Best Life Tributes Funeral Home http://bestlifetributes.com en Anna E. (Streck) Holtzapple [02/26/1920 - 05/19/2013] LOCK HAVEN - Anna Elizabeth (Streck) Holtzapple, 93, a former resident of Westport died, Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Susque-View Home where she resided for the past year. She was born February 26, 1920 in Howard the daughter of Charles W. and Minnie (McCloskey) Streck. Anna was married to Francis M. Holtzapple who died in 1978. She was Methodist by faith. She enjoyed, gardening crossword puzzles and card games. Surviving are six grandchildren, several great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. One brother Clyde Streck of Mill Hall and a sister Helen Miller of Lock Haven. Several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sons Francis E. Holtzapple and James H. Holtzapple also two half brothers Ernest Young and Elmer Young a grandson Troy Holtzapple also two sisters Orva Streck and Dorothy Streck. The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at the Maxwell Funeral Home, 205 Fifth street, Renovo with Pastor Doug Conway officiating. Friends and relatives will be received from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private at North Bend Cemetery.

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]]> Jane F. (Solomon) Houser [09/07/1936 - 05/19/2013] WATSONTOWN - Jane F. (Solomon) Houser, 76, died Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. She was born on September 7, 1936 in Danville and is the daughter of the late Oren and Bernadette (Reich) Solomon. Jane graduated from the Milton Area High School. Jane married Wayne M. Houser on September 17, 1955 and they celebrated 57 years of marriage together. She worked for Geisinger Health Plan for 13 years and retired in 1996. Jane was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Watsontown. She enjoyed gardening, traveling and most of all spending time with her family and grandchildren. Jane was a past president of Watsontown Borough Council and at one time she had her realtor’s license. In addition to her husband Wayne, Jane is survived by three sons and one daughter-in-law; Thomas Houser of Tennessee, Randy and Alice Houser of Lewisburg and Kevin Houser of Watsontown, three daughters and two sons-in-law; Mary Ann and Dennis Daugherty of Sunbury, Karen Houser of Watsontown and Joanne and Randy Minium of Watsontown, eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren, four brothers and three sisters-in-law; Dave and Joyce Solomon of Michigan, Bernard and Sandy Solomon of Wisconsin, Jerry Solomon of Lancaster and Joe and Mary Ann Solomon of Milton. Jane was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings. Burial will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by The Dale E. Ranck Funeral Service, 125 N. Front Street, Milton, PA 17847.

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]]> Philip D. Herman [03/25/1946 - 05/19/2013] MT. WOLF – Philip D. Herman, 67, formerly of Bethlehem, PA, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2013 at his home following a brief battle with ALS. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, May 24, 2013 at Mt. Zion Cemetery, 3101 Deininger Road, York (corner of Deininger and Mt. Zion Roads.) Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is in charge of arrangements. Born March 25, 1946 in Allentown, a son of the late Charles A. Herman and the late Gladys Herman Peters, he retired from S.I. Handling in Easton, PA. Mr. Herman attended actionchurch; and enjoyed photography, hiking, and geocaching. Mr. Herman is survived by a daughter, Michele M. and husband Don Record of Mt. Wolf; two grandchildren, Christopher B. Phillips of York and Reagan G. Record of Mt. Wolf; and a niece, Jessica Weiss of Spain. He was preceded in death by a sister, Judith Krapf.

