Helen I. Ketner Schwenk, 89, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Sunday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown.
Born in Schuylkill Haven, May 31, 1926, she was a daughter of the late Rutherford E.W. and Effie Fisher Bachman.
She was a member of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Schuylkill Haven; Schuylkill Haven Senior Citizens; Senior Women's Club; a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star; the Golden Girls singing group, D.A.R.; and was the treasurer for the Ladies Aide Society at church.
Helen was a graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School, Class of 1944.
She was formerly employed by the Schuylkill Haven School District as a secretary for 30 years. She retired in 1993.
Helen was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert T. Ketner; second husband, Russell Schwenk; a sister, Marion Pfleuger.
She is survived by sons, James Ketner, husband of Maeve, Pottsville, Richard Ketner, husband of Deborah, Schuylkill Haven, and David Ketner, partner of Charles Lex, Perkasie; a daughter, Karen Stramara, wife of Kevin, Hilton Head, S.C.; grandchildren, Erin Ferrance, Maureen Ketner, Capt. (P) Kevin Stramara Jr., husband of Nicolette, and Capt. Kyle Stramara, husband of Carmen; great-grandchildren, Coen, Finley and Nash.
A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home Inc., Schuylkill Haven, with the Rev. Ted Rathman officiating. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Interment will be private. At the family's request, memorial donations may be sent to Grace EC Church Memorial Fund, 15 Earl Stoyer Drive, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.