Mary E. (Schwenk) Schaffer, 92, formerly of Pottstown, wife of the late Harry D. Schaffer, passed away on Monday at Parkhouse Providence Pointe Nursing Home.

Born in Pottstown, she was the daughter of the late John and Edna (Murray) Schwenk.

Mary was a very active member of Salem United Methodist Church in Pottstown where she was a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and head of many committees. She was also a member of the Pottstown American Legion Auxiliary, and a member of the Red Hat Society at Parkhouse.  She worked for the former FW Woolworth in Pottstown as a sales clerk for 38 years, retiring in 1982. She was an avid baker and seamstress.

Surviving are her daughters Barbara Yorgey, wife of Daniel, of Boyertown and Harriet Mulnix, wife of Charles, of NM; sons Jack Schaffer, husband of Denise of TX, and John Schaffer, husband of Andrea of Royersford; brothers John R. Schwenk of Pottstown and Douglass Schwenk of Frederick; 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandson. She is predeceased by her brothers Lewis and Donald Schwenk.

A funeral service will be Friday,  10:00AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 9:00AM to 9:45AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to Salem United Methodist Church memorial fund, 335 West Street, Pottstown, Pa 19464.

Laura J. (Banyai) Ziegler, 78, passed away Wednesday, August 8, 2012 in her residence.

She was the wife of Robert K. Ziegler Sr. They were married August 21, 1954 in Limerick.

She was born December 15, 1933 and was the daughter of the late Julius and Gertie (Lightcap) Banyai.

Laura was a graduate of Pottstown High School and Reading Hospital School of Nursing. She enjoyed reading, puzzles, crocheting, bird watching and reenacting at the Goshenhoppen Folk Festival.

Surviving are children Robert K. Ziegler Jr., husband of Karen, Cheryl A. Sharayko, companion of Richard D. Adamson, Michael S. Ziegler, husband of Anita, and Steven T. Ziegler, husband of Brenda; grandchildren Annette, Jason, Candice, Jennifer, Angela, Matthew, Jacqueline, Jennifer, Shawn, Kyle, Ashley, Anthony and Zachary; 18 great grandchildren; sisters Charolette, Barbara and Carol; and brothers Julius and Richard.

Services and interment are private.

Robert K "Bob" Ziegler, husband of the late Laura J ( Banyai ) passed away on Saturday , May 18, at his residence. Laura passed away August 8, 2012.

Born in Limerick, he was the son of the late Phares B. and Laura (Keeney) Ziegler.

Bob was a Korean War Navy veteran serving from 1950 to 1954. He was a member of the Boyertown Rotary and owned Napa Auto Part stores in Boyertown and Kutztown. Bob also enjoyed golfing, farming, and snowmobiling.

Surviving are children Robert K. Ziegler Jr., husband of Karen, Cheryl A. Sharayko, companion of Richard D. Adamson, Michael S. Ziegler, husband of Anita, and Steven T. Ziegler, husband of Brenda; sister Helen Yerger; grandchildren Annette, Jason, Candice, Jennifer, Angela, Matthew, Jacqueline, Jennifer, Shawn, Kyle, Ashley, Anthony and Zachary; and 18 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, his parents, grandson Aaron, brothers Ralph and Guy Ziegler and sister Marion Nuss.

Services and interment are private.

Memorial donations may be made in Bob's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105

Margaret C. (Cullinan) Irey, 88, wife of the late Richard M. Irey, passed away on Sunday at the Mifflin Center in Shillington.  She previously resided at Keystone Ville IL in Douglassville.

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, she was the daughter of the late Harold W. and Mary (Challiss) Cullinan.

Margaret attended the University of Nebraska and graduated from a private girl’s school. She was a member of the Junior League of Lincoln, NE and San Francisco, where she received the award of “Admiral in the Nebraska Navy” by the Governor.  She was also a member of the Embroidery Guild of America and a charter and life member of the Boyertown Historical Society.

Along with her husband, she is predeceased by her son Richard C. Irey.

