Obituary: Mabel Klenk

Michael G. Collins (1960 – 2023)

NORTH ADAMS, MA—Michael G. Collins of North Adams, MA, passed away July 12, 2023. Born in Hudson December 20, 1960, he was the son of the late John A. and Lurlien Greenleaf Collins.

He was a self-employed handyman. He enjoyed fishing, music, shooting pool and family.

He was predeceased by: his brothers, David (Cricket) Collins, John A., Jr. (Jackie), and Carl G. Collins.

He is survived by: his children, Matthew Collins (Lindsey Dellaghelfa) and Mary Collins; grandchildren, Dominic Malcolm and Jaxson Wallace; brothers, Alton N. (Gloria) Collins and Kieth (Lisa) Collins; sisters, Cheryl (Edward) Brill and Karen (Harold) Willis; nephews, Brian (Lori) Collins, Richard (Patty) Collins, and Jordon Collins; nieces, Brenda (James Jr.) Dorato, Priscilla (Matt) Perry and Tracy (Chris) Kelly, Kristy (Dave) Bowen, Louie Nowak, Jessica Horadan and Adrianne Collins; many cousins and friends in Maine, Connecticut, and Florida.

He will be greatly missed by all.

A graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, July 26, 11 a.m. in the Cemetery of the Maples, East Chatham. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

Martin A. Schultheis (1951 – 2023)

HUDSON—Martin Schultheis of Livingston, passed away following a long illness July 17, 2023 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.

Born in Hudson, August 28, 1951, he was the son of John Edward Schultheis and Martha (Schultz).

He is survived by: his sister, Jackie Caragine and husband Richard, niece Richelle and nephew Richard John; sister, Albine Stoddard and husband Melvin, nephew Jackson Pearce and wife Christy, great-nephew Liam; friend and caregiver, Kay Dalton (Bejerski) and family. A memorial service at the Catholic Church of Germantown will take place at a later date and time. “Our brother is on a beach somewhere and trucking for the Lord.”

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, 11 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection/ Holy Trinity Parish, 9 Church Avenue, Germantown. Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, Greenport. Leave condolences at www.saccofuneralhome.com.

Rudolph G. Ponkos (1924 – 2023)

HUDSON—Rudolph George Ponkos, 98, a lifelong resident of Hudson, died peacefully at home Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Born in Hudson September 30, 1924, he was the son of the late Thomas and Anna (Petro) Ponkos.

He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and later served in the U.S. Navy during World War II working as a radar operator. He graduated from the New York Technology Institute and earned a degree in television and radio technology. He married Florence Ivankow in 1950 and they settled in Hudson to begin their lives together. He owned and operated Rudy’s TV in Hudson, selling and servicing televisions. Most important to him was being a devoted husband, father, grandfather and family man. He really enjoyed his commercial bowling league in Hudson where he also served as treasurer, and continued bowling his whole life. “Rudy” was a life member of St. Mary’s Church and the VFW Post #1314 in Hudson.

He is survived by: his daughter, Barbara Ponkos-Merola and son-in-law John Merola; his daughter-in-law, Laura Ponkos; his grandchildren, Robert A. and Sarah L. Ponkos; his brother, Raymond Ponkos; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by: his beloved wife, Florence (Ivankow) Ponkos in 2020; his sons, David B. and Robert G. Ponkos; one brother, Thomas Ponkos and sister, Goldena Coleman.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, July 25 at Holy Trinity Parish, 429 East Allen Street, Hudson. Burial in the family plot followed in Cedar Park Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport.

William M. Wildermuth (1955 – 2023)

PALM BAY, FL—William M. Wildermuth, 67, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 9, 2023 in the compassionate care of William Child’s Hospice Home in Palm Bay, FL. The youngest child of Frank and Ruth Wildermuth of Philmont and Claverack, he attended Hudson High School and attained a GED after moving to Florida when he was 17. He lived in Cape Canaveral, FL. A carpenter by trade, he worked in new building construction in the Ft. Lauderdale area, where he was in demand building framing and stairs until he was struck with a rare bone cancer in 1986. “Will” struggled with the disabling aftermath of that cancer and its treatment all his life.

Despite his struggles, he was a friend to many, a good brother and uncle, and was devoted to his family. He was a fan of football—especially the Buffalo Bills—and loved rock and roll music and watching “The Young and the Restless.” He enjoyed Corona beer, good steaks and mahi-mahi. Fond of animals, he enjoyed them all, especially his Springer spaniel Boo-Boo; his cat, Calvin, and he kept up on everyone’s pet’s antics.

He is survived by: his sister, Susan Bues of New Lebanon; his brother, Frank Wildermuth of Spencertown; nieces, Jill Hoffman and Annie Coager; nephews, Frank Ian Wildermuth, Kristofer Wildermuth and Alexander Eldridge; many grandnieces and grandnephews; and many Wildermuth and Corson cousins all over the country. He was predeceased by his parents; his older sister, Jacqueline Wildermuth and two dear friends, Lori and Shelley.

