Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
HOMER WILLIAM KERN
Homer William Kern, 74, of Normalville, died suddenly Tuesday, May 9, 2000, in the Memorial Hospital, Bainbridge, Ga., while attending his annual Army reunion. He was born Feb. 8, 1926, in Mill Run, a son of the late Homer and Maude Firestone Kern. Homer was a lifelong resident of the Normalville area and retired after 50 years as a self-employed truck driver. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in both the European and Pacific Theatres in Company 1, 341st Infantry Regiment, 86th Division, of the U.S. Army. He was also a member of the Donegal VFW #6743. Homer served as Springfield Township supervisor for 12 years. He was a member of the Somerset Truckers Association and was a member of the Critchfield Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. He is survived by his loving wife, Idella Prinkey Kern, with whom he would have celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on July 6, 2000; two sons , Ernest W. Kern and his wife, Dora, of Upper St. Clair and Eric R. Kern and his wife, Deanna, of Normalville; a daughter, Margie S. Moore and her husband, Garry, of Normalville; his grandchildren, Amanda and David Kern, Marlis, Carina and Caleb Moore, Mollie, Erica, Michael and Jacob Kern; a brother, Rayburn Kern of Normalville; and three sisters , Nettie Pritts of Mill Run, Martha Stark of Warren, Ohio, and Pauline Brewer of Normalville. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, John Kern. Friends will be received in the CLYDE BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., Route 711, Melcroft, Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Thomas Milford officiating. A committal service and interment will follow in the Indian Creek Baptist Cemetery. The Donegal VFW #6743 will conduct military rites at the cemetery. Donations may be made to the Critchfield CMA Church, RD1, Mill Run, PA 15464, or the Donegal VFW, Jones Mills, PA 15646, in Homer's memory.
ELSIE DARRALL KIRSCH
Elsie Darrall Kirsch, 98, formerly of Pittsburgh and Baldwin, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She was born Aug. 26, 1901, in Bermengham, England, a daughter of the late John Henry and Sarah Elizabeth Pope Darrall. She was a member of the Merrill Methodist Church of Florida and the AARP of Florida #19. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Kirsch; a grandson, Dale R. Kirsch; and a great-granddaughter, Stephanie Nycole Duvall. Surviving are a daughter, Vera and her husband, William Wedemeyer, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; a son, Robert and his wife, Marian Kirsch, of North Huntingdon; three grandchildren, Terry and his wife, Irene Kirsch, David and his wife, Kathryn Kirsch, and Patricia and her husband, Craig Duvall; five great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Ashley Kirsch, Kelly and Ashley Duvall and Leeann Kelly; and four stepgrandchildren, Michael and Albert Sartori, Diane Lintner and Rebecca McGee. Friends were received at the JOSEPH F. OTT FUNERAL HOME INC., Fifth and Oak streets, Irwin, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Robert Weeber, pastor of Calvin Presbyterian Church of North Huntingdon, officiating. Interment in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Pittsburgh.
