All Obituaries

Vickie L. Thomas Perez, 64, of Kutztown, passed away Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Tower Health Hospital in Reading, PA from unexpected complications from her recent cancer surgery.  She was the wife of the late Edwardo Perez. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of Diane J. (Cook) Thomas and the late Gary G. Thomas. Vickie was a graduate of Kutztown High School class of 1977. Vickie loved her mother, her many cats throughout her lifetime, riding motorcycles, and driving sports...

Mabel D. (nee Seip) Kunkel, age 97, of Kutztown, PA went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on October 29, 2023 from her home. She was much beloved by her family and friends. Mabel was born August 1, 1926, in Virginville, PA, the daughter of Luther and Minnie (Sechler) Seip. She was the youngest of eight children, all who predeceased her. She was the widow of Ivan L Kunkel who predeceased her in 1985. Mabel and Ivan raised four children. Mabel was always very active in her church, St....

Peter S. Huber, 78, of Kutztown, Pa, died in his home October 22, 2023. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Harvey Huber and Kathryn Shockey (Huber). Peter (Pete) acquired Bachelors and Masters degrees that led him to a career in educational counseling where he was able to support many young adults through difficult times.   Caring for others in times of need was a common thread throughout his life no matter where he was or who he was with.  While it may seem juxtaposed,...

Anna M. Bortz, 94, of Topton, passed away Friday, September 15, 2023, surrounded by love with her family by her side. She was the wife of the late Franklin R. Bortz. Born in Bowers, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Miriam Rothermel. Anna was employed by Deisher Knitting Mills and Cinderella Knitting Mills. She was a member of Zion UCC, Maxatawny.  Anna is survived by sons: David C. of Topton, Ronald L. husband of Cathy of Kutztown; daughter, Dawn M. Bortz of Breinigsville; 9...

Richard A. Beggs, age 92, died Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at his home in Maxatawny Township, PA.  He was born in Confluence, PA on September 21,1930 to Emily K. and Charles D. Beggs. He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 64 years, daughter Tracey and son-in-law Gregg Kelly, as well as many nieces and nephews. His son Peter predeceased him in death in 1976. The youngest of 6 children, he was predeceased by brother Walter and sisters Elaine, Dorothy, Helen, and Martha.  Dick...

Irene B. (DeTurk) Berg, of Kutztown, passed away on July 13, 2023, while in hospice care at Reading Hospital. She was 94. Irene was born and raised in Topton, the daughter of Lloyd P. DeTurk and Pearl E. (Carl) DeTurk Nester. After graduating from Kutztown High School in 1946, she became a bookkeeper for Atlas Minerals and Chemicals in Mertztown and later for Knittle Farm Implements in Kutztown. Her career briefly took her to Pittsburgh, where she lived and worked for a year. While in...

Del A. Schappell, 68, of Reading passed away June 28,2023 in the Reading Hospital. Born in Reading,  he was the son of the late Karl W. and Shirley M. (Buck) Schappell. Del is a graduate of Kutztown Area High School and was enlisted in the Navy from 1972-1975. He is survived by his brother Dana Schappell of Kutztown. Services are private. Interment Hope Cemetery.  

Jean E. Strauss, 91, of Breinigsville, passed away Friday June 16, 2023, 9 days before her 92nd birthday. She was the wife of John L. Strauss. They would have been married for 66 years on June 29th . Born in Stony Run, she was the daughter of the late Edwin and Alma (Stump) Leibensperger. Jean was a 1949 graduate of Kutztown High School. She served as an organist for several churches in the area from 1954 to 2019 when she retired. Jean also taught organ and piano lessons...

Carol A. (Angstadt) Diehl, 80, of Kutztown, passed away May 26, 2023. She was the wife of the late Darryl D. Diehl, who died July 21, 1997, and whom she married October 24, 1964. Born in Reading, Carol was the daughter of the late Albert and Ruth (Rhoads) Angstadt. She was the oldest of three girls and is survived by sister Cheryl Degler, wife of Jeff Degler of West Lawn; preceded in death by sister Sandra Keiser.  Carol was a 1960 graduate of Reading High School, a 1962 graduate of...

James Edward Snook, 78, of Escondido, California, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2023 at home.  He was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, youngest son of the late Joseph A. and late Mary R. (Wirtz) Snook, formerly of Kutztown and Wyomissing, PA.  Jim was preceded by his older brother, the late Joseph A. Snook, Jr., who died in 2016. Jim was a graduate of Kutztown High School and was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame, helping the Cougars win three straight Berks County...