Mary E. Gehris, 93, of Manor Care Pottstown, passed away Friday.

Born in Boyertown, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Edna (Miller) Youse.

Surviving are her sons Bruce Gehris, husband of Pat, of Wescosville, PA, Barry Gehris, husband of Tanya, of Boyertown, and daughter Janet Mest, wife of the late Barry Mest, of Stowe. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents and a half-brother Warren Haas Sr.

Mary worked at the former Penhurst State Hospital as a charge nurse. She liked to play cards and enjoyed cooking and caring for people. She was also a Phillies fan.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 10:30 AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown with Pastor Susan Folks officiating. Burial will follow in Hill Church Cemetery, Boyertown. Friends may call on Wednesday from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, 333 N. Summit Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604

Jay P. Smith, 89, husband of Eva M. (Hepler) Smith of 63 years, of Pottstown, passed away on Thursday at home after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Monticello, Utah, and raised in Grand Junction, Colorado, he was the son of the late Walter and Gail (Gillespie) Smith.

Surviving with his wife are children Gary J. Smith of Philadelphia, Donna G. Minotto of Pottstown and Brian C. Smith of Del. Also surviving are grandchildren Greg, Jeff, Shaun, Carrie and Lauren, and great grandchildren Bradley, Madison, Dylan, Jaedon, and Eva and one brother Glenn, of Colorado.

Jay was a US Navy Veteran serving in WWII. He served on the USS Phoenix for 6 years. He survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. He traveled to schools and other organizations giving lectures on his experience at Pearl Harbor. Jay was the owner of Jay's Electric Service for 17 years and also worked for Sears, retiring in 1983. He enjoyed traveling with his wife in their RV and spending the winter in Florida. He was a member of Penn Coachman, the Family Motor Coach Assoc., Sears Retirees, and Pearl Harbor Assoc. of Phila.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, 10AM at Trinity E.C. Church, 250 Sweinhart Rd, Boyertown with Rev. Don McHenry officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park, Pottstown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay's name to the Pottstown Memorial Regional Cancer Center, 1600 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.

John H. Harris Jr., 73, of Pottstown, husband of Mary E. (Little) Harris of 53 years, passed away on Tuesday at Mercy Suburban Hospital in Norristown.

Born in Oxford, NC., he was the son of the late John H. Sr. and Bessie (Cozart) Harris.

Surviving with his wife are their sons Robert Lee Harris and Jerry Harris, husband of Barbara; daughters Johnnie L. Harris Sumington, wife of Brian, Kim Ridley, wife of Dennis, Cynthia Ann, Ernestine, Lisa and Lorraine Harris. Also surviving are 14 grand children, 10 great grandchildren and 4 aunts. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his brother James Harris and sister Kathleen Winstead.

John was a former member of Second Baptist Church in Pottstown. He attended Invictus Church in Pottstown when he was able. John enjoyed fishing as a hobby.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, 10:30AM at Invictus Church, 79 N. Hanover Street, Pottstown with Bishop Everett Debnam officiating. Burial will be in Limerick Garden of Memories. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00AM to 10:15AM at the church.

Karlton Dennis Biggerstaff, 65, of Pottstown, formerly of Spring City, husband of Susan M. (High) Biggerstaff for 36 years,  passed away on Tuesday at Phoenixville Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born in St. Johns, New Brunswick, Canada, he was the son of the late Douglas and Phyllis (Hanebury) Biggerstaff.

Surviving with his wife is a son Stephen Biggerstaff, husband of Jennifer, of Douglassville; daughters Michelle Arevalo, wife of Michael, of Mohnton and Elizabeth Soderstrom of Reading; brother Peter Biggerstaff, husband of Victoria, of Birdsboro and sister Rosemary Angelo, wife of Clevio of Parkesburg.  Also surviving are 6 grandchildren and 4 nieces.

Dennis was an Air Force veteran serving time during the Cold War and was a member of the American Legion. He worked for Boyertown Packaging where he served as President of the Union Local for several years. He was a history buff, enjoyed reading science fiction and watching old movies.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, 11AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Friday from 10AM to 11AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dennis’s name to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, P.O. Box 69, Mohnton, PA 19540.

Anthony J. Plocicki, 84, of Pottstown, husband of Theodora (Pierzchala) Plocicki for 57 years, passed away on Thursday at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Nanticoke, PA, he was the son of the late Anthony and Elizabeth (Zelinski) Plocicki.

Surviving with his wife is a granddaughter Chelsey West and his sister Eleanor (Plocicki) Zierowicz. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter Carol Plocicki.

Anthony was employed by the former Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. in Pottstown for 25 years, retiring in 1980. He was a World War II Army Veteran and served in the Luzon Island in the Philippines. He was a member of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta R.C. Church in Linfield.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, 11:00AM at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta RC Church, 1228 Main Street, Linfield with Fr. Paul Brandt officiating. Burial will follow in ST. Aloysius New Cemetery, Pottstown. Friends may call on Tuesday from 9:30AM to 10:45AM at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Anthony’s name to Pottstown Relay for Life, Kim Deery - RFL of Pottstown, Diamond Credit Union,1600 Medical Drive , Pottstown, PA  19464. Make checks payable to American Cancer Society.