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]]> Alice Elizabeth (Parra) Kendall [07/11/1927 - 05/18/2013] SCRANTON- Alice Elizabeth (Parra) Kendall, 85, of Avoca, passed away Saturday morning at Regional Hospital of Scranton surrounded by loved ones. Born in Erie, PA on July 11, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna(Plavcan) Parra. Alice was employed by General Electric, Erie, PA for many years. She also worked in several local factories. She was a member of Queen of the Apostles Church, Avoca. In her spare time she enjoyed playing cards and doing word finds, but her true passion was her family. She was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. Preceded her in death; her husband, Clinton L. Kendall, who passed in 1978, 2 daughters, Anna and Patricia, companion, Nicholas Aich, six brothers and four sisters. Surviving to cherish her memory are; two daughters, Mary Spadaccio, Forest Hill, TX, Maureen Fox, Milford, PA, two sons, Clinton and David, both of Avoca, 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, many nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 728 Main Street, Avoca. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday at 9:30AM in Queen of the Apostle Church, 715 Hawthorne Street, Avoca with Father Phillip J. Sladicka officiating. Friends are invited to call from 9:00 AM till the time of the Mass. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Avoca.

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]]> Myrna V. (Miller) Bruggeman [08/18/1921 - 05/17/2013] YORK – Myrna V. (Miller) Bruggeman, 91, passed away Friday, May 17, 2013 at York Hospital. She was the wife of the late Paul Bruggeman. A celebration of life tribute service will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York with The Rev. Dr. Janyce C. Jorgensen officiating. A viewing will be held from 9-10:00 AM Wednesday at the Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Mount Rose Cemetery. She was born August 18, 1921 in East Berlin a daughter of the late Samuel B. and Emily Mae (Wisler) Miller. Mrs. Bruggeman was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Ladies Auxiliary of both Shiloh Fire Co. and Shiloh American Legion. She was also a great cook and enjoyed spending time with her family. Mrs. Bruggeman is survived by two sons, Barry and wife Kay Bruggeman of York and Paul R. and wife Deborah Bruggeman of York; a daughter, Connie B. Lapes of York; four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Ada Detter; and a brother, Arthur Miller.

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]]> E. Naomi (Marquette) Brazin [07/19/1913 - 05/17/2013] WILLIAMSPORT - E. Naomi (Marquette) Brazin, 99, of Williamsport died Friday, May 17, 2013 at her home. She was born July 19, 1913 in Williamsport the daughter of Samuel E. and Sara Jane (Elliott) Marquette. Mrs. Brazin was married to Martin Brazin who died in 1992. She worked for Sears Roebuck & Co., in the auditing department for 24 years retiring in 1975. She was a member of Temple Beth Ha Sholom. Surviving are a niece Barbara Robinson of South Williamsport, two great-nephews Steven Leidhecker and Robert Leidhecker both of Williamsport and several other nieces and nephews. Mrs. Brazin was preceded in death by three sisters Mary Marquette, S. Frances Hall and Anne Hecht and two brothers Jesse Marquette and John Marquette. A graveside service will be held at 3:15 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2013 at Wildwood Cemetery (Temple Section) with Marvin Hurwitz officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to Temple Beth Ha Sholom, P.O. Box 1412, Williamsport, PA 17703 or Susquehanna Hospice, 1100 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701. Allen & Redmond Funeral Home, 331 Elmira Street has charge of arrangements.

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]]> John M. Gudknecht, Jr. [09/05/1921 - 05/17/2013] REHOBOTH BEACH, DE – John M. Gudknecht, Jr., passed away Friday, May 17, 2013 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, DE. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth H. (Beck) Gudknecht. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens, 250 Chestnut Hill Rd., York with The Rev. Kathy Seitz-Bortner officiating. Full military rites will be provided by York County Veterans Honor Guard. Family and friends will meet at the entrance of the cemetery at 12:45 PM. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is in charge of arrangements. Born September 5, 1921 in Kenmore, OH a son of the late Ruth S. (Rice) and John M. Gudknecht, Sr., he retired as Chief of Maintenance at North Montgomery Co. Vocational Technical School. Mr. Gudknecht and his wife had previously owned and operated Gudknecht’s Grocery Store in Telford, PA for 12 years. While living in Telford, Mr. Gudknecht twice served as Mayor and spent time on Telford Borough Council over two decades. He was an active member and officer of Perkasie Kennel Club. While living in York, Mr. Gudknecht was a member of Pine Grove U.M. Church and while living in Delaware attended Groome U.M. Church in Lewes. He enjoyed woodworking and tending to his yard. He was a US Army veteran of WWII. Mr. Gudknecht is survived by a son, John M. Gudknecht, III and wife Ann of Rehoboth Beach; a grandson, John M. Gudknecht, IV and wife Amy of Wrightsville; and a brother, Robert E. and wife Ann Gudknecht of Cape May Courthouse, NJ. He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles “Chick” Gudknecht.

