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.
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