A.W. KLINGENSMITH
Funeral services for A.W. Klingensmith, 83, of Casper, Wyo., will be Monday, May 15, at 10 a.m. at Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery. Officiating will be the Rev. Clyde Goin from the Highland Park Community Church in Wyoming. Viewing will be from 2 until 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A.W. Klingensmith died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, at Wyoming Medical Center. A.W. Klingensmith was born Oct. 16, 1916, in Penn Township, to Annas O. and Jane Ann (Ritson) Klingensmith. He attended school in Hempfield Township. At the age of 24, he joined the National Guard. In 1941, he went into the Army as a mess sergeant, and he had served in England, France and Germany, and was honorably discharged Nov. 26, 1945. He worked for Semler Pipe Fitting in Jeannette. He married Clara E. Tewes on Feb. 8, 1947. They moved to West Newton. He worked for National Tube and U.S. Steel Corp. in McKeesport. He retired disabled in 1971 and moved to Casper, Wyo., in late March 1973. Then he enjoyed garage sales, clock making and repair, and was a volunteer driver for Meals-on-Wheels. He is survived by his wife, Clara Klingensmith of the home in Casper; three sons , Robert W. Klingensmith, Thomas G. Klingensmith, and James A. and his wife, Patti Klingensmith, all of Casper, Wyo.; a daughter, Mary Jane of Nebraska; eight grandchildren, Tim McCullough of Casper, Wyo., Janet Brush of Arizona, Barbara Kasulka of Arizona, Wendi Lee and her husband, Skip Harden, of Arizona, Jeff and his wife, Stacy Klingensmith, of Rock Springs, Wyo., Jeremy Klingensmith of Arizona, James J. and his wife, Melissa Klingensmith, of Casper, Wyo., and William E. Klingensmith of the U.S. Navy; eight great-grandchildren, Erika, Justin, and Austin Brush, all of Arizona, Katrina, Timothy, and Alexandria Kasulka, all of Arizona, and Nina and Sheridan Klingensmith, both of Rock Springs, Wyo.; two sisters , Dorothy and her husband, Art Batzel, of Pennsylvania , and Mary and her husband, Wes McCullough, of Pennsylvania ; an aunt, Maude Clark of Pennsylvania ; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a faithful Christian, loved his God and his church, his country, his family, wife, children, and all of his grandchildren. In his last years, his great-grandchildren were the highlights of his life. In lieu of flowers, prayers may be offered. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man hath the power to tell just when the hands will stop - at a late or early hour. Now is the only time you own, so live, love, toil at will. Place no faith in tomorrow, for the hands may then stand still." MEMORIAL CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, Casper, Wyo., will be in charge of the arrangements.
GOLDIE L. KOSLIK
Goldie L. Koslik, 77, of Monessen, died Thursday, May 11, 2000, in Havencrest, Carroll Township. Born in Lowber, Feb. 4, 1923, Mrs. Koslik was a daughter of the late John and Guisella Horwat Eglar. Catholic by faith, Mrs. Koslik was a member of the former Holy Name Church of Monessen and a current member of the Epiphany of Our Lord Church, Monessen. During World War II, Mrs. Koslik had been employed at National Tube Co. in McKeesport and had worked at Railroad Fusee in West Newton, prior to the war. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Koslik was preceded in death by a half brother, John Molnar. Surviving are her husband of 52 years, John Koslik of Monessen; three sons , John Koslik Jr. and wife, Maureen, of Belle Vernon, Terrance Koslik at home, and Larry Koslik and wife, Rhonda, of Woodsfield, Ohio; a daughter, Mrs. Robert (Kathy) DeLuca of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; five grandchildren; a half sister, Elizabeth Molnar Tumbry; two sisters -in-law, Frances Vreeland and Mildred Koslick; a brother-in-law, Joseph Koslik; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the RHOME FUNERAL HOME INC., a member of the Golden Rule, 1209 Grand Blvd., Monessen. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. in the Epiphany of Our Lord Church, Monessen. Interment will follow at Holy Name Cemetery, Monessen.
EDWIN A. LEWANDOWSKI
Edwin A. "Termite" Lewandowski, 76, of McClure Road, Mt. Pleasant (McClure), died early Wednesday morning, May 10, 2000, at his residence. Friends will be received in the FRANK KAPR FUNERAL HOME INC., 417 W. Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. A blessing service will be held Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Everson, with his pastor, the Rev. Dennis A. Bogusz, as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph R.C. Parish Cemetery, Everson. A parish wake service will be held Friday at 8 p.m. in the funeral home. The family suggests memorials be made to Westmoreland Hospice, 532 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601, in memory of Edwin A. Lewandowski.
