The Morning Call from Allentown, Pennsylvania • 14

FEBRUARY 21, 2009 THE MORNING CALL Professional, Dignified and Affordable Cremation Services J.s. Burkholder Family Owned, Since 1895 Michael A. Weber Owner-Supervisor Sonya Siegfried General Manager Whatever is important to you is important to us! 16th Hamilton Streets, Allentown 610.433.5161 www.burkholderfuneral.com TODAY Bardman, Ira Bertalan Joseph Billig, Barry Breckon, Angelina Mae Creyer, Carmela DeLong, Lester Diaz, Julio Drauch, Herman Frey, Herbert Hillegas, Barry Hoanzl, Walter Ibbotson, Harry Kleckner, Althea Lehr, Karl Miller, Donald Miller, Wayne Mondok, John Myers, Carl Nelson, Caroline Seidel, Esther Skrip, Elizabeth Althea E. Kleckner Althea E. Kleckner, 86, of Allentown, died Thursday, February 19, 2009 in Cedarbrook, South Whitehall Township.

Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Grover P. and Cajus V. (Eisenhard) Marcks. She was a seamstress in the Lehigh Valley. She was of the Lutheran Faith.

Survivors: Sons, David and his wife, Kathleen, of Germansville, Dennis D. and his wife, Deborah, of Freemansburg, Brian K. and his companion, Nancy Parenti, of Allentown; daughters, Harriet wife of Bryan P. Schaeffer, of Bethlehem, Louise A. Kleckner and her companion, Lynn Gromis, of Allentown, Cynthia wife of David M.

Kelshaw, of Allentown; sisters, Mary, wife of Alton Ringer, of Whitehall, Sarah J. of Allentown; six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by brothers, Gerald, James, Robert, Richard, Harold, and sisters, Dorothy and Ruth. Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2009 in Trexler Funeral Home 1625 Highland Allentown.

Calling a.m. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3893 Alder Place, Bethlehem, 18017, or Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Please sign Guest Book on mcall.com/obits BUY SELL RENT Lehigh Valley Classifieds THE MORNING CALL Esther M. Seidel Esther M. Seidel, 87, formerly of the Lehigh Valley, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2009 in the Pinebrook Personal Care Facility in Orwigsburg.

She was the wife of the late Kenneth Seidel. She was 'born in Allentown a daughter of the late Raymond O. and Serena L. (Kerchner) lobst. Esther was a seamstress for various garment manufactures.

Survivors: Son, Dale R. wife of Janet E. Hart of Allentown; sister, Serena L. Treby of Macungie; brothers, Oscar R. lobst of Quincy, and Mark W.

lobst of Scottsdale, grandson, Daniel Hart. Caregivers: Warren and Cindy Barlet of Orwigsburg. Services: Gravesite services, 11 a.m. Monday at the Highland Memorial Park, 1441 Roth Avenue, Allentown. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home Allentown.

www www.stephensfuneral.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Pinebrook Personal Care and Retirement Center, 2 Woodbridge Road, Orwigsburg, PA 17961. Please sign Guest Book on mcall.com/obits Harry Ibbotson Harry Owen Ibbotson, 67, of Richmond son of the late Harry and Catherine Ibbotson and brother Pete, of Slatington, passed away in his home on Thursday, February 19, 2009. Harry taught in the public school system for 34 years in Prince William and Fairfax counties, Va. Survivors: Daughter, Kelly Ibbotson Tait of Richmond; son, Trent Ibbotson and his wife, Jill of Charlotte, N.C.; four grandsons, Jimmy Carter Tait and Hagan and Harris Ibbotson; several fantastic nieces and nephews.

Services: 4 p.m., Monday, February 23 in the Chesterfield Chapel of Bennett Funeral HOme, 14301 Ashbrook Parkway, Chesterfield, Va. Contributions: In lieu of flower contributions may be made to Virginia Cancer Institute (VCI), 6605 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230 with reference to the memory of Harry Ibbotson. Please sign Guest Book on mcall.com/obits MONUMENTS MEMORIALS MEMORIALIZE A LIFE DEAL DIRECTLY WITH OWNER AND AVOID THE MIDDLEMAN'S COMMISSIONS Northampton Memorial Co. BARRE Ben Porobenski, Prop. GUILD Call For An Appointment At Your Convenience, Or Stop In With No Obligation 342 MAIN NORTHAMPTON Monuments Monuments Duplicated Markers Serving All Cemeteries Plaques Repairs Bronze Markers Lettering Cleaning Personalized Design Done in Cemetery 610-262-5568 Obituaries Herman Drauch Herman Drauch, 85, of Allentown, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2009 in Cedarbrook, South Whitehall Township.

He was the husband of the late Helena Drauch. Born in Poppendorf, Austria, Herman was a son of the late John and Cecelia (Bauman) Drauch. He was a member of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Allentown. Herman was self employed and had a rug cleaning service in Allentown. He served with the Army during World War I II.

