Walter V. Skiengel, 97, a resident of Swoyersville, passed into eternal life on Thursday evening, July 22, 2021, at the Highland Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Exeter, where he was a guest for the past two weeks.

His beloved wife was the late Beatrice A. (Buzitsky) Skiengel, who passed away on December 18, 2015. Walter and Beatrice’s marriage was one of love and devotion to one another, and they were blessed to share nearly 70 years together.

Born on November 05, 1923, in Swoyersville, Walter was one of fifteen children born to the late Victor and Victoria (Witek) Skiendziel.

Walter was a proud of his hometown of Swoyersville, residing there his entire life. He was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School, Class of 1942.

A United States Army Veteran, Walter honorably served his country for a year and a half during World War II. During his time of service, he was assigned to the American Graves Registration Command as supply sergeant. Upon his honorable discharge on February 08, 1947, Walter had attained the rank of Sergeant.

Walter began his career as a confectioner by working at the former Helen K. Salzburg Candy Company, which was located in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Following Mrs. Salzburg’s retirement, he became employed by Gertrude Hawk and her son, Elmer Hawk, at their original candy kitchen in Dunmore. His expertise and skill for candy making, especially jellies, was a valued asset at the Gertrude Hawk Chocolate Company. Over the years, Walter forged a close friendship with the late Elmer Hawk and his family, and their friendship continued long after his retirement.

After retiring, Walter became a part-time employee of the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., Forty Fort, working there for 20 years. Most notably serving as the official greeter and door tender for viewings, Walter was not only loved and respected by his colleagues at Wroblewski’s, but was equally loved and respected by the members of the community.

A devout Catholic, Walter was a lifelong member of the former Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, Swoyersville, where he served as an usher until the church’s closing, and was an active member of its Holy Name Society. Following the consolidation of his church, he became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville.

An avid outdoorsman, Walter took great pride in tending to his annual vegetable garden, and his flower gardens around his home. He was also an avid fisherman and loved going on fishing trips with his wife.

Always a kind and caring gentleman, Walter was loved by all, but most especially by his wife, daughters, grandson, and great-grandson. His great-grandson, Robbie, was the apple of his eye and the light of his life, and he reveled in all his accomplishments. The gentle love and care in which Walter had shown throughout his life left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who encountered him. Although his presence will be missed, there is much joy and peace in knowing he is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, and his family and friends who have gone before him.

In addition to his parents, Victor and Victoria Skiendziel, and his wife, Beatrice, Walter was preceded in death by his brothers, infant Joseph Skiendziel, Frank Skiendziel, Joseph E. Skiendziel, and John Skiendziel; his sisters, Mary Gavlick, Amelia Granda, Stella Meckalavage Songaila, Victoria Golden, Genevieve Bonomo, Helen Skiengel, and Arlene Skiengel; and his son-in-law, George Budnovitch.

Walter is survived by his devoted daughters, Carol Budnovitch, Swoyersville; and Elaine Stanchak and her husband, Frank, Swoyersville; his beloved grandson, Edward Stanchak and his wife, Allison, West Wyoming; his adoring great-grandson, Robert Stanchak, West Wyoming; his dear sisters, Alice Skiengel, Swoyersville; Sister Cynthia Skiendziel O.S.F. and Sister Melita Skiendziel O.S.F., both of Saint Thomas More Convent, Allentown; as well as generations of nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to the nurses and staff at the Highland Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Exeter, for their compassionate care of Walter during his short stay there.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 9:30 AM, from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his Pastor, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Family and Friends are invited to Walter’s viewing which will be held on Tuesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 AM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Skiengel Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home’s website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

The Family would be honored if you would consider making a memorial donation in Walter’s memory to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, Pennsylvania 18704.