Joseph Kriczky, age 90, husband of Mary E. (Deering) Kriczky, of Oak Lane, Royersford, died Friday at the Southeastern Veteran’s Center, Spring City.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late Stephan and Anna (Schirahman) Kriczky.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran of WW II, serving under General Patton. He was a tank commander and received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for serving in action and for the wounds he received while doing so. He worked at the former Penco Products, in Oaks Pa. for 20 years.
Joseph was a member of Blessed Theresa of Calcutta R.C. Church, Limerick.

Surviving with his wife are two sons; Joseph P., husband of Deborah Kriczky, of N. Coventry Twp., and Thomas A. husband of Prathima, of North Wales, Pa, along with two daughters; Donna M. wife of Bryan Toman, of Port Charlotte Fla., and Andrea A. wife of Ronald Krause, of Royersford. Also surviving are two sisters; Verna Kidon, of N. Coventry Twp., and Barbara Kulp, of Sanatoga. He also has 8 grandchildren; Shawnnette Knepper, Stephanie Weller, Kristel Davidson, Kimberly Krause, Ron Krause, Michael Kriczky, Ian Toman, and Sara Hassell, along with 11 great grandchildren.  He was pre-deceased by a great granddaughter; Ashley Grohoski, and three brothers; John, Michael, and Steven Kriczky, and also three sisters; Ann Weand, Molly Mund, and Betty Kozma.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 329 N. Lewis Rd., Royersford. Intombment will be in Limerick Garden of Memories, Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Friends may call on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made in his memory to: Nat’l Parkinson Foundation Inc., Mary Ann Sprinkle, Director of Dev., 1501 NW 9th Ave., Bob Hope Rd., Miami, FL 33136-1494.

Robert E. “ Reds” or “Butch” Mathias Jr., 67, of Stowe, passed away on Tuesday at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Congo, PA, he was the son of Emmaline (Endy) Mathias and the late Robert Mathias Sr.

Surviving with his mother are sons Dean, Robert and Todd Mathias; daughters Shelley Minner, Teri Rowley, Lori Reitz, Lisa Mauger and Niki Geisinger; brother Stanley Mathias; sister Nancy Harris; 24 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and companion Carla Stepsie. Along with his father he is predeceased by his brothers Ralph and Todd Mathias.

Robert was a member of both Gilbertsville Fire Company and West End Fire Company and enjoyed fishing. He was naturally talented in working with his hands in construction and building and had no formal training.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, 10AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown with Rev. Matt Heckman officiating. Burial will be in Limerick Garden of Memories. Friends may call on Friday from 9AM to 10AM at the funeral home.

Edward R. “Ed” DeHaven, 83, of West Chester, passed away on Tuesday at Manor Care in Pottstown.

Born in Honeybrook, PA, he was the son of the late William and Clara (Stark) DeHaven.

Surviving is his son Tom DeHaven, husband of Karen, of Limerick; grandson Daniel DeHaven of Phoenixville; step grandchildren Brandon Fogel of Limerick and Jessica Fogel of Allentown; step great grandchildren Brian and Brianna Bailey both of Allentown; and his brother in law Tom Booker of Lawrence, KS. Also surviving are his granddogs Robin, Hunter, and Autumn. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his mother in law Helen Booker and brother Theodore DeHaven.

Ed was a WWII Marine veteran who served in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of the NRA and American Legion. Edward enjoyed hunting, fishing, the outdoors and animals and was the owner of DeHaven Taxidermy.

Services and interment are private.

Frederick John “Fred” Schlick Jr., 70, of Pottstown, husband of Magda (Kiss) Schlick for 44 years, passed away on Sunday at Phoenixville Hospital.

Raised in Schwenksville, he was the son of the late Frederick John Sr. and Vinita Mae (Bergenstock) Schlick.

Surviving with his wife are children Frederick John Schlick III of Pottstown, Denielle Wilson of Perkiomenville and Jason Schlick of Berks Co.; grandchildren Frederick IV, Isabelle and Anneliese; and his brother Robert B. Schlick of Phoenixville. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his brother Richard Schlick.

Fred was a member of Trinity Reformed Church in Pottstown. An Eagle Scout, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America. He coached local youth lacrosse and volunteered at St. Aloysius School. He was a graduate of Schwenksville High School and Temple University. Fred retired from Cabot Corp. in 1996 and continued part-time with Sanatoga Corp.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, 2:30PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown, with the Rev. John Houghton officiating. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Sunday from 1:00PM to 2:15PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s name to the Cancer Center at Phoenixville Hospital, Patient Assistance Fund, 824 Main Street, Suite 101, Phoenixville, PA 19460 Attn: Jennifer Green.

Michael P. Wiand, 55, of East Coventry Twp., passed away suddenly on Monday at his residence.

Born in Phoenixville, he was the son of Stanley and Theresa (Deevy) Wiand of Spring City.

