Obituaries

Karl Stirner, 92, of Easton, died Thursday, February 18, 2016 in his home surrounded by his family.

Born November 14, 1923 in Germany, he was a son of the late Karl and Pauline Stirner.  His wife, Gay Lee Elwell, died in 2012.

Karl was well known as the patriarch of the Easton arts community and was instrumental in stimulating the economic revival of Downtown Easton.  He served in the Army during WWII and was an instructor at Tyler School of Art, Moore College of Art and Design, and Swarthmore College.  His work has been shown at the Museum of Modern Art, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Hunterdon Art Museum, Allentown Art Museum and James A. Michener Art Museum.  He was honored by the City of Easton with the creation of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree by Lafayette College.

Surviving are his children, Heather Stirner Nutting and her husband, Mark of Easton, Noelle Stirner and her husband, Philip Lauer of Raubsville, and Jonas Stirner of Florida; a brother, Fritz Stirner of Cinnaminson, NJ; and six grandchildren, Devin, Liam, Ian, Jackson, Hudson, and Phoebe.  His sister, Frida Grimm and his brother, Kurt Stirner died earlier.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 in the Bank Street Annex, 316 Northampton St., Easton.  A viewing will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Wednesday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.  Interment will be private in Easton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, c/o City of Easton.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Phyllis B. Howard, 83, formerly of Palmer Township, died Thursday, February 11, 2016 in Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth.

Born May 16, 1932 in Wilson Borough, she was a daughter of the late Russell and Agnes (Bittner) Bonstein.  Her husband, Edward E. Howard died in 2005.

She graduated from Wilson High School where she participated in the marching band as a majorette.  Phyllis graduated from Churchman’s Business College and worked in the Office of Development and College Relations at Lafayette College.

She was a member of Palmer Moravian Church where she served as an Elder and co-chaired, with her husband, the Sharing of the Light capital campaign.  She was a Girl Scout Leader and founded Brownie Troop 8 at Farmersville UCC.  Phyllis served on the board of Northampton County Historical Society, was a volunteer at Easton Hospital, and a member of the You Are Welcome Club.  Phyllis was a great cook and home decorator, a talented painter and enjoyed touring art galleries. She also enjoyed attending Lafayette sporting events as well as plays and musicals at local colleges and on Broadway.

Surviving are her daughter, Leslie Ann Howard and her husband, Rick Stulgaitis of Madison, Wisconsin; a sister, Jane L. Peters and her husband Bob of Bethlehem Township; grandchildren, Richard S. Howard of Seattle and Vicki Heinz and her husband Jon of Minneapolis; and great grandchildren, Riley and Kennedy Heinz.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the Northampton Memorial Shrine, Green Pond Road, Palmer Township.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.  Phyllis’ family would like to thank the Moravian Hall Square and St. Luke’s Hospice teams for their care and kindness.

Memorial contributions may be made to Palmer Moravian Church, 2901 John St., Easton, PA 18045.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Peter J. Stankus, Sr., 96, formerly of Easton, PA died Wednesday, February 10, 2016 in the Hunterdon Care Center, Flemington, NJ. Born November 26, 1919 in Easton he was a son of the late Joseph and Mageleinie (Vitzurgeat) Stankus. His wife, the former Clara Roth, died in 2012. He was a WWII Navy veteran and had been employed by the Dixie Cup/ American Can Co. for 43 years before retiring.

He is survived by a daughter: Linda Jacukowicz and her husband Leonard of Pittstown, NJ; a son: Peter J. Stankus, Jr. of Buford, GA; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Clara; and siblings: Joseph Stankus, Stanley Butkus, Stella Wazontek and Helen Gibb.

Services are 11 AM Saturday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA with visitation 10 to 11 AM in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.