Survivor: Surviving is a brother, John G. of Allentown. Services: Graveside services will be on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 1 p.m. in Laurel Cemetery, Whitehall. Calling will be on Tuesday from noon to 12:45 p.m.

in the O'Donnell Funeral Home, 908 Hanover Allentown. Please sign Guest Book on mcall.com/obits Walter D. Hoanzl Walter D. "Hank" Hoanzl, 85, of Northampton, passed away Friday, February 20, 2009 in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. He was the husband of Jean M.

(Hughes) Hoanzl. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anni.versary in December. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late George and Theresa (Weisner) Hoanzl. He was an ice cream maker at Lehigh Valley Dairy for 38 years before retiring in 1988. Previously, he worked for Bethlehem Steel Corp.

in the No. 2 machine shop. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Cherryville. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors: Wife; daughter, Beverly, wife of Phillip D.

Falk of Whitehall; sister, Elsie Zodel of Allentown; two grandchildren, Jason D. and Alison J. Services: 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2009, Trexler Funeral Home 1625 Highland Allentown. Call 1-2 p.m.

www.trexlerfuneralhome.com. Contributions: May be made to the church, 4131 Lehigh Cherryville, PA 18035 Please sign Guest Book on mcall.com/obits Consider These Choughts By Stanley S. Stephens, Supervisor Matthew S. Stephens THE COMFORT OF FAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS A great many individuals with terminal illnesses have indicated an aversion to dying in an unfamiliar hospital room. Rather, they would prefer to die "naturally" in a comfortable setting, at home, surrounded by loved ones, with a minimum of pain.

To this end, hospice is a system of care that is specifically designed for patients who have no hope of recovery and no desire for life -prolonging treatment. The people most instrumental to fulfilling these desires are registered nurses, who provide hands-on medical care, and social workers, who offer counseling and support to the patient and family. They are backed up by physicians, home health aides, and if desired, clergy. Hospice should not be viewed as "giving up," but "letting go." Finding the hospice program that meets your needs may take some research, but it will be time well spent. Quality of care, availability of needed services, the types of services covered, staff training and expertise, and insurance coverage all need to be considered.

Here at STEPHENS FUNERAL HOME, we can assist you in planning and coordinating all of the details of a funeral service. For more information, please call 610.434.6304. Our home is located at 1335 Linden Allentown, PA. www.stephensfuneral.com QUOTE: "To be free is to have achieved your life." Tennessee Williams Elizabeth T. Skrip Ira F.

Bardman Ira F. Bardman, 87, husband of Betty M. (Faut) Bardman, of Pottstown, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at his home. Born in Green Lane, he was the son of the late Harry E. and Mary F.

(Frederick) Bardman. Ira was a World War Il Army veteran serving in the 8th Army Air Corps where he was a radio operator on a B17. During a mission, he was shot down over the Bay of Biscayne in France, captured and became a POW for 21 months in the German Prison Camp Stalag 17. He also flew in the famous air raid of Regensburg in Germany. Ira enjoyed bowling at Jay Lanes and collected model trains.

He worked at the Super Fresh in both Pottstown and Phoenixville as a meat cutter until he retired in 1986. After retiring he took up house painting. Survivors: Son, Dennis R. Bardman of Glen Bernie, Md; daughter JoAnn Bardman of Pottstown; brother Carl Bardman of Green Lane; sisters, Miriam F. Kline of Telford, Grayce F.

Sutton of Upper Providence, and Erma F. Knisley of Milford Twp. Also surviving are grandchildren, Laura E. and Meghan P. Bardman, both of Glen Burnie, Md.

Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings Gladys, Henry, Ralph, Florence, James, Abner, Mary, Roger, Paul and Arnold. Services: 11 a.m. Monday, at Grace Lutheran Church, 660 N. Charlotte Street, Pottstown, with Pastor Paul J. Xander officiating.

Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call on Sunday, from p.m. at Catagnus Funeral Home Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown and on Monday from a.m. at the church.

View obituaries or send condolences at www.catagnusfuneralhomes.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ira's name to Tri County Home Care Hospice, 1600 East High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464 or Grace Lutheran Church, 660 N. Charlotte Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. Please sign Guest Book on mcall.com/obits Angelina Breckon Angelina Mae Breckon, 76, formerly of Easton, died February 19, 2009. Survivors: Son, Willard Jr.

and his wife, Lauren; brother, Emilio Manarino and his wife, Martha; grandchildren, greatgrandchildren. Predeceased husband, Willard. Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Strunk Funeral Home 2101 Northampton Easton. Call 10-11 a.m.

Elizabeth T. Skrip, 81, of Emmaus, died on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 in the Inpatient Hospice Unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. Her husband, Peter Skrip, died in 1982. Born in Emmaus, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Catherine (Karnis) Rokosny. She was a member of St.

Ann's Catholic Church, Emmaus, where she was a former member of the Rosary Society. She was the office manager for the Michael R. Skrip Excavating Co, for the last 30 years. Previously she was the chief operator for the former Emaus Phone Company for six years until 1951. Her family and friends remember her for her love of gardening, cooking and crafts.

