Mark Humes Seeks Jefferson County Commissioner Seat

Mark Humes of Brookville seeks support – and votes – from the residents of Jefferson County in the May 16, 2023, primary election. Humes is running for Jefferson County Commissioner on the Republican Party ballot. He has served his community for 40plus years in law enforcement and is a military veteran with 23 years of service in the United States Army (activeduty Army, the Army Reserves in Brookville, and the National Guard in Punxsutawney).

Mark Humes is committed to serving Jefferson County and asks residents to cast their votes for him – he will not let voters down!

Kathleen A. “Kathy” Seliga of Punxsutawney

February 21, 2023 - April 24, 1956

Kathy had been employed at Lily’s Restaurant and Bakery since it opened. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and the simple things in life.

She is survived by three daughters, Stacey Domb and Jason Painter, Heather Domb, and Kaylan (Leif) Eddy; a grandson, Ryan Smith; three brothers, Jerry Seliga, Tony (Debbie) Seliga, Joey (Penny) Seliga; and a sister, Mary (Ray) Geier.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Josephine (Farbo) Seliga, and a sister, Linda Seliga.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Sara Catherine (Emberg) Burkhardt of Punxsutawney

June 5, 1930 - February 22, 2023

Sara graduated from Punxsutawney High School with the Class of 1948.

Sara worked for Pram Co. in Punxsutawney. She also worked for Loree Footwear in Big Run, and retired from Joe’s Drive In of Punxsutawney. Sara was a member of the Canoe Ridge Church of God in Rossiter, Pa. She had a strong faith in God and loved reading her Bible. She was a loving person who cared for all living things, especially dogs.

Sara is survived by one son, Donald Lee Burkhardt, and two sisters-in-law, Darlene Emberg and Marie Emberg. In addition to her parents, Oscar and Eliza (Chapman) Emberg, and husband, William Adolf Burkhardt, Sara was preceded in passing by six siblings, Thelma Bianco, Ellen Gaston, Eugene Emberg, Leonard Emberg, Edwin Emberg, and Edna Bish.

Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com) formerly of Philipsburg, Pa.

Caroline Frances Britten of Rochester Mills, Pa.

March 19, 1940 - February 22, 2023

Caroline was a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance churches in Osceola Mills and Clearfield. She graduated from Greater Johnstown High School in 1958.

Caroline was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Caroline enjoyed a simple life: praying for others, reading and discussing the Bible, and spending time with her family, especially her three granddaughters.

She is survived by her two sons, Richard (Deanna) L. Britten and Gregg (Diana) Britten; three grandchildren, Megan Britten, Jessica Britten, and Hannah Britten and fiancé Ryan Yarnell; daughter-in-law, Cindy Britten; and siblings, Paul (Esther) Matas, Raymond (Elaine) Matas, Ronald (Judy) Matas, Donald (Barbara) Matas, Ruth Oravec, Dorothy (John) Marley, and Martha (Raymond) Fabick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Mary Rusnak; husband, Robert L. Britten; a son, Todd; brothers, Joseph, John, Karl, David, Albert, and Daniel; and sisters, Mildred Burda, and Mary Fabry.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

William M. “Terry” Tersine of Punxsutawney

April 28, 1935 - February 26, 2023

Terry was a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church in Punxsutawney where he served as an usher for many years. He was also a member of the Punxsutawney Eagles F.O.E. 1231. He retired as a store manager from the Quaker Market and briefly worked for Riverside Markets. After Terry’s retirement he worked for Yates Excavation. Terry enjoyed going to his camp, scratch lottery tickets, and spending time with family.

He is survived by two sons and two daughters, Mary Sue Tersine and husband, Maury Marshall, William (Carol Ann) Tersine, Thomas (Pam) J. Tersine, Carol Ann (George) Wehrle; six grandchildren, Anthony (Janelle) Tersine, Terry James “TJ” (Amy) Tersine, Amy (Chris) R. DeBold, Christina Tersine and fiancé Sam Benson, and Matthew and Andrew Wehrle; four great-grandchildren, Dean Tersine, Jemma Tersine, Kira Tersine, and Hayley Tersine; and a brother, Richard Tersine and wife, Michele.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Margaret (Fairman) Tersine; his wife, Celine Tersine; and infant son,

James Tersine.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Karen D. “Pork” Bargerstock of Reynoldville

October 7, 1941 - March 2, 2023

Pork took great pride in being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Ray Bargerstock; a son, Kirk (Debbie) Bargerstock; a daughter, Kelly Rae Sutter; five grandchildren, Shanna (Craig) Gula, Deanna (David) Bauer, Brett (Kelcey) Bargerstock, Brice (Whitney) Bargerstock, Grayce Sutter; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Bridget (Don) Senott; and a brother, Shawn Gaston.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Kenneth and Grayce (Bowers) Gaston, and a sister, Tanya Guidish.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Janice C. McConnaughey of Punxsutawney

November 22, 1947 - March 2, 2023

Janice was a 1965 Graduate of the Punxsutawney Area High School. She spent time at the Elk Run Avenue Gospel Chapel, reading and teaching Bible stories to children. Janice enjoyed sewing and playing the piano. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by a daughter, Denette (Ken) Godo; a son, Michael (Raquel) McConnaughey; four grandchildren, Jake (Jocelyn) Godo, Josh (Lexie) Godo, Shelby Gray, and fiancé Dustin Domb, and Sydney McConnaughey; a great-granddaughter, Thea Domb; and another great-grandchild on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Mildred (Leasure) Wineberg; her husband, Clair “Bud” McConnaughey; a brother, Clifton “Tip” Wineberg; and three sisters, Carol Wineberg, Darlene Diehl, and Donna Frantz.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Lavonne C. Caylor formerly of Coolspring, Pa.

