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Richard Skibba Obituary

Skibba, Richard "Dick"

Richard "Dick" Skibba, age 61, of 1055 Kingsway, Nekoosa (Town of Rome), a long time resident of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Friday, March 15, 2013, at his home with his wife at his side following a courageous eight year battle with cancer. He was recently able to fulfill his lifelong dream of living on a lake.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday at Grace Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Pastor Kent Raddatz will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00-8:00 PM Tuesday at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids and Wednesday at church from 10:00-11:00 AM. A memorial will be designated at a later date.

Dick was born January 27, 1952 in Wisconsin Rapids to Clifford and Alice (Mancl) Skibba. He married Daria Dahl on August 5, 1972 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Dick and his wife owned and operated Dahl's Floral Gardens for 30 years until 2008. He worked tirelessly as the head grower, handling all maintenance for the greenhouses, as well as being an owner and active manager of their rental properties. Dick proudly served in the U.S. National Guard for six years and was employed full-time until purchasing the greenhouse.

Dick was a former member of the Jaycees and Wisconsin Rapids Noon Rotary. He served on the Wisconsin Rapids Hockey Association board, was president of the parents' organization, and helped to build the indoor ice rink. He was a member of the Wisconsin/Upper Michigan Florist Association, serving on many committees. He was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church assisting in various capacities, including serving on the building committee. He was a member and the current president of Creeper's Car Club. Dick was passionate about rebuilding and showing cars with club members. He was an avid NASCAR racing fan and loved his annual Skibba race trips with his brothers and nephews. Snow skiing was a loved family sport with many trips to Colorado, Utah, and the family ski house in Michigan. He taught many family members and friends to ski. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1970 and was consistently active on his class reunion committee. He also graduated from Mid State Technical College in 1972.

Dick is survived by his wife Daria, two children Stacy Skibba of Evansville, WI, and Christopher (Laura) Skibba of Woolgoolga, Australia. Two grandsons Stephen Kopecky and Haylan Skibba, two brothers Jack (Elaine) Skibba of Wisconsin Rapids and Bob Skibba of Wisconsin Rapids, two sisters Maxine St. Cyr of Appleton, WI and Judy (Eric) Cerbins of Berlin, WI, mother-in-law Ellen Dahl of Wisconsin Rapids, brother-in-law Nelson (Pam) Dahl of Wisconsin Rapids, sister-in law Andrea (Coral Mangus) Dahl of Salt Lake City, UT and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and numerous friends. Family was everything to Dick. He had a gift at making others laugh and smile with his quick wit and optimistic outlook on life. He enjoyed all his friends at meetings.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Dane Dahl.

Special thanks to his oncologist, Dr. Seth Fagbemi and staff for their loving care over all the years of his illness. Thanks to the staff at Ministry Home Care, whose care allowed him to spend his last weeks at home.

Published by Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune on Mar. 18, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Daria, Stacy and Chris, Such a lovely man the world has lost. We are praying for each of you as you let him go, knowing that his death leaves a huge void in your lives and in your hearts.

Sue & Elmer Casper

March 25, 2013

We are very sorry for your loss. Dick was a great man & loved all who new him. He will be fondly remembered for the many good times we had. We to will miss him, but we will carry him with us in our hearts. Your friends at the Rollin Thunder Rodders

Mitch & Shirley Zimmerman

March 24, 2013

Daria and family, I am thinking of you and praying for your family. Many months have past since we last saw each other. Less than a year ago I, too lost my dear husband, Daria , it is hard and sad to say goodbye to those we have loved and spent so many years with. Your happy memories will keep your family strong and be a source of comfort to help in the days ahead. Daria, I will keep your family, and I remember your mother, in my prayers to keep you all strong for the days ahead. My daughter , Lynn , joins me in sending good thoughts to you and your family. Barbara Johnston

March 23, 2013

Jack, Bob and all the Skibba family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Dick's smile always lit up a room when he entered. He will be missed.
Marge and Garet (Giz) Gee

Marge/Garet Gee

March 21, 2013

Daria, so sorry to hear about the passing of Dick. He was always such a great guy. I still remember all the fun times we had playing volleyball and the socializing afterwards. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Tom & Laura Habel

March 20, 2013

Daria and family ,Sorry for your loss may time help you heal.

Brenda Linzmeier

March 20, 2013

Daria & Family, Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Dick. Please know that you are in my thoughts & prayers.

Pamela Johnson

March 20, 2013

Daria, Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband. Although it will be difficult to see beyond the sorrow today, I know looking back to memories will help comfort you tomorrow. I was fortunate to meet Dick and you through the car club. I will always remember him with his warm and welcoming smile.

Linda Stone

March 20, 2013

Daria and family,
Joel and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you on Dick's homegoing. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. May God surround you with His loving peace.
Sue and Joel Wagenaar

Sue and Joel Wagenaar

March 19, 2013

Jack & Bob, Sorry to hear about the loss of your brother Dick. I now how close you guys were and I know he will be greatly missed. You guys are in my prayers.

Dean Lewis

March 19, 2013

Daria and family, Ellen, Nelson and family, Andrea, and Jack and Elaine...we were so very sorry to learn about Dick's passing. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We wish we could be there for the funeral, but we are in Florida. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. I have many good memories of the days employed at Dahl's, and getting to know the Dahl family, and Dick when he first started working there. jack and Elaine, we are so sorry for your loss. May God keep all of you in his loving care.

