Joel Daniel Skibbe

1957 - 2015

Joel Daniel Skibbe obituary, 1957-2015, Lake Mary, FL

BORN

1957

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

5000 County Road 46A

Sanford, Florida

Joel Skibbe Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 30, 2015.

Lake Mary resident, Joel Daniel Skibbe, 57, passed away in his home on March 27, 2015, after a 2 ½ year struggle with ALS.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Northland Church in Longwood, FL. Joel was born on August 27, 1957, in Michigan City, Indiana, to James Edward and Joan Heiermann Skibbe. His father was a P.E. teacher and his mother was a registered nurse.

Joel, along with his two brothers, Jeff and Jay, grew up in LaPorte, Indiana. He played many sports in his youth, but basketball was his favorite. In fact, when Joel played in the Maverick Basketball League in the 4th grade, he scored 261 points in 10 games. His basketball ability and leadership continued through high school, where he helped the LaPorte High School basketball team win the Sectionals after a 27-year drought.

Joel attended Southwestern Michigan Jr. College before moving to Florida and graduating from the University of Central Florida in 1983. He was immediately hired to teach P.E. at Wilson Elementary School in Seminole County, where he stayed for 30 years. The thousands of students he taught over the years meant so much to him, and the staff he worked with were like family.

Joel married Mary Ann Unrein nearly 25 years ago, on April 7, 1990. He took much pride and joy in her his 3 children, Janelle Catherine, 21, Joel Daniel Jr. (J.D.), 12, and Jenna Grace, 10, all of whom survive him. Joel enjoyed playing basketball, biking and running, but his favorite past-time was spending time with family and friends.

Joel was preceded in death by his mother, Joan. He is also survived by his father, James; brothers, Jeffrey David and Jay Edward; and his many, many friends and coworkers.

In lieu of flowers, the Skibbe family would appreciate donations to the ALS Association.



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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April 23, 2016

Leslee Mendez

When this guest book was first opened, there was so much I should say but so little I was able to say. I only worked side by side with Joel for 6 years but he had a huge impact on me and will forever be a piece of me. Joel was the most caring, sincere, funny, devoted, and aggravating mentor and friend I will ever have. He was a true friend. He sincerely cared about the well being of every other person and child. And he somehow knew and respected the ins and outs of every other person. He taught me more about life than just Physical Education but did it in the funniest kindest way. He pointed out things for me to think about and stood up for me when I couldn't myself. There were times that he aggravated the jeebies out of me because he'd do things in such a crazy mixed up way - which appeared completely normal to him. I gradually learned to take on some of those ways and truly smile at the others. There was not a day that I worked with Joel, that he didn't make me smile. Joel, your legacy will carry on for generations in many households including mine... I've taught my kids some of your phrases... and I know they will pass you on. God bless you and your family. I miss you.

Posted by Leslee Mendez

April 23, 2016

Leslee Mendez

Posted by Leslee Mendez

April 23, 2016

Leslee Mendez

Posted by Leslee Mendez

July 3, 2015

Phillip O'Neal

In honor of one of the La Porte High School 1976 Sectional basketball champions Joel Skibbe!! Great player but a better person.

Phillip O'Neal

May 10, 2015

Angela Larsen

Joel was a kind, and caring person with a great sense of humor. Which made him a fun , easy going coworker and friend. I will miss him.

May 10, 2015

Will be Missed

You

April 13, 2015

nolen huuston

its me nolen huston and i cant belive this would happen to such a great person, but i still poured that ice on my head!

April 11, 2015

Kari Boyle

God speed Mr. Skibbe!!! You are so loved by many and will be greatly missed!!! Prayers to the Skibbe family. Go Pack Go!!

