A-2 - THE PRESS AND JOURNAL, Wednesday, October 1, 2014
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Obituaries
GENEALOGY
Pennsylvania Family Roots Sharman Meck Carroll PO Box 72413, Thorndale, PA 19372 pafamroots@msn.com
Column No. 764/October 1, 2014
St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Ravine, Schuylkill Co., Pa.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church of Pine Grove Township, better known as the Lower Church of Cherryville, was organized in 1891. Preaching had been held in the schoolhouse for many years by the Lutheran, Reformed and United Brethren pastors. The Reformed Church decided to build a church while the Lutherans and United Brethrens joined to build a Union Church of Cherryville. This remained a Union Church until repeated efforts on the part of the Lutherans failed to enlist the interest of the United Brethrens to pay half of the indebtedness still owed on the building. This failure resulted in the sale of the church by the sheriff and the purchase was made by Mr. Henry Harvey who made an agreement with the Lutheran congregation to deed them the property as soon as the debt was paid. This debt, at the date of the agreement on January 3, 1903, amounted with the cost of the sale to $543.23. This amount had been reduced to $303.17 on March 24, 1906. On December 14, 1902, it was decided the church should be known as St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Pine Grove Township. The Charter, Constitution, and By-laws recommended by General Council and the Ministerium of Pennsylvania were taken as the basis for the Rules and Regulations of the congregation. The original church council was David Lengle, Percival Zimmerman, (my great-uncle), son of Martin and Lucy Trumb Zimmerman of Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co, Pa.; John H. Grumbine, John Lengle, George Lehman, and Henry Harvey. On July 26, 1919, a motion was made to have two services in English and one in German. In 1921 a pipeless furnace was installed in the church and between 1925 and 1930 the entire basement was dug out, concrete floor put in, the church raised, and three rows of concrete block put on top of the old walls. During this same time, a concrete platform and steps were put at the church entrance. In 1928 a new steam heating system was installed and the old plain glass windows were replaced with new leaded stained glass windows. In 1935 a brass cross and new lighting fixtures were presented to the church. In 1939 the church was painted inside and outside and water was installed in the basement along with a cabinet kitchen sink by the Girls Club. January 15, 1941 was the 50th Anniversary of the congregation and also the 25th Anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Kips, and the 15th Anniversary of his pastorate at St. Matthew’s. On October 7, 1941, a 14-ton loaded coal truck trying to avoid hitting a milk truck hit the church damaging the inside. During this time services were held at St. Paul’s Reformed Church with the Reformed minister taking the Reformed service one Sunday and the Lutheran minister taking the Lutheran service in the next Sunday. Sundays services were resumed at St. Matthews on April 26, 1942 although it wasn’t yet entirely finished. All repairs and painting were finally completed on August 2, 1942 so the dedication service was held on that day. Pastor Kipps conducted the service assisted by Pastor Correll, the Pastor of St. Paul’s Reformed Church, who gave the sermon. Both choirs joined in the celebration. Rev. Marberger, President of the Pottsville Conference, suggested that the parishes of Llewellyn, Brown’s and St. Matthew’s form one parish. On March 11, 1956 it was voted to form the Friedens-Llewellyn Parish. Pastor Sterling Bashore took over the duties of the parish on May 1, 1956. On March 2, 1957, St. Matthew’s joined the Pine Grove Council of Churches. In March of 1958, the church acquired the land located to the rear of the church. Many changes and additions took place throughout the years and in 1974 a motion was made to have the congregation officially removed from the Llewellyn Parish. Pastors of St. Matthew’s Church - Rev. Elias Henry; Rev. H. B. Strodach; Rev. William Kramlich; Rev. George Kirsche; Rev. Aaron Klick, 1912-1921; Rev. Ernest A. Weber, 1921-1926; Rev. M. M. Kipps, 1926-1953; Rev. Kenneth Anderson, June 30, 1954-June 19, 1955; Rev. Freeman Hemmig, November 1955-April 1956; Rev. Sterling Bashor, April 1956-January 1, 1972; Rev. Charles Shade, January 29, 1972-March 10, 1974; Rev. Clark Kuntz, March 24, 1974-September 1977; Rev. Gary Langensiepen, September 1977-March 8, 1979; Rev. Larry Hassler, September 9, 1979. This came from “Pine Grove Area Church and Related Data” 1997 compiled by Pearl Kreichbaum. References and Credits - Church Anniversary Booklets, History of Pine Grove, History of Schuylkill County and Pastors and Members of the churches.
What’s Coming Up
Oct. 11: Ohio Chapter, Palatines to America, Der Dutchman Restaurant, 445 Jefferson Ave., Plain City, Ohio. Speaker: Baerbel Johnson of FamilySearch. More info: http://www.oh-palam.org/; Oct. 17-18: The Genealogy Event, Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, 1 Bowling Green, New York City. Sponsored in partnership with the National Archives. Presenters will include Der Kurier editor James M. Beidler. For more info: http://www.thegenealogyevent.com/#!nyc-Fall-2014/c24hy; Oct. 24-25; Mags Fall Workshop and Meeting, Sheraton-Wilmington South, New Castle, Delaware. Speakers: Connie Potter and Patrick Osborn, in addition, Dr. Kenneth Heger will present a special interactive workshop on Oct. 24 entitled “Selling the War at Home.” More info: www.magsgen.com.
