Memorials › Stanley Joseph "Stan" Skalka

Stanley Joseph "Stan" Skalka

18 Jun 1920 – 11 Feb 2010

Birth18 Jun 1920
Death11 Feb 2010
CemeteryWestlawn Memorial Cemetery
Grand Island , Hall County , Nebraska , USA
Added byDNovak on 27 Feb 2011
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/48059375

Bio

Stanley J. "Stan" Skalka, 89, of Grand Island died on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, at St. Francis Medical Center. Mr. Skalka was born on June 18, 1920, in Clay County, near Deweese, to Albert Sr. and Mary (Karmazin) Skalka. He married Marge Dobesh on April 7, 1948, at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Deweese. Survivors of the immediate family include his wife; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sandie and Mike Bernt of Columbus, Sherry and Dale Huffman of Grand Island and Janie and Pat Vipond of Gretna; a son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Marla Skalka of Doniphan; a sister, Margaret Nims of Long Beach, Calif.; and a brother, Ivan Skalka of Deweese. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and their spouses, Meghan and Anthony May, Danielle Bernt and fiance Collin Wagoner, Gabe and Amy Skalka, Dylan and Angela Skalka, Drew Skalka, Dalyn and Alan Novak, Jenna Huffman, Kristen Vipond, Tom Vipond and Colin Vipond; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Stan grew up in Clay County, attending Ideal and West Buffalo schools. He graduated from Deweese High School in 1937. Stan entered the United States Army on July 29, 1942, serving in the Army Air Corps until he was honorably discharged on Dec. 8, 1942. He was a flight mechanic, enrolled in pilot school until it closed and a B-29 flight engineer until the war ended. Following his marriage to Marge, the couple made their home in Ericson and ranched for 28 years. They raised stock cattle and had a Grade A dairy, haying and raising corn and alfalfa. Stan had the seven-piece Eddie Stan Orchestra from 1955 to 1962. He was very active as a 4-H leader for 19 years. He taught and organized the second only 4-H marching band in Nebraska. They attended the State Fair for three years, and his children fondly remember Saturday evening concerts in Ericson. He was a past member and past president of the Wheeler Central school board, a member of the Wheeler County Extension board and the fair board. He was also a member of the American Legion and honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus. After retiring to Grand Island in 1976, Stan enjoyed going to farm sales, collecting antiques and tools, restoring cars and exhibiting gas engines at farm machinery shows. Stan loved gardening and flowers. Memorials are suggested to St. Leo's Catholic Church; the Fine Arts Guild of Central Catholic High School; the speech, drama, instrumental and music departments of Columbus Scotus Central Catholic High School; or the donor's choice. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Leo and Alfred. The Grand Island Independent, February 13, 2010

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