Surrounded by love, Stephanie Sikorski, 94, fell asleep in our Lord on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Born on March 8, 1926, in Milwaukee, WI, Stephanie was the daughter of Stephan and Anna (Bereza) Salash of Allentown, PA. She graduated from William Allen High School in 1943.
Stephanie was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She married Joseph Sikorski and moved to Bethlehem where they began their long life (62 years) raising four daughters. Together with her husband they ran the College View Hotel and Dietz Freight Line Moving Co. She launched a career later in life as a manager with John Wanamaker’s. Stephanie was life long member of a St. Mary’s “Pokrova” Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Allentown, PA. where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was also an active member of St. Paul Orthodox Church, Emmaus, PA. She shared her passions for travel, dancing and cooking with her family and friends. Stephanie was greatly admired for her sense of style and beautifully hand sewn clothes. She had a love of life and was the life of every party.
Survivors: Daughters, Stephanie Kozemchak of Falls Church, Va., Beverly Dickson (Richard) of Troy, N.C., Anne Sikorski-Schneider (Robert) of Coopersburg, Katie Sikorski (Joseph Caruso) of New Providence, N.J.; four grandsons, Christopher, Miles, Sanders, Walker; four granddaughters, Mila, Kyra, Christiana, Ariel; eleven great grandchildren, Anders, Giada, Luca, Trysten, Brayden, Kalyna, Gunnarr, Richard, Wallace, John, Shea; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Joe, her brother, Michael Salash, and her parents.
A memorial service will be held in the near future. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either St. Mary’s “Pokrova” Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1031 Fullerton Ave., Allentown, PA or to the Alzheimers Association (alz.org).
Helen Stapaj
Helen Stapaj, 96, of New York, passed away February 24, 2020. She was the loving wife of the late John Stapaj. Born in Poland, she was the daughter of the late John and Matrona (Sawka). Helen was a member of St. Marys Ukrainian Orthodox Church. She worked for many years as a Weaver in various Textile Mills in NYC.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday March 20th at 10AM in St. Marys Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, Whitehall. Arrangements are entrusted to Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. in Allentown, PA.
Susan Simitz
Susan C. (Lichman) Simitz, 88, of Allentown, passed away January 22, 2020. She was the loving wife of the late Louis E. Simitz. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Susanna (Kakelejcik) Lichman. Susan worked previously as a Medical Transcriptionist for Sacred Heart Hospital. She was an avid reader and cared deeply for her family.
Survivors: sons- David Simitz of Bath, Louis Simitz and wife Elizabeth of Alaska, Joseph Simitz of Emmaus; 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sister- Monica Anthony of Allentown. She was predeceased by her grandson- Gary Simitz, brothers- Leo and Michael Lichman and sisters- Maryanne Seman, Teresa Gutekunst and Bernadette Lichman.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 27th at 10:30AM in the Mausoleum at Cedar Hill Memorial Park 1700 Airport Rd Allentown, PA 18109.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation care of Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
Joseph Sutjak
Joseph F. Sutjak, Jr., 91, of Allentown, passed away January 6, 2020. He was the loving husband of 67 years to Irene (Zamecnik) Sutjak. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Zanko) Sutjak. He was a graduate of South Whitehall High School (Parkland) and received his degree in Agriculture from Penn State University. Joseph retired from Lebanon Chemical. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church where he was a founding member of the church’s Golf League. He was also a founding member of the North Parkland Youth Athletic Assoc. Joseph was an avid hunter who enjoyed going hunting with his sons and grandchildren. He also loved going on golf outings with his family and attending sporting events for his grandchildren.
Survivors: wife; sons- Robert and wife Ellen of Slatington, James of Kempton; daughter- Diane Seremula and husband Joseph of Slatington; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son- Joseph Sutjak III and his wife Linda.
A calling time will be held Friday, January 10th 9-10AM in Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30AM in St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church 924 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Joseph’s memory to Cedarbrook Nursing Home care of the funeral home.
Jeanetta Skvoretz
Jeanetta A. (Miller) Skvoretz, 100, of Whitehall, passed away June 4, 2017. She was the loving wife of the late Michael J. Skvoretz. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Grandville and Amy (Nelson) Miller. Jeanetta retired as a credit manager from Sears-Roebuck Co. in 1972. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church. Jeanetta was a former member of the Pioneer Fire Co Auxiliary and the Rose Bowl Seniors in Allentown.
