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George Skaer Obituary
George Gilbert Skaer Jr., 69, of Great Falls, died Monday, April 23, in the great outdoors.
A memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday at Central Christian Church followed by burial at Highland Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
George chose to be with the Lord on Monday. He was born June 17, 1942, in Kansas City, Mo., to Gil and Arlene (Hanson) Skaer and was raised in Gardner, Kan. He graduated from Gardner High School in 1960 and attended Emporia State College in Kansas for business administration. He later graduated from barber school in 1963 before moving to Great Falls in 1964. George opened Westgate Barber Shop with his dad in 1965. In 1971, George left barbering to run a drill rig for Northern Testing Laboratories. He then returned to barbering in 1982, officially hanging up his shears in 2011. George was a beloved barber within in the community, often simply known as George the Barber and spanning generations with his skills and being named several times "Best of Great Falls." George enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1969.
George was an avid fisherman, catching the love of his life, Stephanie Kalafat, in 1974. Together they embarked on 38 years of marriage, raising three wonderful children and enjoying seven grandchildren. Time spent at Holter Lake and Tiber Dam fishing, skiing and camping with family and friends produced his greatest memories.
His greatest and proudest accomplishments were his three children, Brad, Steve and Jill. If not fishing, he was most often found cheering his children on in hockey, football, track and basketball. George was also known to be an avid Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Kansas Jayhawks fan, often sporting a hat from one of the teams. The Chiefs flag could always be found flying on game day. His love of the C.M. Russell High School Rustlers and the Montana State University Bobcats was also undeniable. Spring, summer or fall, George could be found gardening when he wasn't up at the lake and was known for growing the best pumpkins and tomatoes. George volunteered his time cutting patients' hair at Benefis Rehab and the nursing homes. With his love of fishing, being involved with Walleyes Unlimited was an obvious choice. Most importantly, George loved the Lord and served faithfully at Central Christian Church.
George is survived by his wife, Stephanie Skaer; sons George Bradley (Christel) Skaer of Rochester, Minn., and Steven (Sydne) Skaer of Great Falls; daughter Jillian (Treve) Brinkman of Great Falls; brother Ron (Jackie) Skaer of Anthem, Ariz.; sisters Karen (Bob) Cordell of Mesa, Ariz., and Melinda "Mimi" (Ron) Winchell of Great Falls; grandsons Benjamin Skaer, Kale Brinkman and Carter Skaer; granddaughters Taylor Skaer, Lillian Skaer, Nadia Skaer and Elli Anne Brinkman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gil and Arlene Skaer; and in-laws Steve and Anne Kalafat.
Memorials are suggested to Central Christian Church, 1025 Central Ave., Great Falls, MT 59401-3785 or NMS Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs, c/o Pat Volkmar, North Middle School, 2601 8th St. N.E., Great Falls, MT 59404.
Condolences may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Skaer
Gerri Rouane
April 20, 2021
George was a true man of Montana who loved Nature, People, and catching the big one! His kindness to all and his smile left all who knew him with precious moments .
Barbara Tuck
April 20, 2020
I first met George in Elementary school when his family moved to Edgerton. He and Ronnie, my Brother - Butch, and Fred Kirk were great friends. I managed to tag along with them much of the time. Many memories of those times and riding to high school from Edgerton to Gardner together. George was a wonderful friend, and know that he is so missed by his family.
Barb (Myers) Tuck
May 2, 2012
Stephanie & family, our prayers are with you. I remember the softball days we had & the stories when he cut my hair. Little did I know, but he & I were KC Chief & Jayhawk fans after living in Wichita for 18 years.
Gary & Mary Berryman Edmond, Oklahoma
Bill Maney, Jr
April 30, 2012
Steph & family, my heart goes out to you. George was the best and will be greatly missed. He always had a grand outdoor story to tell and wanted to hear my adventures as well. It wasn't that long ago that you would all pile in the car and go visit Steve & Anne right next door. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gary and Sue Giberson
April 30, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of George's family during this time. We went to school with George in Edgerton and Gardner, Kansas. We have fond memories of him.
Chase McLaughlin
April 30, 2012
I send my sincerest condolences. I grew up having my haircut by George and I would always wait the extra time for George not because he was the best barber but he was truly a great man to talk to. I will always remember sharing fishing stories with George growing up. He was a great man that will be missed. My prayers are with you.