ARTHUR JAMES MILLER
Arthur James Miller, 87, of Greensburg RD11, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. He was born March 25, 1913, in Hempfield Township, a son of the late James and Annie Sadler Miller. He was a retired employee of the Walworth Valve Co. in South Greensburg and was a member of the Harrold Zion Lutheran Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Miller; and brothers , Howard, Elmer, Edward and Bill Miller. Surviving are his wife, Eleanor Eisaman Miller; children, Jean Wills and husband, Dave, of Oakmont, Robert Miller and wife, Patty, of Colonial Heights, Va., Thomas Miller and wife, Karen, of Romulus, Mich., and Janet Hill and husband, Scott, of Greensburg; brothers , Ken Miller and wife, Beulah, and James Miller and wife, Betty; and sisters , Betty Hoak, Florence Milliron, Sarah Bianco and husband, Orlando, Dorothy Eisaman and husband, Frank, and Kate Saffer and husband, Harold; also survived by five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME INC., 524 N. Main St., Greensburg, from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Services will be held at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. Robert Free officiating. Interment will follow in Harrold Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
FRANCIS J. NEMETH
Francis J. "Frank" Nemeth, 50, of South Greensburg, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, in the Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. He was born Sept. 5, 1949, in Mt. Pleasant, a son of the late Peter and Margaret Treszi Nemeth. He was a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Greensburg. Frank had been employed by the former Schneider Consulting Engineers of Bridgeville. He was a graduate of St. Vincent College and a member of the Alumni Association and the St. Vincent Fire Department. He was also a member of the St. Bruno P.T.G. of South Greensburg and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 8452 of Youngwood, the Hecla Sportsmen's Club, the Laurel Highlands Model Airplane Club and the First Catholic Slovak Union (Jednota). Among Frank's other interests were baseball and music. He is survived by his wife, Linda Uhring Nemeth; a daughter, Carlese Nemeth at home; a brother, John Nemeth and wife, Joanne, of Greensburg and Sykesville; three sisters , Mary Ann Zultanky and husband, Ed, of Jeannette, Barbara Gretz and husband, Gerard, of West Mifflin and Monica Vaughn and husband, Roger, of Los Angeles, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the BARNHART FUNERAL HOME, 505 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, Friday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Parastas service will be held in the funeral home Friday at 7 p.m. A blessing service will be held in the funeral home Saturday at 9 a.m., followed by a Requiem Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. in St. Nicholas Byzantine Church, Greensburg. Interment will follow in the Visitation Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant Township. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, donations in Frank's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.
CARL WILLIAM QUARTZ
Carl William Quartz, 72, of Anaheim, Calif., passed away Sunday, May 7, 2000, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Orange, Calif. Carl was born in Greensburg and was a graduate of Greensburg High School Class of 1945. Preceded in death by his Father , Carl F. Quartz, mother , Pauline Quartz, and brother, Thomas Quartz, all of Greensburg. Surviving are his wife, Phyllis (Overly) Quartz; two children, Karen Wright of Corona, Calif., and Dan Quartz of Uniontown, Ohio; and three grandchildren, Kristen and Brian Wright and Hollyann Quartz. A military graveside memorial service will be held Friday, May 12, at 9:15 a.m. at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, Calif.
INA JEAN QUEER
Ina Jean Queer, 77, of Mt. Pleasant RD1 (Norvelt), died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born July 21, 1922, in Carpentertown, a daughter of the late John and Catherine Brenner Hunter. She was a member of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the United Methodist Women, the Bridgeport 50 Plus Group, a Sunday school teacher, and a member of the administrative council. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul H. Queer Sr., on Sept. 15, 1992; five brothers , Robert, John, William, Chris and George Hunter; and a sister, Nellie McShane. She is survived by four sons , Paul Queer and his wife, Ruth "Dolly," of Kecksburg, William Queer and his wife, Donna, of Ligonier, Larry Queer and his wife, Jonna, of Laurelville and Timothy Scott and his wife, Kim, of Norvelt; two sisters , Kathryn Metz and Mary Trimmer, both of Mt. Pleasant; a brother, David Hunter of Mt. Pleasant; nine grandchildren, Jeff and Jim Queer, Joe Ostrosky, Bill Evans, Tiffany and Jennifer Ryan, Nanci Marconi and Katey and Tim Scott; and four great-grandchildren, Kayla Queer, Brittany Clawson and J.J. and Kelsie Marconi. Friends were received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 406 E. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant, Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Bridgeport United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Wiltrout officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenlick Cemetery, Bullskin Township.