November 2, 1938 - March 8, 2023

Vonnie graduated from Punxsutawney High School, Class of 1956, and she worked at various jobs over the years, but spent most of her time caring for her home and large family. Vonnie is survived by her husband, Lee Caylor, in addition to their five children, Vicki (Harry) Reinard, Jeffrey (Debra) Caylor, Gregory (Tammy) Caylor, Heather (Chad Littman) Smith, Heath (Carrie) Caylor; and 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by two brothers, Larry (Barbara) Hoffman and Craig (Cindy Fleming) Hoffman; two sisters, Janice (Reed) Smith and Debra Compton; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Melvin and Esther (Swineford) Hoffman, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald (Donna) Hoffman and Robert Hoffman Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com) u

Howard V. “Skeeter” Cook of Punxsutawney

August 6, 1931 - March 10, 2023

He attended the St. John’s Reformed Church. Skeeter was an avid golfer and member of the Punxsutawney Country Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, fishing trips to Canada, and enjoyed spending his winters in Florida.

Skeeter was the founder and owner of 3-H Abrasives and the co-founder of Production Abrasives.

He belonged to the Johns W. Jenks Masonic Lodge #534, Coudersport Consistory, Jaffa Shrine, and was a charter member of the Jaffa Shrine ATC Unit.

In addition to his wife, Rose, he is survived by two children, son Ronald (Velma) Cook and daughter Cathy (Kim) London; four grandchildren, Cory (Jenna) Cook, Kelsey (Jimmy) Geerin, and Alex and Max London; two great-grandchildren, Garrick Cook and Bode Geerin; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Vira (Stewart) and Albert V. Cook, he was preceded in Continued on next page

Continued from previous page death by five brothers, John, Jim, Jake, David, and Harry Cook, and three sisters, Edra Sykes, Ruth Neyerlin, and Helen Curry.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Helen Marie Jerko

March 11, 2023

Helen was born on August 22, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the daughter of Martin and Anna Kendra.

She was a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church. Helen’s working career began during World War II at the Air Maze Company in Ohio taking care of shipping orders and making air filters. After marriage she was a homemaker and volunteer at the Punxsutawney Hospital. In her younger days, she belonged to the Altar Rosary Society at Saints Cosmas and Damian Church.

She enjoyed going for walks, listening to polka music, songs sung by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, watching and feeding the birds in her yard as well as growing flowers. Helen is survived by three daughters, Elaine (Roland) Gearhart, Janice (Richard)

Meehan, and Colleen Means; two sons, Thomas (Katie) Jerko and Dennis Jerko; two grandsons, Christopher Meehan and Michael Jerko; two great-grandchildren, Sean and Abby Meehan; sister, Irene Martino; three nieces, Kathleen and Judy Martino, and Florence Zicca; two nephews, Jerry Martino and Gregory Pape.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Anna Kendra; her husband, Delmas John Jerko; three brothers, Martin, Albert, and Carl Kendra; three sisters, Cecelia Neff, Margaret Denull, and Martha Pape; two infant sisters; and two nephews, Eugene Pape and Robert Martino. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Connie L. Hockenberry of Punxsutawney

March 22, 1941 - March 12, 2023

Connie was a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Roman Catholic Church of Punxsutawney. She worked as a secretary for Nationwide Insurance in Punxsutawney for 20 years.

Connie always said that working for Ed Kengersky was one of the best experiences of her life.

Connie enjoyed vacationing, traveling, painting, drawing, jigsaw puzzles, spending winters in North Myrtle Beach, cookouts, hosting family events, and camping.

In addition to her husband, Severino A. “Jr.” Hockenberry, she is survived by five children, Kevin (April) Bianco, Keith (DeAnn) Bianco, Jerry Bianco Gina Buffington, and Jeffrey Bianco; four stepchildren, Michael (Lanna) Hockenberry, David (Michelle) Hockenberry, Joseph (Jill) Hockenberry, and Lisa (Steve) Schrecengost; 25 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, George “Tim” (Cheryl) Jones.