Survivors:
Son- Robert P. and wife Betty L. Skvoretz of Whitehall; 6 Grandchildren; 11 Great Grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son- Michael P. Skvoretz.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 8th 9-10AM with a service to follow at 10AM all in Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Burial to follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Allentown.
Contributions can be made in her memory to the American Heart Assoc. care of the funeral home.
Ethel M. Spengler
Ethel M. (Gerhard) Spengler, 94, of Port St. Lucie, FL and formerly of Allentown, passed away May 23, 2017. She was the loving wife of the late Earl Spengler. Born in Whitehall, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Mai) Gerhard. Ethel retired as a sewing machine operator after working for various sewing companies, such as Allen Sportswear, for over 35 years. She was a member of Salem United Church of Christ. Ethel took great pride in her family, raising her children, helping with her grandchildren and watching their families grow up. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors:
Daughters- Linda Sterner and husband Hal Jandrisevitz of Port St. Lucie, FL and Rita Keiser and husband Bob of Kunkletown, PA; Grandchildren- David Anderson and wife Karen of Bethlehem, PA, Michael Sterner and companion Loretta of Fort Pierce, FL, William Spengler and wife Stephanie of Whitehall, PA, Danny Sussman and wife Sharon of Los Angeles, CA, Thomas Spengler and wife Eileen of Wittmann, AZ, Richard Sterner and wife Rosalba of Surprise, AZ, Dawn Sterner and companion Dean of Honey Grove, PA, Cynthia Sargent and husband Robert of Stroudsburg, PA, Timothy Keiser (predeceased); many Great and Great Great Grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son- Ronald Spengler and sisters- Marcella Palmer, Bernadine Minnich, Cordelia Gerhard and Dolores Gerhard.
Services will be private for the family at a later date. Arrangements care of Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
Peter Skimbo
Peter Skimbo of Whitehall, died January 24, 2017, at Holy Family Manor, age 90. He was the husband of the late Ann Marie Skimbo, who passed away Oct 26, 2002. They were married 47 years.
Born in Hazelton, PA, Luzerne County, he was the son of Conrad and Anna Skimbo. He was a graduate of Hazelton Senior High school, Class of 1944. During his senior year he enlisted into the US Army Aviation Cadet Program, the usual 2 year college requirement was waivered. He was a US Army Air Force Veteran of World War II. The Benefit of the G.I. Bill gave him 3 years of higher education at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, towards a BA Degree in Philosophy.
He was an engineering assistant and draftsman with the Curtiss-Wright Aero Engineering Plant in Woodridge, NJ. He was a draftsman with Almetco and Olen Mathuson, an Aluminum Extrusion Plant in Nesquehoning, PA. After 21 years of Drafting service with Mack Trucks, Inc. Allentown, PA he retired June 1986.
He was a member of St. Michaels Rythenian Byzantine Catholic Church, Allentown, PA for 40 years. He was also a member of St. Michaels Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church, Hazleton, PA.
Survivors- Son- Gregory George Skimbo with Community Services of Lehigh Valley
Sister- Anna Skimbo Hale, Drums, PA
Cousins, Nieces and Nephews
He was predeceased by brothers Nickolas and Michael and a sister Mary.
A viewing will be held Monday 9:30-10AM with a Funeral Service at 10AM in Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Drums, PA, Luzerne County.
Contributions can be made in Peter’s name to Carmelite Monastery in Center Valley, care of the funeral home.
Stella S. Smerek
Stella S. (Slota) Smerek, 97, of Center Valley, passed away December 2, 2016 in Sacred Heart Senior Living. She was the wife of the late Frederick Smerek. Born in Lansford PA, she was the daughter of the late Metro and Katie (Wilizko) Slota. Stella retired from General Electric after 30 years of service. She was a member of St. Marys Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Survivors:
Brother- Gene Slota of Surprise, AZ; Sister- Mildred Wilburn of Henderson, NV; Many Nieces and Nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Mary Kalady, Anna Bechtel, Kathryn Slota, Julie Slota, John Slota, William Slota and Walter Slota.
A viewing will be held Thursday 9-10AM in the church, with a Funeral Service at 10AM all in St. Marys Ukrainian Orthodox Church 1031 Fullerton Ave Whitehall. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stella’s memory to the church care of Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.