A celebration of his life will be held later in the summer.

Patricia A. Alberts (1931 – 2023)

KINDERHOOK—Patricia A. Alberts of Kinderhook passed away at her home July 22, 2023 at the age of 92.

Born April 24, 1931 in Erie, PA, she was the daughter of the late William Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Dirsch) Cochran and the wife of the late Alfred H. Alberts. Before her retirement, she was a registered nurse in the Schenectady area.

She is survived by: her children, Amy Boll of Stuyvesant and Frederick H. Alberts of Manhattan; three grandsons, Nicholas and Andrew Alberts of Texas and Nathaniel Boll of Valatie; a great-grandson, Julian Boll of Valatie. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, William Henry Alberts and her sister, Marjorie Thomas. Services will be announced at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Arrangements are with the Raymond Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.

Dr. Gary F. Igleburger (1940 – 2023)

CHATHAM—Dr. Gary F. Igleburger passed away July 10, 2023 following a prolonged struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. Although the disease took much from him, it did not diminish his kind and quiet way nor his profound love and cherishing of family. He was a most beloved husband, father and grandfather. “He is etched on our hearts and minds forever.”

His professional career in the private practice of orthodontics spanned 36 years. His love of the profession and ultimate satisfaction of practicing it was equaled by the excellence of his skill and the service he provided his patients. Even after retirement, it was not uncommon for him to be greeted cheerily by a former patient recognizing him and thanking him for their splendid smile.
For the past 13 years he resided in the Hudson River Valley area of upstate New York. He adored and loved exploring, photographing, and sharing the beautiful region with family and friends.
He is survived by: his wife, Beverly; daughter, Jennifer Falter (Jack); sons, Jeffery and James (Susan); step-daughter, Erin Stamper: grandchildren, Jacob Falter (Olivia), Samuel Falter, Emma Falter, Zachery Igleburger, Cameron Igleburger and Alex Igleburger; great-grandchildren, Henry F. Falter and Theo Falter and brother, Tom Igleburger (Carole).

“Remembering is the love that remains.” To send online condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com

Marjorie A. Gardner (1922 – 2023)

HUDSON—Marjorie Adella Gardner of the village of Chatham passed away peacefully, July 20, 2023 with her family at  bedside at Columbia Memorial Hospital through hospice care, she was in her 101th year.

“Marge” was born and grew up in Prattsville, the daughter of Adella and Raymond Traver, Sr.

She and her husband Edison were owners of Gardners Country Store, Old Chatham in the 1950s and 1960s. She also worked at the Shaker Museum in Old Chatham for 35 years where she graciously greeted the visitors, and helped with tours and discussions about the beautiful Shaker exhibits there.

She is survived by: her son, Edison (Maureen) and her daughter Carol, who all reside in Chatham; her step-daughter, Barbara Sheffer of Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren, Myles of Reno, NV, Molly of Atlanta, GA, Matthew of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Baron of Stuart, FL, and Sarah of North Myrtle Beach, SC; and seven great-grandchildren. Her family sends many thanks to Anne Moore of East Chatham, who was a caring at home companion to Mrs. Gardner these past three years.

A celebration of her life will be held during calling hours at Wenk Funeral Home, Payn Avenue, Chatham, Monday July 31, from 11 a.m. to noon with a brief remembrance service following.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene County or the Chatham Rescue Squad. To send online condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com

Martin Schroeder (1937 – 2023)

LIVINGSTON—Martin Schroeder, 86, of Livingston passed away July 21, 2023. Born February 28, 1937 in Hudson, he was the son of Henry and Anna (Burfiend) Schroeder.

He was the owner/operator of Midland Dairy Farm in Livingston, and was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

He is survived by: his wife, Erika (Guslawski) Schroeder; children, Jay Schroeder (Kim Schaeffer), Luke (Nancy) Schroeder and Adam Schroeder; grandchildren, Sonja, Kayla, and Justine; great-grandchildren, June, William and Maia; his sister, Caroline Baker and brother, Henry Schroeder. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, John “Jack” Schroeder.

Visitation hours at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home are July 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Storm Avenue, Hudson will be held Thursday, July 27 at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Livingston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

Anne M. Maben (1946 – 2023)

HUDSON—Anne M. Maben passed away peacefully at Columbia Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family Friday, July 21, 2023.

She was born in Hudson to the late Marco and Frances (Brown) Tomaso, March 22, 1946. She lived in Hudson her entire life. The majority of her life was spent on Eighth Street where she developed many long friendships.