CAROL A. (PRINKEY) RUZBACKY
Carol A. (Prinkey) Ruzbacky, 44, of Armbrust, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, at Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was born Feb. 23, 1956, in Connellsville, a daughter of Richard and Marguerite "Sis" (Basinger) Prinkey of Armbrust. She had attended the Armbrust Wesleyan Church. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, William S. Ruzbacky; two sisters , Barbara Prinkey of Blairsville and Janet Prinkey of Armbrust; three brothers , Larry "Fitz" of Connellsville, Dennis of Kecksburg and Thomas Prinkey and his wife, Pam, of Hunker; a niece; four nephews; her brother-in-law, Leonard Ruzbacky of Mt. Pleasant RD1; and two sisters -in-law, Patricia Hajas and Margaret Bates, both of Latrobe. Friends will be received at the GAUT-BACHA FUNERAL HOME INC., Pleasant Unity, Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m., where funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Byron T. Eisaman officiating. Interment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Township.
MARTHA SIMMONS WAKEFIELD
Martha Simmons Wakefield, 90, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, at her home in Apollo (Bell Township). She was formerly of the Greensburg-Youngwood area. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin R. Wakefield. She was born in Pittsburgh, April 23, 1910, a daughter of the late Jacob and Mary E. (Geottle) Simmons. Surviving are nieces and nephews, Grace A. Wiester of Bell Township, Melvin G. Kirch, Delmar D. "Jack" Kirch and Erma L. Bells, all of Somerset, Donald Simmons of Florida, Daniel Simmons Jr. of Ohio, Calvin G. Germroth of Virginia, Norman Germroth of Arizona, Deloris Loughman of Ohio, Earl Simmons Jr. and Ella Mae Wetzel, both of McMurray, Marion Metzger of Pittsburgh and the late Mary Twigger and John Germroth. She is also survived by grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers , Earl and Daniel J. Simmons; and two sisters , Alice P. Kirch and Alma Germroth. THERE WILL BE NO VISITATION. Memorial services will be held Sunday, May 14, at 12:30 p.m. at the Poke Run Presbyterian Church, 1091 Poke Run Church Road, Apollo, PA 15613, where memorial donations may be sent. The Rev. Wayne Blaser presiding. Interment will take place in Phoenix, Ariz. Arrangements by the JOHN L. BASH FUNERAL HOME of Delmont.
GLENN IRWIN WENTZELL
Glenn Irwin Wentzell, 48, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, May 11, 2000, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born Feb. 23, 1952, in New Eagle, Pa., a son of the late Harry Louis Sr. and Catherine Espey Wentzell. He was a member of Pennsville Baptist Church. He was employed by Westinghouse Waltz-Mill as an electronics technician. He was a graduate of Charleroi Area High School, Class of 1970, and Gateway Tech with an Associate Degree in electronics. Glenn was active in the re-enactment of the French and Indian War, and the Revolutionary War with the 8th Regiment, Compagnie Franche de la Marine de la Riviere au Boeuf, and S.S.R.A. Re-enacting Association. In addition, he was a member of the Hempfield Grange 1952, 7th Degree Granger, and Past Master (in 1985) of Marion Lodge 562 F&AM of Scottdale and 32nd Degree Mason, belonging to the Lodge of Perfection, Valley of Coudersport, Scottish Rite Consistory of Coudersport, Pa. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Martha Glover Wentzell; five children, David S. Wentzell and wife, Dana, of Bolivar, twins, Shawn G. Wentzell and wife, Jamie, of Derry, and Dawn L. Wentzell, Carrie A. Wentzell and Joshua D. Wentzell, all at home; three grandchildren, Dakota M., Cheyenne S.K., and Austin S. Wentzell; two brothers , Harry L. Wentzell Jr. and wife, Kate, and Timothy Wentzell and wife, Leslie, all of Charleroi; and a sister, Sandra K. Kauffman and husband, Scott, of Tampa, Fla. Friends will be received in the EUGENE G. SALOOM FUNERAL HOME INC., Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, Friday from 2 to 9 p.m. Additional visitation will be held in the Pennsville Baptist Church Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m., at which time his funeral service will begin with the Rev. Robert H. Bixel officiating. Entombment will follow in the Middle Presbyterian Cemetery Mausoleum, Mt. Pleasant Township. The Masons will have a service in the funeral home Friday at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family.