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]]> Thomas E. Stern [06/24/1951 - 05/17/2013] Windsor—Thomas E. Stern, 61, died Friday, May 17, 2013 at York Hospital. He was the husband of Patricia A. (Green) Stern to whom he was married for 31 years. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 7 PM, Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Life Tributes by Olewiler and Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion with the Rev. Thomas R. Osenbach officiating. A visitation with family will be held from 6-7 PM, Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Tom was born on June 24, 1951 in York, and he was the son of the late Lewis E. and Arlene M. (Doll) Stern. He was employed with the Maryland-Pennsylvania Railroad as a tracksman for over 20 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way, a national union representing workers who build and maintain tracks and other structures on the railroads of the United States. Tom was also an avid fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles and Penn State football. He enjoyed reading, taking pictures, and watching TV, especially the History Channel. He loved his animals, Chandler, Joey and the late Toby. In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by two daughters, Natasha N. Stern of Windsor and Lydia Ann Stern of York; three sisters, Susan J. Taylor of Dallastown, Kathey L. Stern of York and Judith M. Moser of Windsor; one brother, Charles M. Stern of Jersey Shore; and several nieces and nephews, cousins and 3 aunts. He was preceded in death by a brother, Terry D. Stern. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the YCSPCA, 3159 N. Susquehanna Trail, York, Pa 17406 and American Diabetes Association, 3544 N. Progress Ave, Suite 103, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

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]]> Mary C. (Kelser) Pahl [06/13/1957 - 05/15/2013] MILTON - Mary C. (Kelser) Pahl, 55, died Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at her residence. She was born on June 13, 1957 in Locust Gap and is the daughter of Kathleen (O’Neill) Kelser and the late Leo A. Kelser. On December 21, 1985 she married Jeffrey Pahl of Milton, they celebrated 27 years of marriage together. Mary was a 1975 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School. In 1979 she graduated from Kutztown University with a BA in Social Welfare. Mary received her Masters Degree in Social work in 1984 from the University of South Carolina. Mary worked as a Social Worker at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville from 1984-1995. Since 1995, she has been a social worker at Evangelical Hospital, Lewisburg. She was a licensed Pennsylvania Social Worker who enjoyed working with patients and families. Mary loved her family deeply. She enjoyed reading and decorating. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where she volunteered with the Children’s Liturgy Program. Mary is survived by her husband, Jeff and mother Kathleen. Also by two sons Matthew and Jared at home, also two step-children Joshua Pahl and wife Lynn of West Chester, PA and Lindsay Blythe and her husband Jesse of Aliso Vigo, CA. Also surviving are two sisters, Patricia Kisseleff of Coal Township, PA and Joan Handerhan of Enola and husband Blaine. One brother, Leo Kelser and his wife Susan of Summit, NJ. Also surviving are five nephews, Alex, Ben, Christopher, Andrew, Ryan and Mary’s goddaughter and niece Kayla Handerhan of Enola, PA. In addition, Mary is survived by her mother-in-law, Margie Pahl, two sisters-in-law; Eleanor Rorhbach and Connie Crawford and her beloved aunt, Eleanor Busch. A public viewing will be held from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., Monday, May 20, 2013 at The Dale E. Ranck Funeral Service, 125 N. Front Street, Milton, PA 17847. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 109 Broadway Street, Milton with the Rev. John D. Hoke officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Locust Gap. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Matthew and Jared Pahl Scholorship Fund, c/o M-C Federal Credit Union, Evangelical Hospital, One Hospital Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837