April 11, 2015

Connie Brown

Dear Joel,
You and I didn't know each other well, but Mary Ann and I were best friends in junior high school and the beginning of high school; we were inseparable. I sang at your wedding to Mary Ann. You could have no better mother for your beautiful children. I am so sorry you and your family were struck by this terrible disease. I hope they are comforted, even a little, by the fact that you are no longer suffering pain or fear. I know the day will come when the memories they have of you and your love for them will no longer be a source of grief, but instead, will bring them comfort and peace.
Love,
Connie Brown Dearmin

April 10, 2015

Dolores Johnson

It was an honor to know such an amazing person that truly made a difference in so many lives! My own 3 children absolutely adored you as their coach and we all thank you for the wonderful memories. Our prayers are with the Skibbe family!

April 10, 2015

Skylar Peterson

I can't believe the world lost such a great man. To have left such an impression on so many students takes a lot of talent and a whole lot of caring. It's unfair that we should have lost such an amazing role model and positive influence in this world. I know he'll be watching over his family and friends every day.
We'll miss you

April 10, 2015

Kelsey Rivero (Harness)

P.E. with Mr. Skibbe was one of my favorite parts of elementary school. He truly cared about his students in the way he treated us, taught us, and modeled a positive attitude. I always remember the lessons about safety because he taught in a way that made his students feel cared about and important. I went out right away and got a bicycle helmet after he taught the bike unit at school! He will be greatly missed.

April 9, 2015

Adrian Rogers

Someday there will be a cure for ALS, a disease we have both struggled with. You were a remarkable man, Joel, and I was blessed to know you. You've left your mark on all of us.

April 8, 2015

Diane Knight

Mr. Skibbe was a humble person and showed only kindness and compassion to everyone around him.
He will be greatly missed and I am saddened by his death. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with his family, coworkers and friends during this difficult time.

April 8, 2015

Ms. Byrd

Thanks for all the memories. You have always been a great friend, and Co worker. I will always cheerish those years. Especially on field days, throwing water balloons and pies at teachers. I'm smiling now, just reminiscing. I pray for strength that your family will get through this. Love you all (Skibbe family ). Rest in Paradise.

April 8, 2015

Anglia Scott-lint

To the best coach i have ever had. He was the nicest, caring, and patient person that i have known. As an adult he still remembered me and my family. What a great man! I am deeply sadden, but our GOD had other plans for him!!!

You will truly be missed coach skibbie

April 8, 2015

Wayne Pate

Joel was an important person in my life in high school. We spent many many hours on the basketball court together and quite a few hours before and after basketball. He was a true friend. I always always enjoyed his company. I will miss him terribly. I can't watch a game without thinking of him. One of the best athletes I have ever had the pleasure of playing with. Rest in peace Joel you will never never be forgotten!!!

April 8, 2015

Jennifer Kennedy

So sorry for your loss. What an amazing Coach he was.

April 8, 2015

Barb Nixon

I was a first year principal and so fortunate to have kind, loving Coach Skibbe lead the PE team during my Wilson years. He was a pleasure to work with!

April 7, 2015

Debbie Bowlin

Joel was such a kind, considerate man. I worked with Him at Wilson for a number of years and always enjoyed talking to him. I loved his shy demeanor! JD is just like him! We have really missed Joel, and he has definitely left a void. God bless his family and know that he made a positive influence not only on many, many children but also many adults. Joel will never be forgotten!

April 6, 2015

Colleen Richardson(Schmidt)

Joel Skibbe was a good man. All five of my boys went to school at Wilson Elementary and had Mr. Skibbe, as they called him, for a PE teacher. They also had him for safety patrol. He was good to the kids, nice to the parents and a really good role model. But the memory that stands out best was when I was giving blood (in the Bloodmobile at Wilson), he came in to give blood and he fainted. A big strong man like Joel Skibbe fainting. We all got a good laugh out of that, even Mr. Skibbe. God now has the best PE teacher ever!!

April 5, 2015

Chandler Miller

I grew up and went to Wilson elementary. He was my PE coach all 6 years. He was a great man. I saw him outside of school when I got older and we talked like he was my family. Plus when I found out my current girlfriend was best friends with his daughter. Kind of meant alot to me. He's always been there even when he wasn't. Condolences to the family.

