Obituaries

Charles Spencer Klabunde, 88, of Easton, died Thursday, June 20, 2024 in his home. Born October 1, 1935 in Omaha, Nebraska, he was the son of the late Otto and Suzanne (Rohrbough) Klabunde. He owned Charles Klabunde Gallery and Studio and was a master printmaker, painter and fine artist. His works have been displayed in many museums, including Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Museum of Modern Art, New York; National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C; Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; and National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin Ireland. He had the honor of working with the renowned playwright Samuel Beckett illustrating a box book edition of The Lost Ones.
Charles earned his B.F.A. at the University of Nebraska and his M.F.A. at the University of Iowa. In 1970, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship. He was an Assistant Professor of Art at The Cooper Union and was a Council Member of the Society of American Graphic Artists. Charles received many national and international awards and wrote for numerous publications.

Surviving are his beloved companion of 28 years, Lee Boyd; two sons, Jedidiah Klabunde and Noah Klabunde and his wife, Molly; and twin grandsons, Eli and James. He was predeceased by his sister, Ardeth Trowbridge and his brother, Otto Klabunde.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Charles’ home and Gallery, 73 N. 2nd St., Easton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is assisting with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Third Street Alliance for Women and Children, www.thirdstreetalliance.org or Safe Harbor Easton, www.safeharboreaston.com. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

William C. Lee, Jr. 57 of Easton, PA died Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at home. Born September 16, 1966 in Williams Twp., PA he was a son of the late Peggy (Rissmiller) and William Lee, Sr. He had been employed by Perkins in Bethlehem Twp. from 2009 until 2023.

He is survived by his wife: Jacquelyn “Jackie” Mackus of 15 years, his sister: Debra Ann Quakenbush and his brother: Frederick Lee.  Services are at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Steven E. Elchert, 64 of Easton, PA died Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Easton. Born June 16, 1959 in Tiffin, Ohio, he was a son of the late Greg and Joanne (Longo) Elchert. He and his wife, Lisa owned and operated SLE Home Investments, LLC in Easton.

He is survived by his wife of 11 years Lisa (Lehr) Elchert; children: Eugene F. Elchert, Steven E. Elchert, II, Brandi L. Kyle, William G. Elchert, Rebecca E. Bennett, Sean P. Elchert, Rachel A. King, Clayton S. Elchert, and Brianna S. Bellis-Elchert; brothers: Michael Elchert and Frank Elchert; sister: Debbie Shannon; 12 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Per his request there will be no public services. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Jeffrey A. Johnson, 66 of Easton, PA died Friday, June 7, 2024 at New Eastwood Nursing & Rehab Center. Born November 17, 1957 in Easton, he was a son of the late Albert and Lucretia (Rissmiller) Johnson. He was employed by the Salvation Army, Easton and prior to that by OPT in Philipsburg, NJ for more than 20 years. He was a Marine Corps veteran and member of the Marine Corps League, Northampton County Detachment. He also served as the Commander of Amvets, Post 17, Easton where he was a life member.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years: Donna (Butler) Johnson; daughters: BobbiJo Naylor and Tanya Johnson (Scotty); 5 grandchildren: Brittany, Krista, Emmalee, Jayme, Jailiannys; a great-grandson: Ethan; a brother: Albert “Bud”; sisters: Carol and Tracey; and godson/nephew: Michael Johnson. He was predeceased by a daughter: Celiann “CC” Brown.

Services will be held 12 PM Monday (June 17) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with a calling period from 11 to Noon. Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorial contributions may be made to Amvets, 682 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

H. Marvin Riddle, III passed away on June 7, 2024. Marvin was born February 13, 1930 in Phillipsburg, NJ, the son of H. Marvin Riddle, Jr. and Margaret Michler Riddle. He grew up in Easton, PA and graduated from Deerfield Academy and Lafayette College with a BS degree in metallurgical engineering. He was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity. Upon graduation he joined what was then the Asbury Graphite Co, known today as Asbury Carbons, a company started in 1895 by his grandfather, Harry M. Riddle. In 1965 Marvin became president and in 2016 assumed to role of Chairman of the Board, retiring in 2021.
Marvin was a member of many business associations. He was a member of Young Presidents Organization; active with the United Fund of Northampton County; served on the board of trustees of Warren Hospital; Chairman of the Board of Directors of what was the First National State Bank of Northwest Jersey.
Marvin served in the U. S. Army in the Corp of Engineers at Ft. Belvoir, VA. He was a member of the College Hill Presbyterian Church in Easton, PA; a member of the Forest Lake Club in Hawley, PA; Northampton County Club where he served as President; the Royal Poinciana Golf Club; the Naples Yacht Club; and served as President of the Indies West Association.
In September of 1953, Marvin married his wife, Mary Jane (MJ) with whom he travelled extensively throughout the world, including an epic trip to the Peoples Republic of China in September of 1972.

In addition to his wife of 70 years, he is survived by a son, Stephen and wife Diana; daughters Sheila Riddle and Deborah Bernier; granddaughter, Alexa Riddle; and grandsons, Westbrook Bernier and wife Melinda and Troy Bernier.

Interment will be in Easton Cemetery in Easton, PA. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is assisting with the arrangements. Memorials in Marvin’s name may be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Michael Sos, Jr., 85, of Forks Township, formerly of Palmer Township, died Friday, June 7, 2024 in Lehigh Valley Hospital. Born July 28, 1938 in Easton, he was the son of the late Michael and Clara (Bishop) Sos. His wife, Lorraine died in 2015. Michael was a supervisor at Mack Trucks, Allentown and retired in 1998.

Surviving are two daughters, Karen Polgardy and Michele Kolb; two sons, James Sos and Barry Sos; nine grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Services will be held at Noon on Friday, June 14, 2024 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 11:00 am until Noon on Friday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Animal Health and Welfare, www.healthyanimalcenter.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Young J. Lee, 92, of Bethlehem, passed restfully to heavenly peace Monday, June 3, 2024 in the home of her daughter, Sook Lee Choi, where she was living comfortably, receiving loving care from her daughter’s family. Born April 2, 1932 in Eunyul, Hwanghaedo, Korea, she was the daughter of the late Jin Hyung Hwang and Hak Kyung Yeoh. Her husband, Yong Man Lee died in 2005. Ms. Lee was a member of Korean United Methodist Church for over 30 years and was an avid gardener. Ms. Lee has always had a green thumb. She had a large vegetable garden as well as planting a beautiful floral garden that was often recognized by neighbors. She loved to knit, crochet, sew, making clothing for her grandchildren. She also loved cooking traditional Korean recipes for the family. She has always enjoyed spending time daily with her grandchildren since their births. Her warm smile and caring disposition were felt by everyone she met. Both her grandchildren and great grandchildren experienced the depths of her selfless love and endless care.

Surviving are her four children, Sook Lee Choi and her husband, Hazem F. Tadros, Junggeon Lee and his wife, Mija Oh, Junghoon Lee and his wife, Luz Lee, and Yangsook Lee and her husband Kwangsik Cho; eight grandchildren, Hong Sun Choi, Lola Lee Choi and her fiancé Benjamin Lin, Dongsuk Lee, Dongsun Lee, Michelle Lee and her husband, Kris Preisinger, Jessica Lee and her husband, William Hosier, Yongpyo Cho, and Yongbin Cho and her husband, Yongho Lee; and five great grandchildren, Brandon Lee Preisinger, Cordelia Hosier, Frances Mae Hosier, Chaerin Lee, and Chaeeyn Lee.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Tuesday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Egypt Cemetery. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.