Surviving with his parents are his brothers Terence S. Wiand, husband of Nancy, of Royersford, Gary T. Wiand, husband of Suzanne, of East Coventry, and Patrick R. Wiand, husband of Donna, of Exeter and nieces and nephews Ashley, Kaila, Timothy, Jeffrey and Caitlin Wiand. He is predeceased by a brother Denis Wiand.

Michael was a member of St. Joseph Church in Spring City. He was a 1972 graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School, worked for Dana Corp. for many years and enjoyed watching baseball and following the Phillies.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 11:00AM at St. Joseph Church, 3640 Schuylkill Road, Spring City with Fr. Charles O’Hara officiating. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, 305 W. Pothouse Road, Phoenixville. Friends may call on Wednesday from 9:30AM to 11:00AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s name to St. Joseph Church, 3640 Schuylkill Road, Spring City, PA 19475

Walter B. Gipprich, age 61, husband of Donna L. (Ehrich) Gipprich, of Roberts Dr., Stowe, died Monday at his residence.

Born in Reading, he was the son of Walter P. and Patricia Mae (Goheen) Gipprich, of Wyomissing.

At one time he was a policeman in Cumru Twp., for 15 years, and then spent ten years in Arizona where he worked as a Respiratory Therapist. After moving back to the area Walter worked at Shillington Jewelry Store, and most recently he worked at Classic Harley-Davidson, in Leesport. He was U.S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War.

Walter loved motorcycling and camping with family and friends.

Surviving with his wife are two sons; Patrick Gipprich, of Colorado Springs, and Sean Gipprich, of Shillington, along with two step-sons; Brian & Scot Christy, both of Stowe.
Also surviving are five brothers; Gregory Gipprich, of Shillington, Timothy Gipprich, of Calif., Philip Gipprich, of Gauglersville, Peter Gipprich, of Exeter, and Richard Gipprich, of Wyomissing, along with 5 sisters; Kathy Yeager, of Whitfield Pa., Ann Stufflet, of Reading, Abby Hunsberger, of Womissing, Amy Gipprich, of Ephrata, and Peggy Woodward, of Wyomissing.  He is also survived by two grandsons; Tyler and Nathan Gipprich, and two step-granddaughters; Emily Christy, and Jasie Schaeffer.  He was pre-deceased by a brother; Dennis Gipprich.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin St. Pottstown, with the Rev. Dr. Donald Eisenhauer, officiating.  Burial will be in Limerick Garden of Memories.  Friends may call on Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 PM , and also on Friday from 9:45 to 10:15, at the funeral home. The family invites those who wish to ride their motorcycles to the funeral, to please do so.

William L. Dillman  Sr., age 79, husband of Edith A. (Lightowler) Dillman, of E. High St., Sanatoga, and formerly of Upper Pottsgrove Twp., died Monday at his residence.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late William A. and Helen (Beecher) Dillman.
He worked for 30 years at the former Bethlehem Steel Corp., in Pottstown and later for the Pottsgrove School District for 10 years.

He was U.S. Marine Corp. Veteran, of the Korean War.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Pottstown, his whole life. He was also a member of the Steel Worker’s of America #2600, and the New Hanover Area, AARP.  In addition to that he sang with the former “Nifty Fifty Upbeats”, chorus, in Pottstown, and also sang with the Sanatoga Ridge chorus.

Surviving with his wife are two sons; William L. Dillman Jr., husband of Holly, of Spring City, and David A. husband of Kathleen Dillman, of Birdsboro, along with a daughter, Deborah H. wife of Neal Cressman, of Douglassville. Also surviving is a sister; Joan wife of Kenneth Landis, of Pottstown, and six grandchildren; Drew and Becky Cressman, Bill Dillman III, Tyler and Bradley Dillman, and Heather Dillman. He was pre-deceased by a sister; Judith Dillman.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Friday, at the First United Methodist Church, 414 High St., Pottstown, with the Rev. Will Humes, officiating.  Burial will be in Limerick Garden of Memories.  Friends may call on Friday from 10 to11 AM, at the church.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to; First United Methodist Church, 414 High St., Pottstown, Pa.  19464.

Stella (Moyer) Wentzel, 91, of Boyertown, wife of the late Arlington L. Wentzel, passed away on Monday at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Barto, she was the daughter of the late Edgar and Lillie (Heydt) Moyer.

Surviving is her daughter Anna Mae Weller, wife of Clarence, of Boyertown; grandchildren Cheryl Graber, wife of Jeffrey, of Oley, and Lori Haldeman, wife of Mike, of Boyertown; great grandchildren Kristine and Wayne Fabian Jr., and Megan and Paige Graber; and sister in law Pearl Gerth of Reading.

Stella was a member of St. John’s Hill UCC Church in Boyertown. She worked at Bally Pants Factory and retired from Boyertown Casket Company. She was a member of Friendship Hook & Ladder Ladies Auxiliary and was a life time member of the Boyertown Music League. Stella also enjoyed gardening and the mountains.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, 2PM at St. John’s Hill UCC Church, Boyertown, with Pastor Hart Inlow officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 12:30PM to 1:45PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stella’s name to St. John’s Hill UCC Church, 620 Hill Church Road, Boyertown, PA 19512.
Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville is in charge of arrangements.