Memorials › Clayton Thomas Skoda
Clayton Thomas Skoda
18 May 1918 – 27 Mar 2010
| Birth | 18 May 1918 |
| Death | 27 Mar 2010 |
| Cemetery | Fair View Cemetery Rushville , Sheridan County , Nebraska , USA |
| Added by | New Jersey Cavalry - Section Française on 07 Jun 2018 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50710405 |
Bio
Clayton Thomas Skoda was born on May 18, 1918 on the family farm near Rushville to Fred and Kate (Stava) Skoda. Clayton had two sisters, Marie Milburn the older, and younger sister Dolores Duzak. They all attended school in Rushville. Clayton graduated in May, 1936 and farmed with his dad until January 1942. Clayton died to this world and went to be with his Lord on March 27, 2010, at Gordon, Nebraska, at the age of 91. The defining time in Clayton's life began in the Army when he was drafted in February of 1942. After his basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he was assigned to the 117th Reconnaissance Group and shipped out to England. From there his group was sent to North Africa, where the unit was in charge of security for the AFHQ and General Eisenhower and all the guests (presidents, kings, ministers, etc.). On May 1944, they went to Italy and on August 1944 in France. Clayton reached the rank of Sergeant during this time. On September 3, 1944, the Montrevel, France, his Captain was forced to surrender to the 11th German Panzer Division. They were shipped to a prison camp at Stalag 3C in Kustrine, Germany. Clayton and his troop were imprisoned for five months until January 1945 when the advancing Russian army liberated them. No relative of Clayton's ever heard him speak ill of the Russians or glorify any war. Clayton and his fellow POW buddies; Nels Anderson, Frank Cook, and Ed Baynes, then traveled on foot from Germany into Poland. He described this experience as both fearful and exciting. They arrived in Lodz, Poland, in March of 1945 and from there traveled by boxcar to Odessa, Russia. They boarded a British ship and steamed through the Straits of Gibralter, on to England, and finally home to Boston, Mass. by April 1945. Upon arrival in Boston, a military band was playing for their homecoming. Ironically, the bandmaster was George Hinn of Rushville! The soldiers were taken by train to Leavenworth, Kan., for discharge. Clayton arrived back home in July of 1945. In 1947 he began farming and raising cattle. On May 21, 1951, he married Alvina (Benner) Albee. They along with Alvina's sons, Bill and Bob, moved to the original Skoda homestead where Clayton and Alvina resided for nearly 50 years until her death in September of 2000. Clayton was a faithful member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rushville and was a permanent member of American Legion Post 161 for over 60 years. He served as post commander in 1968 and was a member of the firing squad. His patriotism ran deep. He was touched and proud to be honored with other World War II veterans in 2004 at a special ceremony at Mt. Rushmore. Those who mourn his passing include many lifelong friends and family who enjoyed spending many holidays and especially Memorial Day with him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, wife Alvina, and stepsons Bill and Bob. His immediate survivors include nephews and nieces: Doug Milburn Leonard "Wad" Milburn, and Ardis Guelde of Rushville, Tom Duzak of Pennsylvania, Allen, Jim and Sandra Duzak of California and grandchildren: Peggy Steinberg, Billy Albee, Jesse Way, Shawn Way, and Jennifer Brewer of Montana. Funeral services were held at St. Paul and at Fairview Cemetery with full Military honors, April 1, 2010, with Pastor Michael Wittrock officiating. The peace of Christ Jesus be with you. Chamberlain Pier Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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