Genealogy Tip Of The Week
Use discretion in your genealogy reports, but use discretion when reporting family information, especially when it involves living relatives. Fees For Obituaries: 31¢ per word. $5 for photo. Fees For Card of Thanks or In Memoriam: $10 / 45 words or less; $10 each additional 45 words or less. Paid In Advance - Cash, Check, Visa, Mastercard. Deadline - Monday Noon. Contact Press And Journal at 717-944-4628, e-mail: PamSmith@pressandjournal.com or Your Funeral Director.
Russel Myers
Russel S. Myers, 83, of Middletown, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, September 23, at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He was born on February 7, 1931 in Middletown and was the son of the late Russel A. and Arletta Moretz Myers. Russel was retired from Norfolk Southern where he worked as a freight conductor, and he enjoyed traveling, fishing, and going to the beach. In addition to his parents, Russel was preceded in death by his loving wife Audrey P. Good Myers, and a brother William “Bill” Myers. He is survived by his children, Russel T., husband of Susan Myers of Middletown, Ronald A. Myers of Middletown, and Kathy L., wife of Steven Bosworth of Brockton, Mass.; four grandchildren Samantha and Seth Myers, and Ryan and Eric Bosworth;
Jeanne Elizabeth McKinney (nee Rice), realtor, businesswoman and a longtime resident of Middletown, died on Friday, September 26, at the age of 87. Jeanne was born in Selinsgrove to the late William O. and Mary Freed Rice, and was a graduate of Selinsgrove High School and Beauty School in Philadelphia. She was always proud of her Snyder County roots, tracing her lineage to the Middleswarth family who arrived in America in 1690. She married Jackson Wallis McKinney after his return from serving in World War II under General Patton’s Infantry. He suffered a combat injury and was awarded The Purple Heart. Upon their move to Middletown, she followed her love of hair design and fashion, opening up a beauty parlor and Jeanne’s House of Fashions in her home. Always stylish and cutting edge, she had a loyal following. Upon Jack’s untimely death at the age of 46, she found herself entering a new chapter as a realtor. In the early ’70s there were few women in the real estate business, and after completing her licensure to become a realtor, she affiliated with Mary K. Vandenberg Realtors in Harrisburg. Jeanne really found her niche, she loved finding a couple their first house, which led to moving up to the next house. She was passionate about real estate, working tirelessly day and night for her clients. Jeanne teamed up over the years with many companies to include Detweiler, Coldwell Banker and others. She accumulated her own portfolio of properties to include multiunit buildings, historically significant properties in Middletown, and a cottage in Mount. Gretna. Along with real estate, Jeanne had entrepreneurial endeavors to include Concepts Unlimited, an upscale hair design business in Harrisburg. Her main interest was always her children and family. Her home was always a central place for family and friends to get together. Her cooking and attention to detail always made for a memorable occasion. After retiring from real estate, Jeanne, as Jeanne would be, purchased a property in Florida and
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sister Jean Murray; brother Henry Myers; and several nieces and nephews. Keeping with Russel’s wishes, graveside services will be at the convenience of the family. The family has entrusted the care of the Matinchek & Daughter Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Middletown, to handle the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.matinchekanddaughterfuneralhome.com.
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did it alone for a while, experiencing life for herself. After her return, she devoted her energies to her children and grandchildren, for which they are richer for it. Jeanne was also a member of DAR, Eastern Star, Middletown Historical Society, and Queen Esther Class at St. Peter’s, among other many other interests. She was the love of the late Jackson Wallis McKinney who died on October 3, 1971. Jeanne was the wonderful, caring and devoted mother of Dennis A. McKinney (Linda), Maureen McKinney Higgins (Joe), Rodger F. McKinney (Lauren), and the late Jack Craig McKinney; cherished grandmother of Jason, Joshua, Patrick, Courtney, Andrew, Jason and Jessica; seven great-grandchildren; loving sisters-in-law, Judy Wile (Dave), and Judy Billow; and many nieces and nephews. Her Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, in St. Peter’s Lutheran Kierch, corner of Union and High Sts., Middletown, where the family will receive guests after 10 a.m. Her burial will follow in the family plot in Liverpool. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Benevolent Care Fund at Frey Village, 1020 N. Union St., Middletown, PA 17057. Arrangements by Chadwick & McKinney Funeral Home Inc., Ardmore, Pa. www.chadwickmckinney.com.
