Pocono News Section

Fire Victims Laid to Rest in Schuylkill County

Fire Victims Laid to Rest in Schuylkill County - Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 9:21PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Saturday, Feb 2, 2008 @09:21pm EST
ASHLAND, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - Four days after a devastating fire killed two young children in Schuylkill County, the victims were laid to rest Saturday morning in Schuylkill County. Both victims were remembered as loving and energetic and family members say their memory will live on because of their family's compassion.

Hugs and tears filled Saint Mauritius Church in Ashland Saturday, as community members remembered three-year-old Audrey Klinger and her five-year-old brother Victor. Both kids were killed early Tuesday when fire tore through their apartment on Centre Street. Their parents and another 18-month-old baby survived the blaze, but are now left asking why.

"The community has been wonderful to the family. We can't say enough to everyone. We don't even know most of the people that have been so generous," Vicky Walk said. Walk is the victim's great aunt.

The generousness of the community showed Saturday, as teddy bears lined not only the children's caskets, but the church itself. Instead of flowers, the family asked for these donations, to have the life and spirit of their children live on.

"They will be given to the children's hospital at the Geisinger Hospital and they will be distributed to the children up there," Walk said.

Pictures of both children filled the Schuylkill County church Saturday, showing both kids as energetic and loving. The cause of the fire that claimed their lives remains under investigation and is a tragedy that has shaken a community to its core.

"You don't get over it. Buildings are one thing, but when you have a double loss of life, that's sad. Very sad," Fire Chief Philip Groody said.

A fire fund has been set-up to help the Klinger family pay for funeral expenses. If you would like to make a donation, send a check to any M&T Bank, or the address below:

Klinger Family Fire Fund
c/o M&T Bank
804 Centre Street
Ashland, PA 1791
(570) 875-1132