She was an avid Phillies fan. Survivors: Son, Michael R. Skrip and his wife, Debra, of Emmaus; daughters, Barbara A. Clouse and her husband, Victor, of East Stroudsburg and Theresa S. Reed and her husband, Richard, of Raleigh, N.C.; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Douglas Clouse, and siblings, Andrew, George, Anna, Mary, Margaret and Josephine. Services: 12:15 p.m. Monday, Bachman, Kulik Reinsmith Funeral Home, 225 Elm Street, Emmaus. Followed by Mass of Christian Burial, 1 p.m. Monday, St.

Ann's Catholic Church, Emmaus. Call 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Monday, in the funeral home. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Emmaus.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church, 415 S. Sixth Street, Emmaus, PA 18049. Please sign Guest Book on mcall.com/obits Barry S. Billig Barry S. Billig, 65, of 38 E.

Fell Summit Hill, died on February 18, 2009 in Orwigsburg Center. Born in Coaldale, he was the son of the late Elmer and Helen (Thomas) Billig. He worked for Interstate Dress Carriers and Morgan Knitting Mills, Hometown. He served in the Vietnam era in the Air Force. He was a member of St.

Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Summit Hill. He, was a member of the Summit Hill American Legion and a member of the Lansford Amvets. Survivors: Two sons, Michael of Palmerton and Barry S. Il and his wife, Theresa, in Florida; sister, Marcia Follweiler of Boyertown; five grandchildren. Services: are at the convenience of the family.

Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home, Summit Hill, is in charge of arrangements. Contributions: May be made to the Summit Hill American Legion in memory of Barry Billig the funeral home. Please sign Guest Book on mcall.com/obits Carl H. Myers Carl H.

Myers, 80, of Allentown, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2009 in Fellowship Manor, Whitehall. He was the husband of Marguerite M. "Marge" (Shoemaker) Myers. They would have been married for 59 years this May. Carl was born in Wilkes-Barre, a son of the late Ralph F.

and Matilda A. (Puterbaugh) Myers. Carl owned and operated Carl H. Myers Real Estate and Insurance Agency for 40 years before retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Messiah Primitive Methodist Church, WilkesBarre.

Carl was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was a life member of V.F.W. Post 9264, Macungie. Carl was a member of Lehigh Masonic Lodge 326, Trexlertown, Lehigh Shrine, Lehigh Consistory and Rajah Temple, Reading. He was the founder and past president of the Western Lehigh Business Association. He was a member of the National Association of Realtors, Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and the Lehigh County Board of Realtors.

Carl was a member and served as past president of the former Allentown Board of Realtors. Survivors: Wife; sisters, Blanche wife of James Hindle, of Fort Wayne, Matilda A. Myers of Wilkes-Barre. He was predeceased by a sister, Virginia Gates, and by brothers, Robert and Ralph. Services: 10 a.m.

Wednesday in Bethany United Methodist Church, 1208 Brookside Road, Wescosville. Call p.m. Tuesday in the Stephens Funeral Home 1335-37 Linden Allentown, and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday in the church. A Masonic service will be held at 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday in the funeral home by Lehigh Masonic Lodge 326. Interment will be in Fort Indiantown Gap Cemetery, Annville. Please share on-line condolences at: www.stephensfuneral.com. Contributions: Rajah Caravaners Campground, Harold Garland, 1421 Westgate Bethlehem, PA 18017 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 3551 N. Broad Philadelphia, PA 19140.

Please sign Guest Book on mcall.com/obits Want to earn extra money for a vacation? Become a newspaper carrier. THE MORNING CALL Allentown Bethlehem An FUNERAL HOME, INC. K.V. KNOPP Downing Funeral Forethought Funeral Planning 1002 W. Broad Street, Bethlehem, Before the Need Arises Garrett W.

Wood, Supervisor Kenneth Supv. V. Owner Knopp Home, Inc. PA 18018 Act Jason J. Hennigh, President 46 E.

Susquehanna St. 610-797-3032 ROBERT Julie TC. Funeral A. WEIR Weir-Morton FUNERAL Director HOME Fax Phone Charles M. www.downingfuneralhome.com 610.867.9094 Downing, 610.867.5841 F.D, of Branch Location: Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.

18th Turner Streets 950 N. Front Allentown, PA 18102 Telephone 610-433-7936 Jason J. Hennigh, Supervisor Allentown, PA Love Bethlehem Catasaqua BRUBAKER FUNERAL HOME, INC. LOOKING AHEAD J. Andrew, Brubaker, Supervisor MAKES SENSE CANTELMI Funeral Home Contact one of these Traditional Funerals Trusted by Professionals for a Memorial Services families we Tax Cremation Free Preplanning serve 66 for years over comprehensive guide 311 to pre-arrangements Bethlehem, PA 18015-4043 Dino P.

Cantelmi, Funeral Director 234 Walnut Street and financial options P. Cantelmi, Supervisor Catasauqua, PA 18032 610-866-2323 610-264-0601 for you and your family. www.cantelmifuneralhome.com www.brubakerfuneralhome.com.