Services are private.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Humane Society of Berks CO., 1801 N 11th St, Reading PA 19604.

Richard N. "Dick" Hagenbuch, 81, of Perkiomenville, husband of Verna (Schultz) Hagenbuch, passed away on Friday, May 17 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest, Allentown.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late Leon and Luella (Nester) Hagenbuch.

Richard was a WWII Navy Veteran who served on the USS Darby. He worked at Superior Tube in Collegeville for more the 30 years and was a member of the Boyertown Hunting Club. He loved his family, enjoyed woodworking, fishing in Canada, trains and working out in his yard.

Surviving with his wife of 56 years are daughters Jeanette Dotts of Kittanning, Dolores Scholl, wife of LeRoy Scholl Jr  of Zionsville, and Susan Robinson, wife of Sherman Robinson Jr. of Barto; his brother Donald Hagenbuch; grandchildren Johanna, Richard, Keri, Carl, Cory and Shaun; and 5 great grandchildren.  He is predeceased by son in law Gary Dotts and his brother Carl Hagenbuch.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, 10:30AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave. Gilbertsville, with Rev. John G. Pearson officiating. Burial will follow at ST. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery in Sassamansville. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9:30AM to 10:15AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's name to National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St. , New York, NY 10016 or American Heart Association, American Heart Association, 5455 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43214

John F. Murray, 69, of Stowe, husband of Linda G. (Goldberg) Murray, passed away on Thursday.

Born in Kokomo, IN., he was the son of the late Frederick Gordon and Helen L. (Davis) Murray.

John was a veteran of the Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. He worked at Dana Corporation in Reading for 31 years. John enjoyed swimming, going to the beach and watching sports, especially the Eagles and Phillies. Most important to him was his family whom he cooked for, cared for and loved spending time with.

Surviving with his wife of 37 years are daughter Danielle Hawthorne, wife of Bill, of Pottstown and Jennifer Thatcher, wife of Antaeus, of Pottstown; grandson Chase Hawthorne and granddaughters Abby Hawthorne and Lanie Thatcher. He is predeceased by his brothers David and Michael Murray.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, 11:00am at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park. Visitation will be Tuesday, 10:00am to 10:45am at the funeral home.

Sarah M. (O’Leary) Stercula, 83, passed away on Tuesday, May 14 at Parkhouse Providence Pointe Nursing Home, Royersford.

Born in Elizabeth, NJ, she was the daughter of the late John and Dora (Shamburg) O’Leary.

Sarah worked at Firestone Tire Company for 28, retiring when the factory closed. She also worked at Graco and J & L Manufacturing. She enjoyed bowling, quilting and loved to play bingo. Most important to her were her grandchildren and family whom she loved spending time with.

Surviving are children Roxane C. Sheeler, wife of Calvin “Gus”, William F. Stercula, Rose Petri, wife of Henry, Barbara A. Schweitzer, wife of Russell and Dolores M. McGinty, wife of Joe; brothers Jack and Robert O’Leary and sister Patricia Barry; grandchildren Amy, Bethany, Melissa, Megan, Kelly, Nathan, Lizi, Emma, Ben, Brent and Kylie; 5 great grandchildren Dillon, Caitlin, Brody, Rhiley and Ava; and 8 half-siblings.

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sarah’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box, 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011

William R. “Junior” Weand Jr., 80, of Gilbertsville, husband of the late Peggy A.  (Erb) Weand, passed away on Sunday at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia.

Born in Gilbertsville, he was the son of the late William R. and Sadie E. (Bartman) Weand.

William was a member of ST. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lobachsville and very active at the Boyertown Senior Center. He was a US Army veteran, enjoyed collecting tractors and loved going to mountains.

Surviving are sons Gregory Weand of Pottstown and Steven J. Weand, husband of Lori, of New Riggold. Along with his wife, he is predeceased by his sisters Mary Ellen Miller and Marguerite Weller and brothers Laverne and Earl Weand.