In addition to her parents, Julia (Smith) and George T. Jones, she was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Crawford. Connie was a second mother to her sister’s four daughters, her beloved nieces, Julie Roney, Jacki Miller, Jamie Hopkins, and Joni Gallina, all of Punxsutawney. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Stanley M. Hopkins of Rossiter April 13, 1946 - March 13, 2023

Stan was a member of the Steffy United Methodist Church and a 1968 graduate of the Punxsutawney Area High School after which he immediately entered the United States Army following the draft for the Vietnam Conflict. He proudly served his country, as his father before him, and continued serving others the remainder of his life. After returning from the military, Stan worked for various coal companies as a heavy equipment operator, before spending 33 years driving a school bus in the Punxsutawney Area School District. His lifelong goal was to brighten the moment for anyone he came in contact with, whether a smile, a joke, a greeting, or a funny face.

Stan was very active in the community serving on the board of directors and as caretaker of Devers Cemetery since he was a teenager, becoming one of the first members of Punxsutawney REACT and helping his wife, Robin, with the American Red Cross as a vital asset in its growth throughout Jefferson County. He enjoyed the outdoors, NASCAR, model railroading, and serving as a Sky Warn Watcher and rain gauge reporter for the National Weather Service.

Stan is survived by his wife, Robin L. (Hoefer) Hopkins; three children, Melissa (Roger) Jewell, Scott Hopkins, and Shelly

Brannen; five grandchildren, Kairstin (Brett) Quigley, Quinton Jewell, Shelby Jewell, William Brannen III, and Christopher Hopkins. Stan is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Sailor, Kayla, and Kaycee Quigley; and his beloved cat, Tutti.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence M. and Anna Mae (Ruth) Hopkins; a grandson, Daniel Hopkins; sonin-law, William Brannen II; and the mother of his children, Linda Reagle Hopkins Helsel.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Harriet F. Sprankle of Punxsutawney

August 18, 1940 - March 14, 2023

Harriet was a homemaker and a member of the Scotland Avenue Church of God. She loved her church and her church family. She enjoyed baking, decorating cakes, reading, crocheting, southern gospel music, shopping and spending time with her family.

Harriet is survived by three children, Patty (Phil) Cunningham, Donna (David) Mancuso, and David (Stephani) Sprankle; eight grandchildren, Drew Cunningham and Shanon Blose, Sarah (Cunningham) Downer and husband Blake, Brandon and Nick Mancuso, Breanna and Abigail Sprankle and Briana and RyAnn Crusan; three great-grandchildren, Kade, Knox, and Kash Downer; and a sister, Ruth Turnbull.

In addition to her parents, Violet M. (Davis) and Raymond U. Schrack, and husband, Robert G. “Bob” Sprankle, she was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Schrack, and three sisters, Betty Stephens, Evelyn “Peep” Clouser, and Martha “Lucy” Stephanic. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Michael J. Brink of Rossiter

August 28, 1959 - March 15, 2023

Michael attended the Steffy Chapel United Methodist Church. He was a 1977 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School and a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Mine Engineering. Mike worked for Greenwich Collieries and the United States Postal Service. Mike participated in fantasy football leagues, always carefully selecting and watching his teams and finishing the season in first place in both leagues. His favorite TV shows were The Price is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, M.A.S.H., as well as sports like the Pirates, Steelers, Penguins and dirt bike racing. He was an outdoorsman, enjoying trout fishing and hunting. Mike was currently restoring a 1974 Suzuki TM 125. He loved his family, and most of all his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Melodie (Bubb) Brink; a son, Jacob (Ashley) M. Brink; two grandchildren; Paitlyn and Cooper; a sister, Darlene Brink; his in-laws, Richard and LaRue Bubb; a brother-in-law, Dick (Becky) Bubb; sisterin-law, Dianna and Gus Manners; and his nephews, Paul, Eric, Luke, and Dustin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Ann (Bicho) Brink, and a sister, Annette Brink.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Edith M. Hinkle of Punxsutawney

March 2, 1931 - March 16, 2023

Edith was a very active member of the Purchase Line Church of the Brethren and went on many mission projects. She worked as a registered nurse in various hospitals including Penn University, Strecker, Eagleville, and Norristown.

Edith enjoyed making card stamps, knitting, being a seamstress, and traveling. She was an artist and was a member of the Art Association of Punxsutawney. Edith was also a member of the singing group Sweet Adaline’s in Philadelphia.

She is survived by two children, daughter Cindy (Tim) Chambers and son Bill (Mary) Clemmer; 10 grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Edith M. (Oberholtzer) and Jesse L. Stayer, she was preceded in death by two grandsons, Jason Clemmer and infant Billy Clemmer; and two sisters, Joyce Keeler and Ida Mae Petsock.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com) u u

Please visit the websites of the funeral homes listed to view the complete obituary, sign their guestbooks, plant a tree, and offer your condolences.

If you have a loved one who has passed away and would like to publish the obituary in Punxsutawney Hometown magazine, please contact us at hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com or call (814) 952-3668.

44TH ANNUAL

SUN., APRIL 16, 2023 at Sykesville Town Hall

Registration 1:30pm Run/Walk 3pm

RUN/WALK 2 MILES OR RUN 5 MILES

FUN • GAMES • FOOD • PRIZES SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

FOR MORE INFO, REGISTRATION FORMS... Bill Cuba Jr. at 814-591-6800 or Pat Mowrey 814-591-0949 or see www.jcarc.org or our Facebook page or email carlajcarc@gmail.com