April 29, 2012
George will be remembered and missed greatly by many, many folks here in Great Falls. I remember what a treat it was to go the barber and get a "real" haircut as a kid. He made you feel like you were the most important person in the world for those 20-30 minutes you were in his chair. Thank you George for every minute you gave us.
-Craig Dickenson (Great Falls, MT)
April 28, 2012
Our memories of George began at the hockey rink, he encouraged us to stay with the program. My two boys would then go to George to get their hair cut,(the "nike swoosh detail" and mullet) he always loved to hear what was going on in their lives. He supported them through many years of hockey and football, always buying whatever they were selling. George touched our hearts in so many ways and that we are very grateful for.
. Mike & Patti Pancich--Mike, Matt and Melissa
Ryan Shoquist
April 28, 2012
George was one of the kindest and most wonderful people I will ever have had the fortune of knowing. We all were blessed by his presence and he truly has made the world a better place for everyone who knew him. While George may no longer be with us on earth, he will forever be in our hearts.
Steph, Brad, Steve & Jill. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our sincerest condolences from the entire Shoquist family.
Diana Graves
April 28, 2012
Stephanie and family,
So sorry for your loss.
My loved one left me yesterday
For that great realm so far away
And though I know you took him by the hand
Forever at thy side to stand
Please Lord just let me cry awhile
And then I'll truly try to smile
And live each day for none but you
In everything I say and do.
John & Janelle Surak
April 28, 2012
Steph and family, we were so sorry to hear about George. He will be missed by so many.
Our prayers to Steph and the kids.
Dianne Stefani
April 28, 2012
Stephanie and family;
I am so sorry for your loss. George was just an exemplary guy and of course, dad's barber also. As was the Black Eagle way, whenever I was in Westgate, I'd pop open the door just to say hi. I pray comfort for all of the family during this time and rejoice that George is now in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
On behalf of the Emil (Stoffie) and Lempi Stefani family.
Clinton Topel
April 28, 2012
Jill and family,
I am so sorry that George has left you. George was one of the kindest souls I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with. Sarah and I will continue to pray for you. God Bless.
David Gray
April 27, 2012
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts go out to all of you. It's great to see how many lives George touched over the years.
Kersch Family
April 27, 2012
Skaer Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We all knew George as "George the Barber" and will never forget our many fond memories of visiting him at his shop as little kids.
Shawna McKnight-Maestas
April 27, 2012
Jill and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracey Portwine
April 27, 2012
George will be greatly missed by many. I will always remember him for his many years of time he donated by providing haircuts for our rehabilitation patients. It was such a selfless act that brought joy to many and will always be greatly appreciated.
Dan & Sherrie Gregier
April 27, 2012
May God keep you during your time of sorrow. The Gregiers 1st Peter 1:3-4 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.
Mike & Cheryl Scheer
April 27, 2012
Dear Skaer family,
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
Mike and Cheryl Scheer and family
Fred Rogers
April 27, 2012
Steph, so sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you.
Robert Wilson
April 27, 2012
I was fortunate as a young boy to have George as my barber, I remember the first time sitting in his chair and being so excited that I had actually met another Kansas City Chief fan who lived in Great Falls.
George was an amazing person, George and I carried on a conversation regarding Kansas City Chiefs football that lasted over the next twenty-five years.
I would be back in his chair every three to four weeks but on a few occasions I was gone for year due to deployment, this didn't matter to George because no matter how long or short of time we were apart He would pick up our conversation right where we had left off.
My older brother who resides in California postponed His Sons first hair so that George would be his first barber when they arrive in Montana.
On behalf of my family, I offer my deepest condolences to your family, friends and co-workers and will sincerely miss you.
Wilson Family
Doug Deaton
April 26, 2012
Steph: So very sorry to hear about the passing away of your mate. May the good memories you had together as a Family carry you through the coming days. My heart goes out to you and the children. May the Lord bless and sustain you as you progress in the future.
Alicia Austin
April 26, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughs and prayers are with you.
