own fellowmen and country-heartless. I don't think they have any place in a decent society of men who has earned and strive for their freedom and upliftment to deny them their basic right to enjoy this things and go plunder their country and rob this poor people?
Yet, despite all this the Filipino people can still give you a warm smile and share whatever little they have with a true and sincere heart -this is what make the Filipino distinct from all others, and this beautiful trait of my people still exist even up to this days, a very nice and non violent people we are for we have a very strong believe in God and puts all our faith in Him for we know down deep He never will forsake His children .
I have to write you this way for I feel so sadden to all that has been happening to us these days that there are times I just want to sit in a corner a cry for my country - if you could only see how poor and impoverish are the people here and around the third world countries, I think you too will cry a tear.
Please pray for my government, people and country, that we maybe able to survive and go through all this with faith in our hearts and face the challenge with stronger determination and will for a better place to live in.
What I need dear cousin is a small prayer in supplication to ease the pain and the deprivation of my country and my people.
I love you both,
ginny
BITLER FAMILY
Posted by genevieve crabtree <gene_crabtree@yahoo.com> on Mon, 22 Jan 2001, in response to Michael Snyder, Union Township, 1820 Census, posted by Sue Phillips on Sat, 20 Jan 2001 Surname:
Dear Sue,
I must have written you before , I'm also researching on the Bitler family and most interested in this family because I come directly from Johannes Bitler being a great great granddaughter of Mary Jane Bitler Brosious,
Please reply to me at my email address , gene_crabtree@yahoo.com
Thank you for your attention,
I remain,
Very truly yours,
genevieve
The following article appeared in the Pottsville Republican on Friday,
July 26, 2002:
C&W party aids Majestic
Shenandoah Heights country music performer Amanda Fritz highlights "A Quality Bit of Country," a dinner-show Saturday night to benefit the Majestic Theater Association's bid to refurbish the early-20th century nickelodeon.
The dinner, $25 a head, begins at 6 p.m. at the Quality Inn & Suites, Pottsville. Call Pottsville Area Development Corp., 570-628-4647; The Office Mall, 570-628-4695; or Steve Kurtek III, 570-628-5065, for tickets.
The following article appeared in the Pottsville Republican on Monday,
July 29, 2002:
Performers don boots, yodel to aid theater renovation project
BY JOSHUA SOPHY Staff Writer jsophy@republicanherald.com
Boots and string ties fit right in Saturday night at the Quality Inn & Suites, Pottsville.
The Majestic Performing Artists and the Children of the Majestic scooted boots and kicked up some dust for an audience of 135 in a bid to raise money for the restoration of their future home, the Sovereign Majestic Theatre in downtown Pottsville.
It was called, A Quality Bit o' Country.
They put out $1,100 for dinner and a two-hour mix of songs by local entertainers, headlined by Amanda L. Fritz, Shenandoah Heights.
The well-known 16-year-old vocalist sparked the crowd to make some noise midway through the show with her yodeling ability in performing "Cowboy Sweetheart."
Fritz was featured in three songs and her family, seated in the audience not far from the hay bales that surrounded the stage, said every time they see her yodel it spurs a tingle.
"It gives everybody in the room goose bumps," said her mother, Adele M.Fritz.
Performers did 30 songs Saturday evening, ranging from old country music hits to contemporary favorites.
At the Fritz home, her uncle, Joseph A. Wayluck, Shenandoah, said his niece's talent is stirring others to the performing arts, as her younger brothers, Jeffrey, is beginning to play the piano.
Getting local talent on stage is important for the area, he added, pointing to the importance of the Majestic renovation effort, aimed at making it a county center for the performing arts.
John "Jack" Doranda and Scott B. Kline, both of Pottsville, also perform at regional karaoke spots. But on Saturday, their voices blended in with the rest of the performers.
Dressed as "The Man in Black," Doranda sang Johnny Cash's hit, "Ring of Fire," with zest and Kline was a master with "The Dance," which stirred wedding night memories for some in the audience, which also included members of Kline's family.
"Some of these people can really sing," his uncle, William R. Kline, Pottsville, said. "This is excellent local talent. I think it's really interesting."
In other performances, Sandy Clauser, Pottsville, sang "It's Going to Take Some Time" and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," and Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William F. Nunemacher, Reading, "Amazed" and "God Bless the USA"
Other performers included Gussy Laplaca, Mary Bound, Edward Frederick, Jessica Andruchek, Timothy S. Hayes and Albert Bittle, all of Pottsville.
Children of the Majestic included Samuel Kramer, Samantha Lesher, Alexandra Lesher, Bernadette Frederick; Michaela Hill, Monica Gluntz, Amanda Boris, Molly Glosser, Brittany Cavanaugh, Walker Gluntz, Amanda Markovich, Jeffrey Fritz, Alexandra Raring, Skylar Andruchek and Samantha Weiss, all of Pottsville.
