Paul Russell Kratzer1

M, #23611, b. 1 August 1896, d. 19 February 1949
  • Last Edited: 26 Dec 2025
  • Father*: Joel Kratzer1 b. 1 Jan 1868, d. 2 Mar 1936
  • Mother*: Esther Troutman2,3

Children of Paul Russell Kratzer and Lula Marie Hoffman

Citations

  1. [S377] Heidi Buffington (567 S. Main St., Chambersburg, PA), August 17, 2006.
  2. [S377] Heidi Buffington, August 17, 2006, Lists Paul's mother as Hattie Schlegel, but it appears that she did not marry Joel Kratzer until about 10 years after Paul was born.
  3. [S173] Steve E. Troutman, compiler, The Trautman/Troutman Family History, Volume II (Morgantown, PA: Masthof Press, 1997), p. 525. Hereinafter cited as Troutman Family History.
  4. [S1062] Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1967 (Harrisburg, PA: Pennsylvania Department of Health), Certificate Number: 6598 (1922); https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/5164/records/…. Hereinafter cited as Pennsylvania, Death Certificates.
  5. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Miriam (Kratzer) Deppen (2000).

Joel Kratzer1

M, #23613, b. 1 January 1868, d. 2 March 1936
  • Last Edited: 6 Jan 2022
  • Joel Kratzer was born on 1 January 1868.1
  • He was the son of Joel Kratzer and Elmine Troutman.1
  • Joel Kratzer married Hattie Isadore Schlegel on 30 November 1907.
  • Joel Kratzer died on 2 March 1936, at age 68.1
  • Father*: Joel Kratzer1 b. 15 Dec 1844, d. 11 Apr 1868
  • Mother*: Elmine Troutman1 b. 3 Jun 1845, d. 9 Apr 1914

Child of Joel Kratzer and Esther Troutman

Children of Joel Kratzer and Hattie Isadore Schlegel

Citations

  1. [S377] Heidi Buffington (567 S. Main St., Chambersburg, PA), August 17, 2006.
  2. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for John M. Kratzer, The Daily Item (Sunbury, Pennsylvania), 07 Jan 2004, Wed, Page 9.
  3. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Carrie Violet Troutman, The Daily Item (Sunbury, Pennsylvania), 13 Nov 1996, Wed, Page 23.

Hattie Isadore Schlegel1

F, #23614, b. 7 January 1882, d. 30 March 1939
  • Last Edited: 6 Jan 2022
  • Hattie Isadore Schlegel was born on 7 January 1882.1
  • She married Joel Kratzer, son of Joel Kratzer and Elmine Troutman, on 30 November 1907.
  • Hattie Isadore Schlegel died on 30 March 1939, at age 57.1

Children of Hattie Isadore Schlegel and Joel Kratzer

Citations

  1. [S377] Heidi Buffington (567 S. Main St., Chambersburg, PA), August 17, 2006.
  2. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for John M. Kratzer, The Daily Item (Sunbury, Pennsylvania), 07 Jan 2004, Wed, Page 9.
  3. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Carrie Violet Troutman, The Daily Item (Sunbury, Pennsylvania), 13 Nov 1996, Wed, Page 23.

Ray Russell Kratzer1

M, #23620, b. 10 May 1925, d. 1 September 2000
  • Last Edited: 26 Dec 2025
  • Ray Russell Kratzer was born on 10 May 1925.2
  • He was the son of Paul Russell Kratzer and Lula Marie Hoffman.1
  • Ray Russell Kratzer married Mamie L. Roadcap on 11 April 1953, David's Reformed Church, Hebe, Northumberland County, PA.3
  • Ray Russell Kratzer died on 1 September 2000, Susquehanna Lutheran Village, Millersburg, Dauphin County, PA, at age 75.4,2
  • Newspaper obituary:
    Ray R. Kratzer
    LOYALTON - Ray R. Kratzer, 75, of 1395 N. Second St., for. merly of Hebe, died Friday in Susquehanna Lutheran Village, Millersburg.
    He retired as a machine operator from the former Johnson-Bailee Shoe Co., Millersburg; was an Army veteran of World War II; a member of David's United Church of Christ, Hebe, Herndon F&AM Lodge 702 and Harrisburg Consistory; and a life member of Herndon Fire Company and Herndon American Legion Post 504.
    Surviving are his wife, Mamie L. Roadcap Kratzer; a daughter, Debra A. of Downing. town; and two sisters, Miriam Deppen of Lykens and Helen Michael of Gratz.
    Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Hoover Funeral Home, Millersburg. Burial will be in David's Cemetery, Hebe.
    Viewing will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.
    Memorial donations may be made to his church, RR 1, Box 1615, Herndon 17830.
    The Patriot-News, September 3, 2000, Page 22.4

Child of Ray Russell Kratzer and Mamie L. Roadcap

  • Debra Ann Kratzer4

Citations

  1. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Miriam (Kratzer) Deppen (2000).
  2. [S805] Find A Grave, online www.findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/212160167/…. Hereinafter cited as Find A Grave.
  3. [S107] Newspaper Article, "Mamie Roadcap And Ray R. Kratzer Wed," The Daily Item, April 15, 1953, Page 7. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/… : accessed December 26, 2025).
  4. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Ray R. Kratzer, The Patriot-News, September 3, 2000, Page 22. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/… : accessed December 26, 2025).

