All Obituaries

Robert M. Knittle, 80, of West Penn Township, died Saturday, September 28, 2019, in St. Luke’s Hospital, Coaldale. He was the husband of Lucille (Cunfer) Knittle. They would have celebrated 20 years of marriage on October 1, 2019. Prior to retiring, Robert owned and operated Summit Hill Paint and Glass and Knittle Hardware, Lansford for over 29 years. Born in Coaldale, he was the son of the late Robert T. and Emily (Dotter) Knittle. He was a member of Zion’s Stone Church of West...

Ferne A. Steigerwalt, 88, of Wyomissing, formerly of Andreas, died Monday morning, August 19, 2019, in her home. She was the wife of the late Howard E. Steigerwalt Jr., who died November 23, 2011. Prior to retiring, she was employed for 31 years by the United States Post Office, Andreas and various other locations, 11 of those years as the Postmaster at the Tuscarora Post Office. Born in Andreas, she was the daughter of the late Wellace C. Fritz and Alice M. (Steigerwalt) Fritz Breiner....

Ann J. Sherer, 68, of West Penn Township, died Sunday, August 4, 2019, in St. Luke’s Hospital, Coaldale. She was the wife of Marlin C. Sherer. They were married on May 8, 1999 and celebrated 20 years of marriage. She was the office manager at Panther Valley Carriers, Tamaqua, for 30 years. Born in Lehighton, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Jean (Oswald) Balliet. She was of Protestant faith. Ann loved her family and had a passion for animals. She enjoyed canning and...

Nicholas J. Colicigno, 69, of Ocean City, MD, formerly of New Ringgold, died Saturday, August 3, 2019, in his home. He was the husband of the late Jean R. (Barner) Colicigno, who died on December 27, 2015. Prior to retiring, he worked as a sales manager for Block and Company. Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Marie (LaMonica) Colicigno. He was a member of St John XXIII Parish, Tamaqua. Nicholas loved his family and going to the beach. He was a member of the Sons of...

Jean Lydia (Steigerwalt) Ogozalek, 87, of Frackville, PA, left this world for the next on July 12, 2019. Born November 11, 1931, in Palmerton, to Leander and Mabel (Mantz) Steigerwalt , New Ringgold,  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leopold, son-in-law, Glen Britt and little dog, Bennie, with whom she was eager to be reunited. In a world where people’s legacies are measured in dollars or awards, Jean’s gift was far more valuable. She was a devout Christian...

Minnie F. Kershner, 94, of New Ringgold, died Wednesday, July 10, 2019, in Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lehighton. She was the wife of the late Mark F. Kershner. Prior to retiring, she was employed as a bank teller at the local bank in Snyders and a secretary at the former American Argo Knitting Mills, Orwigsburg. Born on the family farm at Normal Square, Lehighton, she was the daughter of the late Ira and Elsa (Sittler) Fritz. She was a member of Zion’s Stone...

Kathryn K. Krause, 97, of Palmerton, formerly a lifetime resident of West Penn Township, died Monday, July 8, 2019, in St. Luke’s Hospital, Lehighton. She was the wife of the late Irwin O. Krause. Prior to retiring, she was employed at various sewing mills in Tamaqua, previously she worked for the Atlas Powder Co., Reynolds and during WWII, she worked at Glenn L. Martins Aircraft, Baltimore, MD. Born in Snyders, West Penn Township, she was the daughter of the late Luella (Kunkel)...

Rodney C. Gilbert, 48, of Lehighton, died Saturday, July 6, 2019, at his home. He was the husband of Rachael (Mankos) Gilbert. They were married on August 6, 2011. He was an operation engineer with IUOE Local 542. Born in Palmerton, he was the son of Lamar F. Gilbert of Schuylkill Haven and the late Nancy (Miller) McGuckin. Rodney loved the simple things in life, and the simple things in life brought him the most happiness. He loved his family. He enjoyed farming, camping, going fishing and...

Paul O. “Tippy” Rarick, 89, of Lake Hauto, died Tuesday morning, June 18, 2019, at his residence. He was the husband of the late Ann A. (Washington) Rarick. At the age of 17, Paul established and operated a coal business for over 65 years. His son, Tyrone B. and grandson, Tyrone Coal continued the business now known as Rarick’s Coal, Fuel Oil and Propane, Inc. He was also the past owner and president of Raricano Home Inc., R and Y Auto Sales and Spring Dell Drive In. Born...

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Pauley, 76, of New Ringgold, died Thursday, June 6, 2019, in her home. She was the wife of David Pauley. They celebrated 56 years of marriage on July 14, 2018. Prior to retirement, she worked at Heisler’s Egg Farm, Lewistown Valley, as an egg grader for over 20 years. Born in Lewistown Valley, she was the daughter of the late Diamond and Arlene (Hayes) Merkel. Betty was a member of Steigerwalt Church of God, McKeansburg. She was a member of the Zion...