A memorial service will be Friday, 10:00AM at ST. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 342 Lobachsville Road, Oley, PA 19547 with Rev. Charles Scharadin and Rev. Rodney Gable officiating. Burial will follow in Lobachsville Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 8:30AM to 10:00AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s name to the church at the above address.

Ronald E. Evans, 68, of Gilbertsville, husband of Kathleen Ann (Millard) Evans, passed away Saturday May 11, 2013 at the Phoenixville Hospital.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late Ellis Lloyd and Edna Elenore (Reinert) Evans.

He was also predeceased by his son Scott Evans and his sister Sandra (Evans) Fasig.

Mr. Evans was a member of New Hanover Lutheran Church. His life was cars. He worked at Ganterts Auto Body Shop, which is now Sanatoga Auto Body, for 42 years until he retired in 2009.  He enjoyed restoring cars, car shows, and drag racing with his 1962 Chevy Impala “Wildfire” setting many records in his day. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles.

He did a tour for Uncle Sam in the Army for 2 years and was stationed in Germany from 1965-1967.  He was always with a car somewhere. Either at a show or at the numerous race tracks he visited- Maple Grove, Cecil County, Vargo, New Media, South Mountain, Atco, Englishtown, York, and Indianapolis. He was always with his son racing somewhere. He enjoyed retirement, talking and being with his buddies, Whopper Wednesday, and breakfast at Brookside on Thursdays.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Evans is survived by his daughter Sandra Evans of Coatesville, PA.

Family and friends are requested to gather at New Hanover United Methodist Church, 2211 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville, PA at 12:30 PM on Saturday May 18 to go in procession to Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd., 329 N. Lewis Rd., Royersford. Friends are urged to bring their classic cars and Hot Rods.

A funeral service will be celebrated Saturday at 3:30 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held Saturday from 2:00-3:15 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family will accept donations to defray funeral expenses. Please send to Mrs. Ronald Evans.

George “Bud” K. Mace, Jr., 80, of Pottstown, husband of Emma L. (Mest) Mace, passed away Friday May 10, 2013 at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late George K., Sr. and Mary (Zezenski) Mace.

George worked at Pottstown Machine Company and at Mingo Nonferrous Metals. He was a Cub Scout Master of Cub Pack 99 through Grace Lutheran Church, Pottstown for thirty years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Surviving along with his wife is his son Kenneth Mace husband of Bonnie Ann (Wanish) of Pottstown; daughter Georgeann Rohrbach wife of David of Bechtelsville; grandson Matthew Rohrbach husband of Misty; great grandchildren Brianna and Isabella; brothers Donald Mace husband of Suzanne, Doug Mace husband of Sylvia, and Ronald husband of Joyce; sisters Joanne Moyer wife of the late Robert, and Kathryn Kepner wife of C. James; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, George was predeceased by his brothers Daniel, Robert, David and Dennis Mace; and his sisters Barbara Davidheiser, Mary Ann Machukas, and Jane Dougherty.

A funeral service will be celebrated Thursday May 16, 11:00 AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin St., Pottstown. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park, Pottstown. Visitation will be held Thursday from 9:30-10:45 AM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in George’s memory to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 150 N. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19464.

Alma Jackson, 78, of Pottstown, passed away Wednesday at Manor Care Pottstown.

Born in Dames Ferry, GA, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Annie L. (Johnson) Jackson.

Alma was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved reading the Bible and attending church.

Surviving is her son James “Pete” Jackson husband of Marva; her daughters Mary Ann Wise wife of Connley, and Annie L. Jackson; 15 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; brothers Charlie Jackson, Jr., and Nathaniel Jackson; and sister Daniell (Jackson) Holmes.

Along with her parents, Alma was predeceased by her brothers Claude and McArthur Jackson; sisters Annie Phillips, and Fannie Jackson; and her grandson Kevin Cornish.

A funeral service will be celebrated Wednesday May 15, 11:00 AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin St., Pottstown. Interment will follow at Limerick Garden of Memories, Limerick. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 10:00-10:45 AM at the funeral home.

