John Joseph Brenkacs, Jr. passed away on July 17, 2026. He was born on November 21, 1931, and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Eva and Elfi, parents, John and Mary Brenkacs, sister Helen Bogert, brother Robert Brenkacs and son-in-law Bruce Wunsch.
He is survived by his niece Diane Luksa, Denise Clark, nephew Robert Brenkacs and step daughter Jhami Wunsch along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
John proudly served in the Army during the Korean War. He will be remembered for his ever-present devotion to God, his very kind and generous heart and his deep love for his family and friends.
A Calling Time will be held on Saturday, August 22nd 9-10AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10AM all in St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church 924 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Burial to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Allentown. Arrangements are entrusted to Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
Albert Bauerlein
Albert Philip Bauerlein, 86, of Bethlehem, passed away on July 13, 2026. He was the loving husband of the late Frances Bauerlein for 57 years. Born in Staten Island, NY, he was the son of the late John and Agnes Bauerlein. Al served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Iceland as a radar operator. He worked for 37 years at Xerox as a service technician and was a devoted member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church.
Al was a lifelong lover of all things technology, a gifted landscaper who transformed his backyards into beautiful park like spaces, and the ultimate do it yourself handyman. He was always quick to help family and friends with a project and was a professional advice giver. He adored his grandchildren and especially loved watching them enjoy a delicious treat. He could often be found in his recliner with his laptop, listening contentedly as his family gathered in the next room. He will be deeply missed.
He was predeceased by his brother, John Bauerlein. Survivors include: children – Lynn Orrico and husband Russ, Jeff Bauerlein and wife Kristy, Jill Boland and husband Justin; grandchildren – Jacob, Emily, Hannah, and Sarah; sisters – Frances and Agnes.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 21st 10-11AM with a Service at 11AM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.
Susan Benovich
Susan L. Benovich, 83, of Allentown, passed away May 19, 2026. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Helen (Madea) Benovich. Susan had been a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She enjoyed crafting, watching QVC, collecting Longenberger Baskets and had a special talent for color coordinating items. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: sisters- Frances Koncsics and husband Thomas, Carol Anthony, Rita Blum, Joan Myers and husband Walter, and many nieces, nephews & great nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday May 23rd at 11:00AM in St John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Cemetery 924 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Arrangements are entrusted to Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Susan’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.
Valeria Breitfeller
Valeria E. (Pavlick) Breitfeller, 88, of Emmaus, passed away December 16, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late John Breitfeller. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Dorothy (Cornfald) Pavlick. Valeria retired from Allen Organ in Macungie and was a member of St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church. Valeria enjoyed doing puzzles, shopping and watching the Hallmark Channel. She loved her family and will be deeply missed.
Survivors: daughter- Christina Breitfeller- Hill and her husband Todd of Collegeville, son- Joseph Breitfeller of Emmaus, granddaughter- Natalie Watson. She was predeceased by her sister- Marie Pavlick.
Services will be Private care of Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
Mary Beller
Mary Beller, 84, of Bethlehem, passed away June 11, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Ronald E. Beller. Born in Lansford, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Veronica (Duncavage) Pekarik. Mary was a member of St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church in Allentown. She was the Director of the Northampton Area Public Library for many years. Mary enjoyed reading, sewing, latch hooking, baking and traveling. But most of all she treasured her time with her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: daughters- Diane DeVivo and her husband Joe, Catherine Beller Meinhart and her late husband Dennis, Rita Beller; grandchildren- Andrew DeVivo, Amy Callaghan and her husband Mike, Emily Fortenberry and her husband Monty, Zachary Meinhart and his wife Sarah; great grandchildren- Nolan Callaghan, Lucas and Benjamin Meinhart; sister- JoAnne Pekarik and friend- Marge Santore. She was predeceased by her sister- Margaret Pekarik.
A Calling Time will be held on Monday, June 30th 9:30-10:30AM in Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11AM in St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church 924 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Inurnment to follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mary’s memory to Northampton Area Public Library care of the funeral home.
Margaret Braun
Margaret Rose (Stano) Braun, 85, of Whitehall and formerly of Quakertown, passed away April 24, 2025. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Hilda (Goldschmidt) Stano. Margaret graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1957 and then from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Reading. She was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church. When she was younger, she had played the organ for the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church. Margaret was very dedicated to her profession of Nursing and spent her time caring for her family as needed. But above all she treasured her time with her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: son- Kurt and wife Linda Braun, grandchildren- Matthew and Angela, nieces- Carol Poplawski, Nadine Martinez and Donna Weaver, nephew- Mark Glose. She was predeceased by her sisters- Dolores Stano and Dorothy Mae Martinez and nephew- Robert Glose.
A calling time will be held Thursday, May 8th 9-10AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10AM all in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church 618 Fullerton Ave Whitehall, PA 18052. Inurnment to follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Whitehall. Arrangements are entrusted to Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
John Borrell
John J. Borrell, 84, of Nazareth, passed away March 23, 2025. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Charles Borrell and Dora L. (Simonelli) Borrell Thompson. John served in the U.S. Marine Corp. during the Vietnam War. He received the Parachuter’s Badge, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Gallantry Cross, and 3 Bronze Stars. He retired from Mack Trucks after 30 years of service. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his daughter- Tina Masuda and husband Michael of Santa Clara, CA.
Services will be Private for the family care of Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the March of Dimes care of the funeral home.
Helen D. Bogert
Helen D. (Brenkacs) Bogert, 91, peacefully passed away on Monday October 7, 2024. She was the loving wife of Andrew P. Bogert Jr. and was happily married for 48 years, prior to his passing in 2003. Born in Allentown, Helen was the daughter of the late John J. Sr. and Mary (Ference) Brenkacs. She was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Allentown. For many years, Helen worked as a sewing machine operator for various clothing factories throughout the Lehigh Valley. Helen loved to play Bingo and adored her family, especially her grandchildren Craig, John and Mary. Surviving is her daughter: Diane wife of David Luksa. Brother: John J. Brenkacs Jr. Grandchildren: Craig Luksa and his wife Elizabeth, John Luksa and Mary Luksa. Helen was predeceased by her brother Robert F. Brenkacs. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00AM on Monday October 14, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Allentown. Calling Hours will be 9:00-10:30AM in the Kohut Funeral Home, in Allentown.