Obituary
Guest Book
1937
2014
Ronald Howard Skilbeck, 76, of Springfield, formerly of Petersburg and Loami, passed away on Saturday March 1, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on May 4, 1937 in Lacrosse, Wisconsin to Howard and Ruby Ekern Skilbeck. He married Dianne Winget on August 14, 1982 in Petersburg and she survives.
Mr. Skilbeck is also survived by three sons: Edward O'Brien of Loami, Ronald Howard (Vicky ) Skilbeck Jr., and Steven (Suzie) Skilbeck both of Washington State, three daughters: Karen O'Brien of Springfield, Sara Denise Skilbeck of Georgia, and Judith Michelle Posey of Georgia, one sister Janice (Jeff) Johnston of Springfield, two brothers: Wayne (Debra) Skilbeck of Springfield and Gerald (Debbie) Skilbeck of Loami, nineteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by one child.
Ron grew up working on the family farm in Coon Valley, Wisconsin where his family grew tobacco and had dairy cows. He retired from a thirty-year career with the US Navy as an E6 Chief Petty Officer. Ronald was a life-time member of the VFW who had acted as a post commander in Petersburg and a member of the Petersburg American Legion. While stationed in the Philippines Ronald became a 32nd degree mason and member of the Independent Grand Lodge AF & AM of the Philippine Islands. He was an avid fisherman and football fan. He was known for his storytelling and being a devoted family man cherishing the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Bisch Funeral Home West. The family will meet friends from 1:00pm until the time of services Saturday at Bisch West. Memorial contributions may be made to VFW, Post 755, Springfield, IL, and please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 17, 2014
Deb Foster
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I'll never forget the conversations Ron & I had about banking!
March 7, 2014
Kerin Dippel
Diane, Karen, Eddie, and all the Skilbecks - My deepest condolences. I am sorry I cannot be with you to remember Ron and all the wonderful moments he gave us as a family.
March 7, 2014
Marilyn Kelton
Jerry and Debbie and family. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you. The Kelton family
March 6, 2014
Tim & Jill Mazrim
Jerry and family,
We were sorry to read about the passing of your family member (brother). May your memories comfort you.
Tim & Jill Mazrim
March 6, 2014
Mark & Paulette O'Brien
Diane, Karen and Family,
Paulette and I were sorry to hear of your loss. I know he was a good man and you will miss him. You are in our prayers.
March 6, 2014
Darrell/Joann Adcock
We are so sorry for your loss. We will remember you in our prayers.
March 6, 2014
Eddie, we are so sorry for your loss!
Thought's and prayers goes out to you and your family at this time. May wonderful memories of your dad, help you get through the rough days and tough times! Please know we are always there when you need a helping hand.
Love always
Kenny and Suz
March 4, 2014
Tonia Morrell
Prayers of strength and courage to guide you through.
May the ever burning light of the candle burn bright for memories so fond of Ron.
March 4, 2014
Dianne, Karen, and Eddie -
I have so many fond memories of family gatherings and holidays out at the Petersburg house. Food, cards (I still love Blitz!), and so many stories.
I can't imagine the void that is left by Ron's passing, but I know that he is watching you and still guiding you.
I'm imagining Ron sitting at the big kitchen table w/a cup of coffee teaching the others in heaven how to play cards :)
All our love & prayers,
Julie & Larry Mraz
March 2, 2014
Dear Dianne,
I have always thought of you as a woman of strength with a heart of gratitude, who "counts her blessings -- naming them one by one." You look for and find the sunshine, as evidenced by your perpetual and engaging smile. Ron lovingly numbered you at the top of his list of blessings. Yep, right up there with fishing and Golden Corral. ;)
What I recall most vividly about Ron, is his grin and twinkle, particularly when exercising an ever-present playful sense of humor. He enjoyed initiating a volley of witty exchanges. That deep well of clever-isms never ran dry. He must have kept finely honed by the good-natured challenge of your cracker-jack comebacks. :)
Dianne, your husband's passing is a great loss. No one knows such sorrow and void more than you and your family. I pray you find comfort in holding fast to the remembrances of your time together.
Wayne and I join you in celebrating Ron's life...and the contribution he made to ours. We also rejoice with you, confident with the assurance of his family reunion in Heaven!
Love, Wayne and Debbie
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