Leona Lech Hochgertel

Leona Lech Hochgertel, 97 of Pottsville, died Thursday morning at Providence Place Retirement Community, Pottsville.

She was born on June 15, 1923 in Shenandoah, a daughter of the late Anthony J. and Victoria Kacelowicz Lech.

She was a 1941 graduate of Cressona High School.

She was employed by the former Reading Hosiery, City of Pottsville Tax Office, Schuylkill County Prothonotary’s Office, and she was the Liaison for the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives for the State of Pennsylvania. She ended her career retiring as the head of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue in the Pottsville office.

Leona was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, Stanley Dengler American Legion Post 286 Auxiliary, Cressona, Schuylkill County Republican Committee where she had served as Vice Chairwoman, Pottsville Republican Committee where she was past-president, Pottsville Lionettes where she was past-president, VFW Post 129 Auxiliary where she was past-president, past-president of the Cressona High School Alumni, Pottsville American Legion Auxiliary, Order of the Eastern Stars, Tall Cedars of Lebanon Auxiliary, Pottsville Elks Auxiliary, YWCA, Eastside Republican Club, The Central Republican Club. She was the founder of the group Schuylkill Travelers, where she traveled throughout all 50 states, as well as other countries abroad.

Leona was preceded in death by a son, Daniel John Hochgertel in 1947, and her husband, John W. "Jack" Hochgertel, Sr. on December 7, 2003. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She leaves behind her son, John W. Hochgertel, Jr.; her granddaughter, Holly Hochgertel Lubinsky and her husband Albert J. Lubinsky, Jr.; and her two great grandchildren, Tyler John and Jordyn Victoria Lubinsky, all of Pottsville.

In honoring Leona's requests, there will be no viewing. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her graveside service which will be held on Wednesday, October 7th at 1 p.m. from Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, with Rev. Chris Rothharpt officiating. The Family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W. Arch St. Pottsville, PA 17901.

Arrangements are under the care of James B. Humphrey, Funeral Director, James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.

Please share your memories and condolences with Leona’s family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com