Robert Eugene Kratzer1,2

M, #23621, b. 1 August 1922, d. 20 August 1994
  • Last Edited: 25 Dec 2025
  • Robert Eugene Kratzer was born on 1 August 1922, Jordan Township, Northumberland County, PA.3
  • He was the son of Paul Russell Kratzer and Lula Marie Hoffman.1
  • Robert Eugene Kratzer married Anna Arlene Lenker, daughter of Isaac Newton Lenker and Beulah Elizabeth Paul, on 5 April 1942, Pillow, Dauphin County, PA.4,5
  • Robert Eugene Kratzer died on 20 August 1994, Community Hospital, Sunbury, Northumberland County, PA, at age 72.2,1,3
  • Newspaper obituary:
    Robert E. Kratzer, 72, Romney, W.Va.
    Once of Hebe area
    ROMNEY, W.Va. - Robert Eugene Kratzer, 72, of 234 Potomac Ave., formerly of the Hebe, Pa., area, died Saturday, Aug. 20, 1994, at Sunbury (Pa.) Community, Hospital.
    Born Aug. 1, 1922, in. Hebe, he was a son of the late Paul and Lula (Hoffman) Kratzer. He was married to the former Anna Lenker.
    Mr. Kratzer was a supervisor employed at the Kinney Shoe Plant, Romney.
    He was a, member of David's United Church of Christ, Hebe.
    In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Larry of Three Churches and Dennis of Dalmatia, Pa; one daughter, Patsy Gwizdale of Romney; one brother, Ray of Herndon RD, Pa; two sisters, Miriam Deppen of Lykens RD, Pa., and Helen Michaels of Gratz, Pa; and six grandchildren.
    He was preceded in death by one daughter 25 years ago. The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the James A. Reed Funeral Home, Pillow, Pa., by the Rev. George Heberling. Burial will be in the Hebe Church Cemetery.
    Visitors may call from 7 to 9 tonight and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the funeral home.
    Contributions in his memory may be made to Hamshire Healthcare Center, HC 74, Box 700, Romney, W.Va. 26757.
    The Daily Item, August 22, 1994, Page 11.2
  • He was buried at Saint Davids Lutheran and Reformed Church Cemetery, Hebe, Northumberland County, PA.6

Children of Robert Eugene Kratzer and Anna Arlene Lenker

Citations

  1. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Miriam (Kratzer) Deppen (2000).
  2. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Robert Eugene Kratzer, The Daily Item, August 22, 1994, Page 11. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/… : accessed December 25, 2025).
  3. [S1140] Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, online www.ancestry.com, , SSN: 193129206; https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/records/…
  4. [S805] Find A Grave, online www.findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/114866162/…. Hereinafter cited as Find A Grave.
  5. [S1206] Pennsylvania County Register of Wills Offices, Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852-1968 (Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, 2016), Film Number: 000021218; https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61381/records/…. Hereinafter cited as Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852-1968.
  6. [S805] Find A Grave, online www.findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/212160866/…
  7. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Arlene A. Kratzer, The Daily Item, February 24, 1995, Page 11. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/… : accessed December 25, 2025).
  8. [S805] Find A Grave, online www.findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40374084/rosa_m-kratzer