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]]> Leo H. “Bud” Slingerland [02/22/1922 - 05/14/2013] TROY- Leo H. “Bud” Slingerland, 91, of Troy, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the Troy Community Hospital. He was the loving husband of the late Mary Elizabeth (Weldy) Slingerland who passed away on September 7, 2011. The couple married January 14, 1945 and had 66 years together. Bud was born on February 18, 1922 in Troy, PA, son of the late Lynn A. and Florence M. (Miller) Slingerland. Bud was a 65-year member of the Trojan Lodge #306 in Troy. He was a graduate of Troy High School, Class of 1939, where he was a good athlete in basketball and track. For 25 years he held the school high jump record of 5,10. Bud was also a competitive pole-vaulter, using a bamboo pole, with a record of 11’9”. Coming from a musical family Bud was an accomplished trumpet player. He was selected and attended many Allstate Band performances during his high school years and continued enjoying his talent for many years later. After graduation from Troy High School Bud worked for Corning Glass Works. Following that Bud joined the U.S. Marine Corps to serve his country in World War II. He served for three years in the South Pacific in Guadalcanal and Bougainville with the 3rd Marine Anti Aircraft Battalion. After returning stateside Bud applied for band duty and spent the remainder of his service time in Quantico, VA. He also enjoyed playing in the Marine Corp Marching Band and Dance Orchestra. The Big Band era was very special to Bud and he was fortunate to have seen and heard many of the popular bands in concert. After he returned home to the Troy area he developed his skills in food sales and he finished his career in the field. First he worked for the Weldy Family in Burlington, PA and he operated his own grocery store in Springfield, PA. He was also employed by Spaulding’s and Stroehmann’s Bakeries, and the Archway Cookie Company. His customers enjoyed working with him, as he was always on time, good-natured and very efficient with his products. He was a very dependable man who liked a set time and routine and Bud had a perfect attendance record in his thirty-five years of working. A true American, he loved his cars and he reportedly owned 57 in his lifetime. The first was a 1935 Ford Convertible and the last a 2012 Malibu. For forty years Bud and Mary vacationed at their cottages on Keuka Lake. Bud loved spending time there, entertaining friends, swimming, playing with his dog Buffy and pulling his daughters on water skis. An avid trout fisherman, he used the Seth Green Downrigger and caught many large lake trout that he was very proud of. Bud was especially fond of animals! In later years he kept bird feeders. Daily he would fill them and many times the deer, squirrels, and bear enjoyed his treats. There were many thrills for Bud in his life and one was watching his grandson Mark play sports at Troy High. He did not miss ONE game during the basketball and baseball seasons. Mowing the yard at the Slingerland home on Route Six was a favorite pastime and he was still mowing and caring for home at 91 years of age. Bud and Mary loved their “brick home” but Bud never got over missing Mary’s cooking and her wonderful care of him and their home after she passed in 2011. He celebrated his 90th birthday by blowing all 90 candles out in one puff. “Good lungs” his father always said to him. Leo H. was a man who had a good life, a wonderful wife, two loving daughters, and grandchildren. He truly enjoyed his world in Troy, PA. His daughters Kathryn A. “Kitty” Woodward of Phoenix, AZ, and Sonja “Soni” and husband Dwight “Ike” Haflett of Granville Summit, PA survive Bud. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Angela M. Woodward and Mark (Amy) Haflett, and great grandchildren, Emma Lynne Haflett and Colin James Haflett, He also leaves a special nephew: Dr. Stuart Slingerland of Provo, Utah, and special “3rd daughter” Jil Swarthout. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, and his brother Dr. Elwood Slingerland. Leo Harley Slingerland will be laid to rest beside his loving wife Mary in Glenwood Cemetery on East Main Street, Troy, PA. Services will be private and at the convenience of Bud’s family. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 1093 West Main Street Troy, PA has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Bud’s memory to the New Troy Community Hospital Fund, 100 John Street Troy, PA 16947.

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