April 3, 2015

Renee (Kwasny) Tate

My sincere condolences to the Skibbe family. He was an amazing athlete and terrific person. I am honored to have known him through grade school and high school. It is heartwarming to hear he was such a beloved coach and mentor to so many kids. God Bless you and your loved ones.

April 3, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to Joel's wife and his children. I worked with Joel from the late 80's. He was a perfect role model for us and the children. Always kind,and sweet to everyone. My friend you will be missed but always loved. Rest in peace ! Love, Sylvia

April 3, 2015

Shelly Haferkamp

Condolences and prayers go out to the family ! May the Lord comfort you in this difficult time

April 3, 2015

Karen Long

I was a very shy kid whose family and I moved to LaPorte, IN when I was in the 6th grade. I met Joel when we all were thrown together in 7th grade. Joel sat by me in Geography and took the time to get to know me; make me feel included and to realize that I was special too. I can see by all the comments here, that Joel made people feeling special, his life's work. What a wonderful legacy! God Bless your friends and family. You will live on forever in our hearts.

April 2, 2015

Max Berry

In terms of popularity among Wilson students, Mr. Skibbe was unmatched. While reminiscing about elementary school days with several of my former classmates over the years, some would have trouble remembering their grade school teachers, but not one had forgotten their favorite P.E coach. My mother Kay, Wilson's art teacher since the late-90's, worked right around the corner from Mr. Skibbe and I had the chance to get to know him later on in life as an adult. He was always friendly and easy to talk to. We could have talked for hours on end about sports. I will never watch a Green Bay Packers or Notre Dame game without thinking of him. He was a great friend and co-worker to my mom for many years and we will miss him greatly. God bless his wife and three children and may his memory inspire all of us to be as loving to one another as he was to everybody around him.

I hope they show Sportscenter in heaven, Mr. Skibbe. Rest in Peace.

Love, Max

April 2, 2015

Stephanie

It takes a special person to be a husband, a father, a teacher, a coach, a friend, a neighbor, a sports freak, and so much more. Joel is that person. You will be missed but always here.
Stephanie (Lake Mary, FL)

April 2, 2015

Julie Perry

My thoughts and prayers are with Joel's family. He was such a great role model for all the children at Wilson. They certainly looked up to him. He will be missed by all who knew him.

April 2, 2015

Bill Euler

So nice to read these comments about Joel being a favorite coach and educator. He was raised next door to Hailmann School where there was a great deal of sports going on. Can still see him playing basketball in his driveway. God bless the Skibbe family. Take care Tiger.

Posted by Bill Euler

April 2, 2015

Jessica Lange

Thank you Coach Skibbe!!! You made kids happy and that is an amazing gift!!! I will always remember you calling me Martian because my hair would turn green from the pool at my diving practices. And, you were so supportive of my efforts at gymnastics. You deserve all the warm thoughts and prayers everyone is sending you right now. They are evidence of your life well lived. May you be at peace.

April 2, 2015

Pamela Jones

Not just a coach but a man that showed kids everyday what a true man acted like. You would see kids long after they had grown come back just to see him. Talk about leaving behind a legacy!!!

April 2, 2015

Jennie (Toth) Simon

He was the best coach anyone could ask for and I will forever remember him and his ability to bring out the best in kids of all ages. You will be missed by all.

April 2, 2015

jill spires

Best coach ever>You will be missed RIP

April 2, 2015

Sandy Ward

Your light still burns bright for those of us who knew and loved you. ¢¾¢¾

April 2, 2015

Carol and Hal Allred

Joel leaves a legacy of fond memories and lives that were enriched by knowing him. He had the ability to relate with everyone, no matter what the ability level, skill, or personality. He made each individual feel special, which is an endearing quality in an educator. He was a devoted son, father, husband, teacher and citizen. He will be missed, but will live on in the hearts of many. Prayers to his loved ones.

April 2, 2015

Matt Fraysier

Best coach ever. Coolest dude. Awesome guy. Epic legend of the playground.

April 2, 2015

Brenda Ripley

Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
RIP Joel.

