Kathryn Ida (Schadel) Leitzel, 97, of Millersburg, PA, residing at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, PA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on Dec. 31, 1927, in Klingerstown, PA, the daughter of the late Harvey J. Schadel Sr. and Ida (Brosious) Schadel.
A 1946 graduate of Lower Mahanoy High School, Kathryn was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s UCC Church in Malta, where she faithfully served in many roles for over 80 years. Her deep devotion to her faith and community included singing in the choir, teaching and serving as secretary of the Sunday school, coordinating church flowers, participating in the women’s group, and working at the Malta Church stand at the Gratz Fair.
Kathryn married Marvin F. Leitzel on Aug. 28, 1948. Together, they shared 53 years of marriage and built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. They loved to travel and spent many years traveling the world together.
She is survived by her children, Ronald Leitzel, and his partner, Kim Pelletier, Ceylon Leitzel, and his wife, Karen, and Tonia Ulsh, and her husband, John. She was a beloved grandmother to Amanda Bordner (Shane), Jonathan Leitzel (Brittany), Allison Williams (Trevor), Kathryn Ulsh, and James Ulsh; and a cherished great-grandmother to Hayley and Zachary Bordner, Brogan and Hadley Williams, and Mia and Henry Leitzel.
Kathryn is also survived by her sisters, Noma Hoover (Kenneth), Sandra Hoffer, and Cheryl Folkemer (Dean); and brothers, Russel Schadel (Dorothy, deceased) and Marvin Schadel.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; sisters, Eva Faulk and Miriam Adams; and brothers, Harvey Schadel Jr. and Larry Schadel.
Throughout her life, Kathryn exemplified hard work, service, and kindness. As a teen, she worked in her parents’ General Store in Malta, PA, and later at the Big Yank Shirt Factory as a presser. After raising a family, she dedicated herself to the family business. Together with Marvin, she owned and operated Leitzel’s Jewelry Store in Millersburg and Lykens — laying a foundation that inspired their children to follow in their footsteps.
In her later years, Kathryn remained active in her community and The Order of the Eastern Star. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, participated in the Halifax Garden Club, and attended the Millersburg Senior Center, Ferry Boat Association, and local neighborhood gatherings. She enjoyed puzzles, gardening, reading, and taking bus trips, and especially loved playing Pinochle. Most of all, she cherished the time spent with her family and friends.
Kathryn’s life was marked by grace, generosity, an infectious smile, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the faith she nurtured, the family she loved, and the community she enriched. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Luke’s Church, 837 Mahantongo Creek Road, Dalmatia, PA 17017, in honor of Kathryn’s lifetime of faith and devotion.
There will be a public visitation at St. Luke’s UCC Church, Malta, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. at the church, with a burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Arrangements are being cared for by the staff of Minnich Funeral. We are honored to serve this family at our Hoover-Boyer Funeral Home, Ltd., Millersburg location. To sign the guestbook, go to www.minnichfuneral.com.