Helen M. Kratzer1

F, #23622, b. 27 May 1933, d. 9 October 2023
  • Last Edited: 26 Dec 2025
  • Helen M. Kratzer was born on 27 May 1933.2
  • She was the daughter of Paul Russell Kratzer and Lula Marie Hoffman.1
  • Helen M. Kratzer married Michael Hartman Scheib, son of Lewis Andrew Scheib and Katie Lovina Hartman, on 7 June 1952, David's Church, Hebe, Northumberland County, PA.3,4
  • Helen M. Kratzer married Elwood E. Michael, son of Howard Robert Michael and Anna Savilla Lettich.1
  • Helen M. Kratzer died on 9 October 2023, Polk Personal Care, Millersburg, Dauphin County, PA, at age 90.2
  • Funeral home obituary:
    Helen M. Michael
    May 27, 1933 - October 9, 2023
    Helen M. Michael, 90, of Gratz, passed away on October 9, 2023, at the Polk Personal Care, Millersburg. She was born in Jordan Twp on May 27, 1933, a daughter of Lula and Paul Kratzer. Helen worked a many of the local garment factories.
    She was a member of Simeon United Lutheran Church, Gratz, EMT for Gratz Ambulance, Gratz fire department, a member of the Red Hats, Hegins Senior Citizens and worked at the Church food bank. Helen enjoyed bowling and camping.
    Helen is survived by her son, Ronald (Kathy) Scheib of Newport; daughter, Christy (Dennis) Barge of Pillow; daughter-in-law, Karen (Lamar Erdman) Scheib of Sacramento; three step daughters, Beverly (Gene) Reiner of Klingerstown, Cindy (David) Paul of Lykens, Sandy (Ricky) Weaver of Pillow; step son, Ricky (Lisa) Michael; 22 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husbands , Michael Scheib and Elwood Michael, son, Donald Scheib, step son, Terry Michael, brothers, Mark, Robert, and Ray Kratzer, sister, Miriam Deppen.
    A viewing will be held on October 16, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Simeon United Lutheran Church, Gratz. Funeral service will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Simeon United Lutheran Church, Gratz. Interment will take place in the Gratz Union Cemetery, Gratz.
    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Simeon United Lutheran Church, Gratz.2

Children of Helen M. Kratzer and Michael Hartman Scheib

Citations

  1. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Miriam (Kratzer) Deppen (2000).
  2. [S1147] Online Obituary for Helen M. Michael, James A. Reed Funeral Home, Pillow, PA; https://www.reedfh.com/obituaries/Helen-Michael-4/#!/…
  3. [S107] Newspaper Article, "Scheib-Kratzer," Elizabethville Echo, June 12, 1952, Page 1. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/… : accessed December 26, 2025).
  4. [S107] Newspaper Article, "Marriage Licenses," The Daily Item, May 24, 1952, Page 3. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-item/187484376/… : accessed December 26, 2025).
  5. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Michael H. Scheib, Pottsville Republican, August 29, 1988, Page 2. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/… : accessed December 26, 2025).

Elwood E. Michael1

M, #23623, b. 29 February 1936, d. 24 April 2006
  • Last Edited: 26 Dec 2025
  • Elwood E. Michael was born on 29 February 1936, Hubley Township, Schuylkill County, PA.2
  • He was the son of Howard Robert Michael and Anna Savilla Lettich.
  • Elwood E. Michael married Helen M. Kratzer, daughter of Paul Russell Kratzer and Lula Marie Hoffman.1
  • Elwood E. Michael died on 24 April 2006, Gratz, Dauphin County, PA, at age 70.2
  • Newspaper obituary:
    Elwood E. Michael
    Mr. Elwood E. Michael, age 70, of Gratz, PA, passed away Monday, April 24, 2006 at his residence.
    Mr. Michael was born in Hubely Twp., PA, on February 29, 1936, he was the son of the late Howard and Anna (Lettich) Michael.
    He was employed as a Truck Driver at USF Red Star Harrisburg, from which he retired.
    He was a member of Simeon's United Lutheran Church, Gratz and a member of the Gratz Fire Co. and Sinnemmahoning Sportsman Club.
    He was the husband of Helen (Kratzer) Michael. He was previously married to Violet Wolfe Michael, who preceded him in death in 1983.
    In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter, Beverly, wife of Gene Reiner, Klingerstown; son, Ricky, husband of Lisa Michael, Tremont; son, Terry Michael, Spring Glen; daughter, Cindy, wife of David Paul, Lykens; daughter, Sandy, wife of Ricky Weaver, Pillow; step son, Ronald, husband of Kathy Scheib, Newport; step daughter, Christy, wife of Dennis Barge, Pillow; brother, Donald Michael, Yorkanna. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
    Religious Service will be held at Simeon's United Lutheran Church, Gratz, PA, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 27th, with Rev. Barry Ridge officiating. Interment in Gratz Union Cemetery, PA. Viewing will be Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at James A. Reed Funeral Home, Pillow, PA. There will be no viewing Thursday at service.
    Family requests donations be made to Simeon's United Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Gratz, PA 17030.
    James A. Reed Funeral Home of Pillow is in charge of the arrangements. www.pennlive.com/obits
    The Patriot-News, April 26, 2006, Page 17.2

Citations

  1. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Miriam (Kratzer) Deppen (2000).
  2. [S108] Newspaper Obituary, for Elwood E. Michael, The Patriot-News, April 26, 2006, Page 17. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/… : accessed December 26, 2025).