April 2, 2015

Andrea (Russo) Spake

You were incredibly kind and such a natural with teaching kids! Thank you for giving me the gift of love for physical education & fitness! I have fond memories of my time with you at Wilson Elementary, Queen's song 'we will rock you' always takes me right back! Rest in peace, many condolences to your family at this time. Andrea (Russo) Spake , currently living in Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Posted by Andrea (Russo) Spake

April 2, 2015

Amy Boffey-Foote

Coach Skibbe, you touched so many lives during your career at Wilson Elementary and I still have fond memories of P.E. from that time. Thank you for teaching me my first Queen song, "We Will Rock You", and thanks for being a great mentor.

April 2, 2015

Brian Rapp

Thank you for being an awesome coach and teacher. We will continue to fight ALS in your absence. This disease took my dad and a few friends, now a wonderful teacher. You will be missed.

April 2, 2015

laura Reardon-Ruiz

He was amazing coach! So, sweet and caring! Made P.E. fun! The best coach!

April 1, 2015

Heather Hahn (Hook)

You were the best! I will never forget whirley birds and loop de loops. I have the best picture of us, I was dancing on your feet at my aunt and uncles wedding! You will be deeply missed. RIP sweet friend.

April 1, 2015

Erika Ceballos

PE was always the best part of the day, you made that happen for us, you were always happy. Thank you.

April 1, 2015

Arch Boothe

Last week we lost a friend and the best basketball coach my son every had. He taught he the basics, and how to be a team player. Thank you Joel for helping to make our son a better ball play, a better student, a better young man. And now he is sharing those qualities with his son. I know he is just one of many that you have guided along your walk thru this life, and a piece of you will live on for ever in all of us. Than you and God Bless

April 1, 2015

Steve Ebert

Some of my fondest childhood memories were watching La Porte Slicer Star Joel Skibbe play basketball. What a great role model. You touched many lives. Thanks Joel. My condolences to the Skibbe family.

April 1, 2015

Spencer Buchanan

Rest in peace Joel you were not only one of the best basketball players ,I looked up to but you were an awesome person !

April 1, 2015

Bill Nelson

I grew up 1 block away from Joel. He was 8 years older than me so when he was a high school basketball star he was my idol. I'd watch him practice in his driveway and my dad took me to his games. Whenever he finished his driveway sessions, he always called me over to shoot some baskets with him. I so much wanted to be like Joel that during my entire 4th grade school year I made my teacher call me Joel. Great memories. Rest in peace friend.

April 1, 2015

Cheyanne and Saxon Watkins

Rest in peace to the best teacher I have ever met. I remember elementary school like it was yesterday even though it was only 3 years ago. Seeing you everyday made each day a whole lot better for me. You inspired me and my brother to be the best we could be. Growing up with you through kindergarten till 5th grade had such an amazing impact on my life and I couldn't of had the amazing years at Wilson without you! Love you Mr. Skibbe, we will meet again someday. Sending lots of love and prayers towards his family.

April 1, 2015

Ryan Jensen

The man who was my first basketball coach and everyone's favorite PE coach. Most people will remember the "whirley birds", leprechaun hunts, sweat hog awards and running in the woods. But I will remember a man who taught me about team work, practicing hard and being unselfish. I will remember a great man who was loved by many! Thank you for opening my eyes to the game of basketball and for being such a great role model! Rest easy Mr. Skibbe. Wilson Class of 94

April 1, 2015

Kendall Hart

You were the most amazing pe teacher wilson ever had all the joy and happiness you brought to students when we had the reindeer run the turkey trot and all the other amazing things. You were an awesome person and you will be missed so much!

April 1, 2015

leslee Scheuer Mendez

Rest in peace my friend Joel Skibbe. Some of the memories we made were the best times in my life. Every story of you makes me smile. You taught me how to teach, be silly, strive for the important things and let the little ones go, pick your battles, see things from different and wiser point of views, and find joy in the little things. You stood up for me, protected me, kept me laughing, and kept me from crossing lines that shouldn't be crossed. If I touch one one- hundredth of the lives you touched I'll have accomplished something.

