Arnold “Arnie” Skibba, 82
It is with great sadness we share the death of our loved one, Arnold “Arnie” Skibba, age 82 of Stevens Point, who died on Saturday, June 30, 2018, in the comfort of his home.
Arnie was born March 21, 1936, in Junction City to Daniel and Mathilda (Wayeski) Skibba. He was preceded in death by both parents, his sister, Virginia, and brother, Daniel. He is survived by his brother Leland.
At age 16, Arnie took over milk-hauling and picked up milk cans from numerous farmers, hauling them to Borden’s condensery in Junction City for Skibba Brothers Milk Haulers.
At age 18 Arnie enlisted in the US Army National Guard and served from March 22, 1954, until February 28, 1962. He received an honorable discharge from the US Army reserves by reason of expiration of service.
On September 13, 1955, Arnie became employed in Port Edwards Division of Nekoosa Papers which later became Georgia Pacific. He retired after 41 years of service on December 1, 1996.
Arnie married Mary Ann Mayer at St. Stephens Church on July 13, 1957. For 50 years they made many memories in the Junction City area and then relocated to Stevens Point where they lived through their retirement.
Arnie is survived by his wife and lifelong soulmate of 61 years of marriage, Mary Ann. They were an inseparable couple until his death.
He is further survived by their two daughters, Sharyn (Ken) Kedrowski and Lou Anne Gipp; one grandson, Brent (Annella) Platta, who had a very special bond with his grandpa; two step-grandchildren; Charity (Tim) Languard and Casey (Lindsey) Kedrowski, who held a special place in his heart; also, five step-great-grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, proud grandpa and papa.
Arnie did what he loved and loved what he did. He was strong-willed and extremely loving. He was an avid hunter and got a deer nearly every year in either Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Minnesota or Wisconsin. He was labeled a “terrific shot” by his old friends.
He enjoyed telling hunting stories and sharing his testimony with friends and strangers alike. He enjoyed fishing, reading, the Brewers, Packers, and Badgers. Arnie was always listening to the oldies, country and polka music. He loved to dance with his wife and could whistle a perfect tune.
Arnie was an avid TV watcher and needed his daily dose of The Price Is Right. He loved John Wayne movies and NASCAR and was especially a fan of drivers Dale Earnhart, both junior and senior.
He had a passion for good food; especially Peroggis, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade bread and pie. He always took great pride in his homes and a well-manicured lawn. He attended church regularly and praying together with his wife.
A mass of Christian burial for Arnie will take place at St. Bronislava Catholic church at 11 a.m. Friday, July 6. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Shuda Funeral Chapel of Plover and Stevens Point will be assisting the family with arrangements.
Interment will be in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum in Forest Hill Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established for Arnie at a later date.
Arnie’s pallbearers will be Brent Platta, Casey Kedrowski, Chris Haule, Dale Skibba, Lance Skibba, and Tim Mayer.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.
Don’t cry because he is gone—smile because he was here.