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James Raymond “Ray” Moreland, 76, of Ocala, Fla., formerly of Peoria, Ill., died Wednesday, September 17, in Ocala Regional Medical Center, Ocala. James was born on October 13, 1937 in Mount Sterling, Ill. He was the son of Robert E. and Goldie Bowen Moreland. He was married to the love of his life Kathryn Behm on March 14, 1959 in Peoria. He was a retired machinist from Caterpillar Inc., and a retired mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office. At the time of his death he worked at the Ocala Star Banner, who were his second family. James was also an Army veteran, serving from 1962 until 1966. He was preceded in death by two daughters Deborah Dawn and Charlotte Rose Moreland, and three brothers Robert, Bruce, and Billy Moreland. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Kathryn Marie (Michael) Michels of Middletown, Julie Ray (fiancé Gene) Moreland of Charlotte, N.C., and Penny Ray (Adam) Zimmermann of Brimfield, Ill.; eight grandchildren James Raymond Michels, Matthew Jacob (Brandi) Michels, Andrew Joseph (Nan) Michels, Tim Gunzenheiser, Brad Gunzenheiser, Kyle Gunzenheiser, A.J. Zimmermann, and Zach Zimmermann; three great-grandchildren Hailey Diane and Matthew Gerard Michels, and Kayleianne Gunzeheiser; two sisters Mary Ellen (David) Suver,
Eva Mae (Dave) Hewitt; brother, Greg (Vicky) Moreland; and his precious gifts from his wife, two Yorkies, Jasmine and Pixie. Funeral services were held Friday at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel, with the Rev. Michael Jones officiating. Burial was in Swan Lake Memory Gardens, Peoria, with military rites. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, or PAWS. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.
Submitted photo
Actor Don Keefer, second from left, is shown on his wedding day, with bride Catherine McLeod, second from right, actor Kevin McCarthy and author and critic Mary McCarthy.
FROM HIGHSPIRE TO HOLLYWOOD
Actor Don Keefer, veteran of stage and screen, dies By Noelle Barrett
For The Press And Journal
Actor Don Keefer portrayed a man who was turned into a jack-in-the-box in an episode of TV’s “Twilight Zone’’ and a scientist who wakes up Woody Allen in Allen’s 1973 film, “Sleeper.” He was a school janitor eaten by a monster in a crate in director George Romero’s screen adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 anthology, “Creepshow,” and begged Jim Carrey for change in the 1997 comedy, “Liar, Liar.’’ He was a star. Keefer, who grew up in Highspire, portrayed well over 100 roles on screen and stage in a career that spanned over six decades. On Sept. 7, he died in Sherman Oaks, Calif. at the age of 98. He was the last surviving member of the original cast and creative crew in the original Broadway production of Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, “Death of a Salesman,” under the direction of Elia Kazan. Playing Bernard was the role Keefer was most proud of, his son DK McLeod said. He later reprised the role for the 1951 film adaption, the only actor from the original Broadway cast to do so. Keefer was born in 1916, the youngest son of Highspire butcher John Keefer and his wife, Edna, and lived in a home beside Keefer’s Meat Market on Second Street. His got his first taste of the performance arts in Highspire, where he performed in recitals at the former Highspire High School. “My mother [got me interested],” Keefer said in an January interview with the Press And Journal. “She liked to recite poetry and short stories. Soon I was reading and reciting those same stories at women’s clubs and auxiliaries in Highspire.” He also enjoyed going to Hershey to the amusement park where he remembered a theater in the park, calling it, “part of its charm.” Keefer’s dreams would take him to New York after graduation and, eventually, Hollywood. Over the years, Keefer became known for his versatility and abilities in improvised roles and as a character actor. He performed in episodes of generations of popular TV shows, including “Father Knows Best,” “Gunsmoke,” “Peyton Place,” “The Andy Griffith
Show,” “Star Trek,” “Mission: Impossible,” “The Munsters,” “Green Acres,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Kung Fu,” “Picket Fences,” “ER” and “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.” His final on-screen role, at the age of 81, as a beggar at the courthouse in “Liar, Liar,” showed his ability to realistically portray characters – even between takes. “They filmed it near the real-life Skid Row, and several police officers at different points questioned his right to go back on set,” McLeod recalled. On his last day working on “Liar, Liar,’’ director Tom Shadyac walked him off the set to applause, a true testament to his talent. Keefer also rubbed elbows with many notable people in Hollywood throughout his career. He portrayed Jug in the 1957 film, “Hellcats of the Navy,” with Ronald and Nancy Reagan and a fireman in the 1969 classic, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” opposite Paul Newman and Robert Redford. In the Broadway Debut of “Death of a Salesman,” Keefer played Bernard alongside Lee J. Cobb (Willy Loman). In an episode of “Gunsmoke,’’ Keefer performed alongside his wife, Catherine McLeod. He and Catherine had three sons, Don Jr., John and Thomas. “Growing up, he was a very good father and took excellent care of us,” Keefer’s son, DK McLeod said. “He had a tremendous amount of energy, was funny, sophisticated, well-spoken and a good sense of humor.” Keefer was a longtime member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the group that votes for the Oscars and was a founding member of the Actors Studio in New York. He had close friendships with many actors including Montgomery Clift, Kevin McCarthy and Elliott “Ted” Reid. Though Keefer was certainly a star, he was also very humble. After a January story about him in the Press And Journal called him a “star,” Keefer told his son the accolade might be “presumptuous.” “It took him a while to warm to the idea … but both times we discussed it, [he] wound up smiling broadly. It was good to see,” DK McLeod said. “Using [the story] to persuade him he was a star really was a special moment.”