John R. (Jack) Hague, 85, of Pottstown, husband of the late Jacqueline E. (Shay) Hague, passed away Sunday at his residence.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, he was the son of the late Robert E. and Ada Jane (Halley) Hague.  A physicist, he worked in the Advanced Aerospace Engineering group with G.E.

John was a WW II Veteran, serving with the Army in Germany.  A member of the Pottstown Senior Center, he enjoyed playing Texas Hold’em.   An avid boater, he was a former member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary of the Northern Chesapeake Bay Area.

Surviving are his 2 daughters Suzanne L. Murray wife of the late John M. Murray, and Maureen A. Tihansky wife of Andrew R; 1 son Robert P. Hague husband of Tracy; 1 brother Charles L. Hague husband of Teresa; 2 grandchildren, Andrew and Robert Tihansky, and one great-grandchild, Taylor.

John was predeceased by his son Gary R. and his sister Barbara Zahorian.

Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Philadelphia Ave., Gilbertsville is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004.

Catherine E. “Kay” (Slaughter) Hess, 67, of Spring City, wife of Sherman Hess Jr., passed away on Saturday, May 4 at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Pottstown, she was the daughter of the late John C. and Lillian G. (Filkins) Slaughter.

Catherine was a member of Royersford Baptist Church where she was very active in church life. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and her family was her first priority.

Surviving with her husband of 47 years is daughter Kathleen L. Yusko; sons Howard S. Hess III, Barry C. Hess and Gary L. Hess; grandchildren Ashley and Jenny Yusko; Toby, Trevor, Maura and Gabriel Hess and Nikole Headrick; and nephew John Luciano. She is predeceased by her sister Dawn Luciano and nephew Tony Luciano.

A funeral service will be Thursday, 11:00AM at Royersford Baptist Church, 452 S. Lewis Road, Royersford with Rev. Karen Selig officiating. Burial will follow in Limerick Garden of Memories. Visitation will be Thursday from 9:30AM to 10:45AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Catherine’s name to Royersford Baptist Church, Fellowship Fund, 452 S. Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468.

Darlene J. Conrad, 68, of Boyertown, passed away on Thursday, May 2 at her home.

Born in Congo, she was the daughter of the late Raymond M. and Mary Louise (Weller) Conrad.

Darlene was a member of the Boyertown Orioles and Bechtelsville Fire Company. She bartended at the Bechtelsville Fire Company and also assisted in the kitchen with fundraisers and had previously worked at Firestone, Snow King and Gudebrod. She enjoyed golfing and being surrounded by her family and friends.  She was also affectionately known to many as “Aunt Darlene”.

Darlene is survived by seven siblings including her sisters Ethel Suloman, Fern Flicker, and Fay Slonaker and her brothers Paul, Kenneth, Ronald and Dennis Conrad.  She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother Russell Conrad.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, at 11:00 am at New Hanover United Methodist Church, 2211 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville. Visitation will be Saturday, May 11 from 9:30am to 11:00 am at the church.  Interment will follow the service at Limerick Garden of Memories, Limerick. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Darlene’s name to The Center at Spring Street, 200 West Spring Street, Boyertown, PA 19512

Andrea Lee (Ellis) Vetter, 60, of Pottstown, companion of Steven Smith, passed away on Sunday at Manor Care in Pottstown after fighting a courageous battle with liver disease.

Born in Pottstown, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mary (Yawornicky) Ellis.

Andrea was a member of the Pottstown Moose Lodge #369 where she was a former board member. She was also a member of the Manatawny Association. She enjoyed puzzles and oil painting, and loved to watch the Phillies and Eagles.

She is survived by her son Fred Vetter; daughter Kimber Lee Vetter, companion of Les Price; sister Dolores “Dolly” Gottshall-Gyomber, wife of Thomas; brothers Robert Ellis, husband of Carol, and Danny Richards; grandson Larry Williams and sister in law Nancy Ellis. She is predeceased by her brothers Andy Jr. and John E. Ellis and sister Mary Ann Berry.

A memorial service will be Friday, 11:00AM at Morning Star Fellowship Church, 100 Limekiln Rd, Bechtelsville. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at the church.