Breaking News

Gary N. Kowalski

Gary N. Kowalski, 74, of Fredonia, N.Y. passed away on Christmas Day at Brooks Hospital after a brief illness. A complete obituary will be published in the Saturday edition of the Observer. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.

Keith S. Sheldon

Keith S. Sheldon, 89, of Fredonia, N.Y., managing editor emeritus of the OBSERVER, died Wednesday Dec. 27, 2023. Calling hours will be held at the LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, 20 Central Ave., Fredonia on Friday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Fredonia First United Methodist Church, 25 Church St., Fredonia, on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023 at 11 am. A complete obituary will be published in the Friday edition of the OBSERVER. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.

Michael L. Sladich

Michael L. Sladich, 67, of Gowanda, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023 at the Gowanda Nursing Home. He was born on Sept. 4, 1956 in Gowanda, son of the late Louis and Anna (Voncina) Sladich. For many years, Mike worked at the Gowanda Psychiatric Center as a cleaner. He was a member of St. Joseph’s RC Church and a frequent supporter of the Gowanda Historical Society, as well as the bowling leagues at K&L Lanes in Gowanda for many years. His true passion was the Buffalo Bills. Mike lived and breathed the Bills, and was known for his devout fandom. Mike truly loved all sports, as well ...

Jack L. Freeman

Jack L. Freeman, 87, of Silver Creek and formerly of Sherman, NY, passed away on Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, at Brooks Hospital in Dunkirk, NY. He was born May 9, 1936, in Sherman, NY, the son of the late John and Fern Miller Freeman. Jack was a 1955 graduate of Sherman Central School. He had ...

Stella M. Mapel

Stella M. Mapel, 87, passed away on Dec. 20, 2023. Stella was born on May 16, 1936 to parents Antonius and Maria Mlynarski. Stella graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1955, and later moved to Fredonia where she raised her family. She was a hard-working woman and devoted her life to her ...

John Jurczak

On Dec. 15, 2023, John Jurczak died at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, NY. He was born in Dunkirk, NY on Feb. 27, 1958 to the late Joseph P. and Elizabeth Jurczak. He graduated from Forestville High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 1980. John was also a graduate of ...