April 26, 2012
George and his family will always be warm and loving memories held close in my heart. He and his dad shared so many of the same moments and memories with me at Westgate. I cannot even begin to recollect my late teens, twenties, and thirties without being flooded with memories of them. I thought the world of them. They were kind and wonderful people. I still miss his dad so much. I am saddened for all of us. Prayers to Steph and the kids. Barb Bennett Butcher
/Sugar Shack
April 26, 2012
to the whole family. Troy and I will always be there for you and so sorry for your loss.You dont even know how I am feeling right now, he was my second Dad. Love to you all and he was the best b arber this town ever had. Sincerely, Troy and Deb Philo
Steve Dalke
April 26, 2012
Stephanie - Brad-Christel- Jill and Treve- Steve and Syde and all the children - Your husband -dad and granddad was the most gentle- kind man that we knew. We are so sorry at your loss. May we send you all a big kiss and hug from Wisconsin. We hope that time will heal. Love Steve and Joy
April 26, 2012
Dear Steph and family, So sorry to hear of George's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Vince and Linda Taylor
April 26, 2012
My thoughts are with you. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Love always, Darren and Kristine Frank
April 26, 2012
Skaer family,
Our hearts go out to you. George was my barber for many years. Jill, we enjoyed many basketball trips with you, your Mom and George.
RIP & S/F
Doug Alexander family
Casey, Elizabeth and Levi Pinion
April 26, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Myrna Bright
April 26, 2012
Dearest Steph & Children...Am so saddened to read about George's passing. My memories of both of you at NTL are flowing. Of course, they are all wonderful! I shall cherish them, and pray that yours will carry you through this traumatic time. Prayers and God's guidances are the best support system, as I'm sure that you know. I'll call you when in GF the middle of May, dear.
Larry Huston
April 26, 2012
Stephanie, my condolence to you and family. Your soft and loving ways, your gentle soul, your honesty is easy to remember. You and George were perfect in every way. This loss of George will change your life, do not let this change you. God Bless you during these trying moments. You have my prayers.
April 26, 2012
I am truly sorry for the loss of George. Dorothy Krebs
April 26, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of a great man. George was great friend, father, and barber, and he will be missed by many. The Rick Heck Memorial Golf Tournament will put a sign up for his memory this year, and every year to come. Personally, I will miss his fishing stories :)
Sincerely,
Nick, Trish, Lilliana, and Addisyn Heck
April 26, 2012
so sorry to hear about George, I grew up with him in Edgerton and Garnder, Kansas and have many fond memories of him. my sincere condolence to his family.
Barb (Myers) Tuck, Salem, Oregon
April 26, 2012
Jillian, Treve and family - Please accept our condolences for your loss. Linda & Mark Metzger
April 26, 2012
George and his family will always be warm and loving memories held close in my heart. He and his dad shared so many of the same moments and memories with me at Westgate. I cannot even begin to recollect my late teens, twenties, and thirties without being flooded with memories of them. I thought the world of them. They were kind and wonderful people. I still miss his dad so much. I am saddened for all of us. Prayers to Steph and the kids.
Gene and Doris Botzet
April 26, 2012
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. God Bless You All and give you peace at this ti
Terry & Judy Salo
April 26, 2012
Steph and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
April 26, 2012
Stephanie and family,
George was such a kind person. We will treasure the memories of our time with him at the barbershop and at church. You are in our prayers.
Hugs from our family,
Scott and Janet McDonald
Chris, Julie, and Kaia Nelson
April 26, 2012
We were devistated and sorry to hear of your loss. We are here to help in any way that you need.
April 26, 2012
Our sincere condolences to Stephanie and family, on their loss. George was "one-of-a-kind. His good humor, kindness, and love of family transcended all else. Visiting GF, will not be the same without him there. He will be missed.
Sempre Fi Marine
Max and Shannon Kalafat
April 26, 2012
May The Lord hold you close during your time of grief. What a beautiful memorial to George's life and his great gifts to family, friends, and community. May George rest in peace and it your memories.
John and Gerri Rouane (Mt. City, Mt.)
April 26, 2012
George was my husband's favorite barber. Beside getting a great haircut, he enjoyed his conservations about fishing at Tiber and other subjects. We are so sorry for your loss. Karl and Roberta Ratzburg
April 26, 2012
Trev & Jill.....our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time, may God fill you with His peace, love and compassion.
The Rood family
Dennis Nierenberg
April 26, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. We're sending you a hug from afar.
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