Obituaries

Neil Stuart Steckel, 87 of Williams Twp., PA died Saturday, November 30, 2019 at home. Born February 8, 1932 in Easton, PA he was a son of the late Margaret Helen (Long) and Russell Victor Steckel. His wife, the former Fay Marie Siglinger died in 2013. He was a graduate of Easton High School Class of 1950 and served in the Navy during the Korean War. He was employed by Ingersoll-Rand Test Pump division for 16 years and then by Sohio Petroleum and as an independent contractor for British Petroleum. Neil was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Williams Twp. where he served as Council President and in the choir. He was also a member of USA Dance and the Lehigh Valley Cotillion Dance Club.

He is survived by his children: Kathleen A. Mathews, Russell S. Steckel (wife Denise) all of Williams Twp., PA, William S. Steckel (fiancé Lisa) of Moore Twp., PA; 3 granddaughters: Danielle DeLuca, Lisa Royer, Erin Severud and 5 great-grandchildren: Koen, Maxem, Joseph, Ari and Isla.

Services are 11 AM Friday (Dec. 6) in St. John’ s Lutheran Church, Williams Twp., 2745 Morgan Hill Rd., Easton, PA with visitation 6 to 7:30 PM Thursday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Interment is in Durham Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Williams Twp. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Raymond “Coach” Herman, 81, of Forks Township, died Saturday, November 30, 2019.

Born October 6, 1938 in Hellertown, he was a son of the late Walter and Mildred (Fritchman) Herman.

Ray was a teacher at Easton Area High School for over 30 years and retired in 1991. He was also the track coach and cross country coach at the high school for over 30 years. He was featured in Sport Illustrated as the top most winning cross country coach in the country.

Surviving are his step-son, Scott Odenwelder and his wife, Tabitha, with whom he resided; sisters, Carol Szarko of Oley and Joan Mathias and her husband, Ken, of Hellertown and a grandson, Tristen. His companion, Joan Odenwelder died in 2009.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, December 5, 2019 in Hellertown Union Cemetery, 85 Main St., Hellertown.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Mary Lou Wollman, 78 of Bethlehem Twp., PA died Thursday, November 28, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. Born November 1, 1941 in Easton she was a daughter of the late Catherine (Everly) and Ralph Harlan. She was a 1958 graduate of Wilson High School and graduate of the Empire Beauty School. She was a member of Palmer Moravian Church, Palmer Twp., the Concordia Maennerchor,  and an associate member of the Marine Corps Northampton County Detachment and the American Legion, Brown & Lynch Post. Mary Lou loved to cook and she loved her family. She will be missed by many.

She is survived by 3 children: Sue Gannon (husband Tim), Bob Courtright, James Wollman (wife Felicia) all of Easton; and grandchildren: Krista, Kelsi, Alexis, Justine and James. Her sister Shirley Ruland died earlier.

Services are 10:30 AM Tuesday (Dec. 3) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with a calling period from 6 to 7:30 PM Monday. Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Joyce Henrietta Madison, 91 of Cambridge, MD died Nov. 27, 2019 in Cambridge. Born July 20, 1928 in Easton, PA she was a daughter of the late Cula (Flyte) and Jennings Harper. Since his passing in 2012, Joyce has been longing for a glorious reunion with her beloved husband John Ellsworth Madison. She was a 1946 graduate of Wilson High School and attended First Baptist Church and later Bethel Memorial Baptist Church both in Easton. Her favorite pastime was oil painting; her pastoral paintings have been displayed on the walls of many friends and family. She also enjoyed spending time with friends, regular Saturday night dancing, card clubs, travel, and time at their cabin at Lake Wallenpaupack.

Joyce is lovingly remembered by two sons: John Madison of Ocala, FL, Scott Madison of Cambridge, MD and two grandchildren: Jennifer Stewart of Morristown, NJ and Michael Madison of Tacoma, WA. She was also preceded in death by her sister Audry Kirchhofer.

A Memorial Service will be held 2 PM December 27 at the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Craig Paul Walter, 61 of Brodheadsville, PA passed away unexpectedly Saturday, November 23, 2019 at home. Born July 17, 1958 in Wilson Borough, PA he was a son of Arvilla “Billie” (Leh) Walter and the late John E. Walter. He was a 1976 graduate of Wilson High School and the Vocational Technical School for Electrical Technology. He was employed by Mars Wrigley in Hackettstown, NJ for almost 20 years. Prior to that he was employed by Kays Electric, Bill Coughlin Electrical and Ingersoll-Rand. Craig loved fishing, family vacations to Canada and owning his own “little piece of America”, but he especially loved and was proud of his two amazing children.

He is survived by his mother; his beloved wife of 34 years: Susan (Koch); his children: Timothy of Baltimore, MD, Kalee of Wilson Borough; brothers: Thomas (wife Helen) of Browns Mills, NJ, John (wife Stacee) of Wilson Borough; father-in-law: John Koch of Nazareth, PA; brother-in-law: Steven Koch (wife Bonnie) of Nazareth; nieces and nephews: Robbie, Kelly, Matthew, Jake, Tyler and Bethanee, Dakota, Mason and Kara; and those he thought of as daughters: Tori, Danielle and many others.

Services are 10:30 AM Saturday (Nov. 30) in New Creation United Church of Christ, 3730 Nicholas St., Easton, PA with visitation 5 to 7 PM Friday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton and 9:30 to 10:30 AM Saturday in the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Creation UCC, 3730 Nicholas St., Easton, PA 18045. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.