Gerald Duane Skoog

1936 ~ 2026

*Please note that the first part of this obituary was written by Dr. Skoog, the deceased.

Dr. Gerald Duane Skoog passed away stubbornly on May 4th, 2026, after a long and meaningful life. Gerald was born in Sioux City, Iowa during a very severe snowstorm, on 2/27/1936.

He grew up in Hubbard, Nebraska with his parents Paul and Mary Ann Skoog, his two brothers Don and Alan, and his two sisters, Bonnie and Mary Ann. During much of his youth his parents operated a grocery store in this community, population 150. Gerald had many responsibilities in the store as he matured. The community’s school was very small and, as a result, Gerald participated in a wide variety of activities and graduated in a class of 5. Gerald graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1958 with a B.S. in Education and an emphasis in biological sciences. He served as a biology and chemistry teacher in Scribner, NB, Belleville, IL, and Lincoln, NB from 1958 ~ 1969. During this time, Gerald completed a M.S. in Biological Sciences at the University of Northern Iowa, graduating in 1963. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska, completing his Doctorate in Education in 1969. He retired in 2004 as a Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professor as well as the Dean of the College of Education Emeritus.

During his career, Dr. Skoog was actively involved in academic and service responsibilities in the college and university. He received the President’s Academic Achievement Award (Charter Recipient) and the TTU Dad and Mom’s Association Distinguished Faculty Award. Gerald’s doctoral research focused on the coverage of evolution in high school biology courses and biology text books published during the period 1900 ~ 1969. His research was extended during his TTU career and led to his involvement in state and national matters that dealt with the emphasis of evolution in state science standards, biology textbooks, and classrooms. Dr. Skoog was active in science-related professional activities and organizations. He served as the president of the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) and as president of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). Both organizations recognized his service by giving him prestigious awards. Dr. Skoog was also named a Fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). He was later inducted into the Texas Science Hall of Fame.

Gerald is survived by Elizabeth, his wife of 63 years, sons Jeffrey and John, daughter Sarah, and grandchildren Jacob, Mattison, Joshua, Jaxon, and Jameson. He is also survived by his brother Alan and children Andy, Paul, and Anita, sister Mary Anne and children Marcy, Ben, and Emily, and their spouses Mary Ann and Roger, as well as nieces Kristin, Karen, Gina, Kim and nephews Rob and Greg. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ann and Paul, his brother Don, his sister Bonnie, and his nephew David.

Services will be held…..

Hold up!

Not so fast, Dad! Your family would like to add a few things because, well, we’re stubborn too.

In addition to Gerald’s fabulous career…. He was blessed with a dang-near-perfect wife, Elizabeth and 3 children, Jeff, John, and Sarah, all of whom never got into any trouble or did anything wrong, ever. While we were only briefly mentioned above, we can easily forgive him because Gerald was the example of, well, everything. He showed us what quiet humility looks and feels like. He illustrated to us what unshakeable faith looks and sounds like; especially how Christ calls us to take interest in, and express love to, all people and how doing so deepens the meaning of life and brings us closer to God. Gerald was the most generous person we have known, with his time, support, encouragement, and love. He quietly taught us what being faithful in marriage felt like, and what being your spouse’s best friend looked like. He and Elizabeth were true partners and collaborators managing careers, children, and station wagon vacations.

Witnessing Gerald being Paw-Paw to his grandchildren, with whom he shared countless hours, was sincerely a gift to us all. He is already, and in all ways, truly missed.

And Daddy, well, I guess I should be honest and reveal that I got the last “Red Pen Edit”. You did, in fact, have a few typos.

(I guess I’ll keep the secret about you telling us over and over that you were the valedictorian of your class in an attempt to encourage us in school, only later to find out that you were the valedictorian, but of a class of only 5 people.)

We will see you when we get there.

Flowers are happily accepted; however, if you wish, in lieu of flowers please donate to the

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), the Center for Dementia Research, or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Services will be held on May 9th, 2026, at 2 PM, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1706 Slide Road, Lubbock, Texas.