Martha Louise Hoffman

F, #23624, b. 12 September 1934, d. 22 May 2006
  • Last Edited: 15 Aug 2021
  • Martha Louise Hoffman was born on 12 September 1934, Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, PA.
  • She was the daughter of William Edwin Hoffman and Reba Susannah Morgan.1
  • Martha Louise Hoffman married Stanley James Wiest, son of William Baum Wiest Jr. and Polly Sophia Wolfgang, on 14 July 1951, Salem Church, Rough and Ready, Schuylkill County, PA.2
  • Martha Louise Hoffman died on 22 May 2006, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Montour County, PA, at age 71.
  • Obituary in Sunbury Daily Item:
    HERNDON — Martha L. Wiest, 71, of RR1 Herndon, died at 8:44 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2006, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where she was a patient since last Tuesday.
    She was born Sept. 12, 1934, in Klingerstown, a daughter of the late William E. and Reba S. (Morgan) Hoffman. She and Stanley J. "Tob" Wiest were married July 14, 1951.
    She was educated in Klingerstown area schools.
    Mrs. Wiest was a homemaker. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening and raising flowers.
    She was a member of the Erdman Sportsman's Association.
    Mrs. Wiest was a member of Salem United Church of Christ Church, Klingerstown.
    Surviving, in addition to her husband of more than 54 years, are three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Randy Geistwite of Lykens, Ellen and Daniel Gery of Tucson, Ariz., and Elizabeth and David Deibert of RR1 Herndon; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Nancy Rothermel, Anna Wiest and Shirley Straub, all of Klingerstown; one brother, William E. Hoffman Jr. of Klingerstown; and nieces and nephews.
    She was preceded in death by one son, Robert J. Wiest, in 1985; one sister, Ellen Hoffman, 1955; and three brothers, David J. Hoffman, 1982, Roy W. Hoffman, 1991, and Mark L. Hoffman, 2005.
    Visitors may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the Stephen R. Rothermel Funeral Home, 1133 Ridge Road, Klingerstown. The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home by the Rev. Mark Rothermel.
    Burial will be in Salem Cemetery, Klingerstown.
    Published in The Daily Item on 5/24/2006.1
  • She was buried at Salem U.C.C. Church, Rough and Ready, Schuylkill County, PA.1

Children of Martha Louise Hoffman and Stanley James Wiest

  • Robert James Wiest2 b. 8 Sep 1951, d. 24 May 1985
  • Linda Diane Wiest+2 b. 1 Jun 1955, d. 15 Jun 2023
  • Ellen Reba Wiest

Citations

  1. [S378] Wiest, Martha L., Obituary, The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA, May 24, 2006. Hereinafter cited as Martha L. Wiest Obituary.
  2. [S315] Erik Tice, compiler, Salem United Church of Christ Parish Records (Rough and Ready, PA: Salem United Church of Christ, 2005). Hereinafter cited as Salem UCC Parish Records.

Linda Diane Wiest1

F, #23626, b. 1 June 1955, d. 15 June 2023
  • Last Edited: 18 Jun 2023
  • Linda Diane Wiest was born on 1 June 1955, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA.1
  • She was the daughter of Stanley James Wiest and Martha Louise Hoffman.1
  • Linda Diane Wiest died on 15 June 2023, University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, at age 68.2
  • Funeral home obituary:
    Linda D. Geistwite
    June 1, 1955 - June 15, 2023
    Linda D Geistwite, age 68, of Lykens Twp, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023 at University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia.
    She was born on Wednesday, June 1, 1955, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Stanley Wiest and the late Martha (Hoffman) Wiest.
    She was a seamstress for area garment factories and later in life was a bartender at the Erdman's Sportsman's Club .
    Linda enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and spending time with her family.
    She was preceded in death by her parents; by a brother, Robert Wiest, and a sister, Elizabeth Deibert.
    She is survived by her husband Randy A Geistwite, Sr, to whom she was married for 47 years.
    She is also survived by three sons, William Wiest and his wife Marla of Hebe, Randy Geistwite, Jr and his partner Ismael of Philadelphia, and Tony A Geistwite and his partner Alex of Philadelphia; a grandson, Nicholas Wiest of Hebe; a granddaughter, Lauren Wiest of Hebe; a sister, Ellen Gery of Tuscon, AZ; and several nieces and nephews.
    As per Linda's wishes there will be no services.
    Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
    Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.2

Child of Linda Diane Wiest

  • William Wiest2

Children of Linda Diane Wiest and Randolph Alan Geistwite

  • Randolph Geistwite Jr.2
  • Tony A. Geistwite2

Citations

  1. [S315] Erik Tice, compiler, Salem United Church of Christ Parish Records (Rough and Ready, PA: Salem United Church of Christ, 2005). Hereinafter cited as Salem UCC Parish Records.
  2. [S1147] Online Obituary for Linda D. Geistwite, Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, PA; https://www.buffingtonreed.com/obituaries/Linda-Geistwite/…