She graduated from Hudson High School in 1964. She began her career working as a stock room manager for the Jamesway Corporation in Hudson and then later moved to the Catskill store. She assisted in the opening new stores for Jamesway across the Northeast. After working for Jamesway she went on to work at Ames Department Store in a similar capacity. She worked at Ginsberg’s in Hudson until her retirement due to health challenges.

She loved her family and friends. She enjoyed holidays with family and picnic gatherings during the summer months.

She was delighted and proud of her late son, Joe’s volunteerism in various local fire departments. His fellow firefighter friends became her friends and extended family.

She is survived by: her brothers, David Brown, Marco (Helen) Tomaso, Robert (Patrice) Tomaso; sister-in-law, Denise Tomaso; one aunt, Elaine Tomaso and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her beloved son, Joseph; her brother, Louis; sister-in-law, Judith Brown; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, August 5 at the Bates and Anderson Funeral Home in Hudson from 10 to 11:30 a.m. followed by services with interment at the Cedar Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers consider making a donation to the City of Hudson, Greenport or Stottville fire departments in honor of her son’s dedication and longtime membership to those departments.

Charles J. “Chase” Pugliese (1942 – 2023)

[East Greenbush] With profound sadness the family of Chase (Charles J.) Pugliese, 81, announce his passing on July 18, 2023. While Parkinson’s Disease took much of his physical strength, it was never able to take his courage and strength of family which he held with much pride.

Born on April 23, 1942 Chase was the son of the late Charles W. and Therese Pugliese. Chase grew up in Kingston, NY. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Brown University. He loved the English language and used it with elan.

Chase received his Juris Doctorate degree from Albany Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1969. For over 30 years he was an attorney for and Assistant Counsel of the NYS

Departments of Agriculture and Markets, Social Services, and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, respectively. During his career he represented his agencies in scores of administrative hearings, and argued and wrote briefs for a number of cases in State Supreme Court, the Appellate

Division and the Court of Appeals.

Chase also carried on his own practice of law for over four decades.

He was very active in the Knights of Columbus, East Greenbush Council 6027, and chaired numerous events for the Council, including 50s Night, Italian Night, and 50/50

Club. He received the Council’s highest award, Knight of the Year for distinguished service. He was a cofounder of the NYS Organization of Management/Confidential Employees (OMCE).

He served as lector for Holy Spirit Church for many years. He was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, Valatie, NY. Chase served as the publicity director for the East Greenbush Community Library Book Sales and for the Kinderhook Lake Corporation’s events for many years. He was a lifelong, ardent NY Yankees and NY Giants fan. He zealously played softball for the K of C and the Bozos for more than three decades. Chase and Paula loved to travel and visited more than thirty-seven countries.

Chase is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Paula, of 50 years who transformed Chase’s life when he met her. He is also survived by his treasured children, Karen (Wayne) Frankey and Kent whom he loved deeply. Mary Pugliese and Edie Pugliese and several cousins, nieces and nephews also survive him. He was predeceased by his younger brothers Dan and John. His proudest asset was his family. His family would like to extend sincere and heartfelt thanks to Van Rensselaer Manor for their exemplary care, kindness, compassion and support while he resided there.

There was a funeral mass held at St. John the Baptist Church on Saturday July 22. Interment was in St. Johns Cemetery in Valatie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Chase’s name to the Hudson Mohawk Humane Society, Menands. PAID OBITUARY

Judith Ann Oder (1949-2023)

Judith Ann Oder died on the 4th of July at Memorial Sloane Kettering in New York City. She fought so hard to live.

Her love for her family and friends is what kept her going. Her warmth, smile and gentle soul will always be remembered.

Judith, born April 20,1949 grew up in Rochester, New York the daughter of John and Viola Spacher. It was there in High School where she met the love of her life Richard Oder, her husband of over 53 years. They had two children together Jared Oder and Elizabeth Magit.

When she moved to Old Chatham from Florida she finally felt like she was in a place that was meant for her. Where her neighbors became her family. Where she could enjoy being outside in her garden or taking in the gorgeous views from her porch. Where she could create wonderful memories of lovely parties she hosted. She had impeccable taste – creator of beauty.

She was a dedicated mother who made every effort to fill her children’s lives with love, comfort, joy and laughter. Her interest and dedication to the arts – painting, music and design – played a central role in her children’s lives. Jared went on to become a Painter and Elizabeth an Interior Designer.

Judy was very active in her community. She was a member of the Riders Mills School Historical Association and was instrumental in organizing the annual Old Chatham Art Show. My mother was my rock, mycomfort – everything good and true. She taught me the importance of dedicating oneself to that which truly makes you happy. The importance of being thoughtful and sympathetic.

My mother was fiercely committed to family and I am so happy that she was able to fulfill one of her dreams of being a grandmother. She adored my daughter and so cherished their time together. It gives me peace and comfort to think that she is now with Jared. I carry you in my heart always. PAID OBITUARY