CLAUDE D. WHITE Claude D. White , 84, of Perryopolis, died Thursday, May 11, 2000, at 4 a.m., in his home. He was born Nov. 29, 1915, at Morgantown, W.Va., a son of the late B. Donley and Mary Susan Bergdoll White . Claude was a member of the Perryopolis United Methodist Church, Perryopolis Heritage Society and Bruceton Alumni of West Virginia. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army as staff sergeant in the 20th Corps, Patton's Army. He is survived by his wife, Doris Jean Ryan White , with whom he celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on Oct. 27, 1999. He is also survived by three sons and a daughter, Donley R. White and wife, Millie, and Douglas R. White and wife, Connie, both of Vanderbilt, Alan C. White and wife, Joey, of Perryopolis and Mrs. Bruce (Ginny) Wingrove of Vanderbilt; and eight grandchildren, Mark White and wife, Melissa, Daniel White , Jennifer Ranker and husband, Noel, Douglas White Jr., Matthew White , Heather Wingrove, Amanda and Jessica White . In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Benson; and a twin brother, Clyde White . Friends will be received in the BLAIR-LOWTHER FUNERAL HOME INC., 106 E. Independence St., Perryopolis, Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday until noon, the hour of service with the Rev. Brock R. Beveridge officiating. Interment will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill. Graveside military rites accorded by Perryopolis VFW Goldstar Post #7023 and the American Legion #752. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Perryopolis United Methodist Church, Perryopolis, PA 15473.
ORIANNA F. CAREY
Orianna F. Carey, 90, a resident of IHS at Mountain View, Unity Township, formerly of Latrobe, died Thursday, May 11, 2000. She was born Feb. 13, 1910, in Mutual, a daughter of the late Joseph and Nettie (Lisbon) Frund. She was a member of the Latrobe United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Laird J. Carey, in 1973; an infant daughter, Dorothy Jean Carey; two grandsons; and the following sisters and brothers : Ruby Grazan, Frances Balone, Curtis, Joseph, Ivan, William, DeVerle, Darrell, Dean, Duane and Carlyle Frund. She is survived by three daughters , Audrey Firestone of Latrobe, Margaret A. Carey of Mt. Pleasant and Linda Babinski of Bradenton, Fla.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Marilyn Kirchner; and her brother, Audrey Frund. She was a beloved mother and grandmother. Friends will be received at the HARTMAN-GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME INC., 150O Ligonier St., Latrobe, from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with her pastor, the Rev. Aimee W. Twigg, officiating. Interment will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery, Trauger.
ANNA GAJDOSIK
Anna Gajdosik, 86, of Natrona Heights, died Thursday, May 11, 2000. Born Aug. 5, 1913, in Frivald, Slovakia, she was the daughter of the late John and Eva Simun Kovac. She was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish in Natrona. She was a registered nurse at St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, and Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights. Surviving are two sons , Frank Gajdosik of Natrona Heights and Joseph Gajdosik of Springdale; a daughter, Barbara Gajdosik of Natrona Heights; three grandchildren; and two brothers , Martin Kovac and John Kovac, both of Natrona Heights. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank J. Gajdosik; and a brother, Joseph Kovac. Visitation 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the CICHOLSKI-ZIDEK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1522 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights. Mass of Christian Burial Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mathias Worship Site, Natrona.
PATRICIA A. (KENNEY) HARTZELL
Patricia A. "Trish" (Kenney) Hartzell, 59, of Wilmerding, died Thursday, May 11, 2000. A daughter of the late Charles Kenney and the late Mildred (Closson) Martin. Stepdaughter of the late Ray W. Martin. Wife of the late Thomas M. Hartzell. Beloved mother of Janine and Thomas S. (April) Hartzell. Grandmother of Nicholas and Emmily Hartzell. Sister of Dennis R. (Patricia) Martin, Denise I. (Kevin) Hoffner and Michelle "Mike" (John) Smeltzer. Daughter-in-law of Maxwell and Amelia (Iacoboni) Hartzell. aunt of Christopher, Kelly and Patrick Hoffner, Brandon and Joshua Martin, Jonathan, Erinn and Jarred Smeltzer. Cousin of Ernest "Butch" (Hope) Closson. Numerous other cousins, aunts and uncles. Friends received at the ALFIERI FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 Marguerite Ave., Wilmerding, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m. Services in the funeral home Monday at 10 a.m. Family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 241 Fourth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