Coal Miners
Date: Thu, 1 Aug 2002 12:56:21 EDT
From: Lois Dyust (maternal grandmother of Angelina in Glendale, AZ)
It would probably surprise you to know how many people talked to me about the miners disaster. I tell them it is almost 300 miles west of where I am from but I do well remember miners being trapped, some killed. Larry Bruce or Pete Kerpatsky or older people in Mahanoy City could tell you of the signals blown from Kaiers Brewery whistle. We could hear that whistle as far away as Grier City and the valley. They could tell you about the number of times the whistle blew for certain things. I don't
remember the codes they had.
There was one for a coal mining disaster, one for curfew, at seven AM it blew for factory starting time, nine o'clock it blew for school, etc.
Captain Eric Baus is a Descendant of David Fritz. The following article appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on April 13, 2003: Playing diplomat for a day A N.J. Army captain out to secure a compound on Kurdish turf ended up a man in the middle. By Ken Dilanian Inquirer Staff Writer KIRKUK, Iraq - He has never set foot in the State Department, but 30-year-old Captain Eric Baus, of Collingswood, N.J., was the man conducting diplomacy for the United States in this strategically important northern city yesterday. Baus, a company commander in the Army's 173d Airborne Brigade, began the day with what seemed a fairly straightforward mission: clear and occupy a compound that had been the center of municipal government under Saddam Hussein. After hours of negotiating with Kurdish officials and militiamen occupying the center, Baus and his paratroopers had learned a lesson about what U.S. forces face as they seek to restore order while keeping a lid on volatile ethnic tensions: Nation-building makes winning a war look easy. "This is just a power struggle, and we can't get in the middle of it," Baus said at one point, as he tried to figure out the difference between Kurdish police, who will be allowed to carry guns in Kirkuk, and Kurdish soldiers, who are supposed to be barred from the city altogether. Baus' day started simply enough. After he got his orders, he set out in his humvee with about 40 infantry soldiers following on a rented flatbed. Crowds of Kurds cheered and waved, as they have for every American vehicle they see. Baus was counting on having to evict a few Kurdish soldiers, whom he knew had already ransacked the place. But when he arrived - without an interpreter - he found the enormous complex filled with scores of Kurds in various uniforms, most of them toting AK-47 assault rifles. Outside, a crowd was assembled for what looked like a political rally. No one had bothered to tell Baus that Jalal Talabani, head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the faction that holds sway in Kirkuk, had scheduled an appearance in the building that Baus was intending to take. "I think right now, discretion is the order of the day," he said after counting about three Kurdish guns for every American one. He called for his boss, Lt. Col. Dominic Caraccilo, the battalion commander. His soldiers stood around, bristling with machine guns and grenades. As Baus waited, he spoke with Mahmoud Mahmoud, a U.S.-educated civil-engineering professor. "Right now, we need the Americans to keep the peace," Mahmoud said. "There are many [Kurds] carrying weapons, and they say, “Show me your card or we kill you.”' If the Americans capture the buildings held by the PUK and the KDP [Kurdistan Democratic Party], the people will feel better.” Baus heartily agreed. He had spent his first weeks in territory controlled by the KDP, and now he was in PUK-land. His goal was to stay neutral and be seen as an independent force looking out for all the civilians in Kirkuk, a city that includes Kurds, Arabs and Turkmen. When Caraccilo arrived and the paratroopers asked to speak with the man in charge, they were taken to the office of Faridon Abdulkadir, who described himself as the PUK's interior minister. After asking his advice about which sites in Kirkuk the 173d should occupy as a show of force, Caraccilo and Baus spent several minutes requesting that Abdulkadir clear all the soldiers out of the building. "What about my guys?" Abdulkadir asked, referring to his team of bodyguards. "I don't understand why you need guards with machine guns," Baus said. "If you stay here, we will protect you. If you have civilian staff, that's fine." He added: "Whether it's official or unofficial, this can't turn into a PUK political office." Baus also explained that the paratroopers intended to make Kirkuk a weapons-free zone and would seize any guns they see. They have set up checkpoints to accomplish that - even as they acknowledge they will never be completely successful. Lengthy discussion followed over whether PUK-sponsored traffic police could patrol the city and man checkpoints in blue uniforms. Eventually, Baus assented, satisfied that they would not look like soldiers. He wondered, though, whether the PUK's militiamen would just switch to blue uniforms. When it was over, Caraccilo rolled his eyes. "We're going to decide who we're going to put in the regime in Baghdad next, too," he said wryly. The Kurdish soldiers left peaceably. Some even tidied up the compound for the Americans. Abdulkadir was allowed to remain. For the moment, the well-armed Kurds seemed willing to follow American orders. Contact staff writer Ken Dilanian at 215-854-2304 or foreign@phillynews.com. © 2003 Philadelphia Inquirer and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.philly.comBeth Krommes daughter of Frederick Krommes was recently awarded the 2009 Caldecott Medal for her work as an illustrator of children's books. She was recently interviewed on the "Today Show" on NBC about this honor. The following is a clip of that interview.