April 1, 2015

Sharry Carr

Joel was a wonderful caring man, and was fantastic working with children at school. Everyone who met him loved him. Lots of fond memories. Blessings to his family.

April 1, 2015

Jen Boffey

My children, husband, brother, sister, & other family members all had the pleasure of having Coach Skibbe as a Wilson coach. His warm smile & interest in former students was genuine & appreciated. My favorite memory was when my 2nd grader made him a pipe cleaner bracelet with the Green Bay Packer colors and he wore it for days. Thank you for being one of the good ones.

April 1, 2015

Carol Weitermann

What a wonderful teacher and role model. Always loved all the help you gave with the Wilson Carnival You will truly be missed. Weitermann family

April 1, 2015

david buckland

shot basetball once as a teenager with joel...was such a nice person RIP joel

April 1, 2015

Clarice Lubs

Such a kind hearted soul, great athlete and always had a smile on his face. rest in peace Joel God bless his family and friends in this time of sorrow our condolences from the class of 76

April 1, 2015

Clarice LuLubs

Such a kind hearted soul, great athlete and always had a smile on his face. rest in peace Joel God bless his family and friends in this time of sorrow our condolences from the class of 76

April 1, 2015

Mary Simonson Adkins

Rest in Peace Joel! Have great memories of you! My first Kiss!

April 1, 2015

Kerri Smith

Mr. Skibbe or for the first month of Kindergarten our daughter Samantha thought it was Mr. Skippy! was the best PE and Field Day teacher ever. Many fond memories of Field Day over the six years our daughter attended as Mr. Skibbe encouraged all of the kids (over the bullhorn :) to just have fun! Parents too! Thank you for always talking to and encouraging our daughter when PE sometimes just wasn't her strongpoint, you will be missed. Prayers to your family.

April 1, 2015

Steve Marovich

One of the original East-Siders who went to Hailmann School! Joel was such a great guy and was an awesome basketball player, leading the '76 Slicers to the 1st Sectional Championship since 1949. I was honored to have been on the team with Joel. R.I.P. Joel.
May God watch over him, his famlily and many friends, during this time of grief.

April 1, 2015

Tammy Coughlin

We moved to Sanford in 2004. Mr. Skibbe was the first teacher at Wilson to reach out to our family. He saw my husband wearing a Green Bay Packer shirt and that was all it took. He was always kind to my kids and was quick to tell them, "Tell your dad that I said 'Go Pack"". I will always appreciate his kindness and will never forget that Family Day when he plopped down next to us. My prayers are with the family.

April 1, 2015

Teri Grimes

Joel was such a caring teacher. He would take my Pre-K special Ed students for a special PE class, which he wasn't required to. He would also come to my classroom to spend additional time with the children. He made such a wonderful impression on me. I was privileged to work with him again at Wilson his last year. I will remember him fondly. He touched many lives during his lifetime.

April 1, 2015

Darrell Gray

Joel had a great smile and laugh--We spent many great times playing baseball and basketball growing up on Eastside of LaPorte!! Great memories.

April 1, 2015

Finnis Faine

My prayers go out to the family.Joel and I shared many Notre Dame football Monday morning quarterbacking stories.He was a wonderful husband, father, teacher and friend. Rest now with no more pain in heaven my friend. Gone too soon!

April 1, 2015

Adam Brewster

Thank you for being such a great friend. We will meet again one day.

April 1, 2015

Kory Forde

My favorite educator at Wilson Elementary. P.E. with Mr. Skibbe was always the highlight of my day. Lots of memories from field day, to chasing leprechauns through the woods on St. Patricks Day, and running the mile hearing him encourage us over his megaphone.

To the man who taught me to juggle. You were loved by many and will be missed.

Wilson Elem Class of 2004.

April 1, 2015

Mike Slevin

Rest in Peace my friend...I remember you as a kind, quiet person...I loved to watch you play basketball.

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