Ellen and Gene Robbins

March 19, 2013

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Seth & Dacia Hopfensperger

March 19, 2013

Daria and family- really sorry to hear about Dick. Many great memories of high school and after- our thoughts will certainly be with you and we wish you all the best. Steve and Paula Bell

March 19, 2013

Daria, so sorry to hear about Dick. My deepest sympathy in your time of sorrow.

Gary Fehrman

March 19, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cindy and Snook Stoflet

March 19, 2013

Daria,
Take care and know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Terry and Pat Brott

March 19, 2013

Daria and family, Our deepest sympathies to you all. Thinking of you and praying for you. May you be blessed with abundant peace and comfort.
Warmly in Christ~
Jon and Jodi Joslin

Jodi Joslin

March 19, 2013

Daria and Family I was so sorry to hear of Dick's passing, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Rita Rowe

March 19, 2013

To Dick's family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Dick was a special guy in the world who will, I'm sure, be greatly missed. His good humour and optimism will be a healing remembrance. Thanks to Elaine and Jack for keeping us posted on his doings. We certainly were aware of how much the Skibba boys loved their race trips.

Janet and Mark

March 19, 2013

Daria & Family, Our Hearts & Prayers are with you, Dick was truly a kind and gentle man. He will be missed... Mike & Sue Miller

March 19, 2013

Daria, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Dick's gentle nature and warm smile will be missed by many. God Bless you and family.

Rich Stenerson

March 19, 2013

Daria and family
soory to hear of your loss, Dick was always a very nice guy. I'm sure he is missed
chuck and mary (miller) schlafke

March 19, 2013

Daria,
I was so sorry to hear about Dick. My prayers are with you. You have crossed my mind so many times in the last month and now I know why. I should have contacted you. I have a previous committment and cannot be there on Wednesday but I will send peace and comfort to you as I reflect on the good times from "Way Back When!" Take care.

Gib Carollo

March 18, 2013

You're all in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many fond and fun memories of Dick and your family...pudgy pies and Myrtle Beach being my favorite. All my love.

Cara Eickholt

March 18, 2013

Bob and Lori, adn Dick's family. Our hearts go our to you with your loss. Upholding you and yours as you celebrate Dick's life.

Shelly and Dennis Dorshorst

March 18, 2013

Daria & Family,
Bob and I were sorry to hear about Dick's passing. We have many fond memories of your family during our "hockey" years. Take Care.

Bob & Judy Whitrock

March 18, 2013

Daria and Family--my heart goes out to on the passing of Dick. He was always a fun, caring, compassionate person. Always a smile on his face. We had so many fun times in high school. I know the pain you're experiencing but know that he is not at peace, rest an free from all pain. Let God wrap his arms around you during these difficult days and the ones to come. Your faith, memories, family and friends will be your strength in the coming days. You and Dick were so caring and loving through my difficult deaths of Ron, and my Mom and Dad. May you now feel that same love from the many, many people that love and care about you, Dick and your family. Thinking of you and keeping you in prayer. God Be With You. My love and sympathy--Linda (Luedtke) Campbell

Linda (Luedtke) Campbell

March 18, 2013

Daria,
I'm so sorry to hear of Dick's Passing.
My prayer's and sympathy's are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.

Craig Fawley

March 18, 2013

So sorry for the loss of Dick - I still have my fish flower vase you guys gave me last year - it sits right next to my kitchen sink and I think of him often when I see it. Thoughts and prayers for you.

Jennifer Cornwell

March 18, 2013

My prayers are with you and your family Daria.I will miss Dick very much.I looked forward to seeing him every week.He will be be missed.

Gary Sabo

March 18, 2013

Daria & Family,
May Dick's gentle smile surround all of you with lasting memories. My deepest heartfelt sympathy.Cheryl Koch

March 18, 2013

Daria and Family Our Deepest Sympathies to you at this time. Dick was a special caring man. Your in our thoughts an prayers. Alway Mona Main

March 18, 2013

Daria
you have my deepest sympathy at the loss of your husband. I know you will miss hinm alot.

Barbara Lowe

March 18, 2013

Daria and family,
Sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Dan Pixler and Mary DeByl

Danny Pixler

March 18, 2013

You all are in our thoughts and prayers!
Randy, Lisa & Thomas Bernstein

March 18, 2013

Dear Daria and family,

I'm so sorry to learn of Dick's passing. I remember him as such a nice guy, going way back to our high school years. You and your family have my deepest sympathy.

Chris Cwiklo-Halverson

March 18, 2013

Daria and family, our thoughts are with you as you proceed through this tough journey. May God be your comfort.

Jean Olsen

March 18, 2013

Dear Daria and family,
Am so sorry to hear of the loss of Dick. You and your family were always so kind to us in all of our times of need. May God bless you all and give you strength to carry on. My deepest sympathy.
Pat (Kawalske) Ostrum

March 18, 2013

Daria and family,

We are so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. You have our sympathy.

Curt and Brenda Pluke

March 18, 2013

Dear Daria,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Sending hugs and prayers your way.
Sincerely, Krystal Meronek

March 18, 2013

Daria, Stacy & Chris & Bob - We're really sad to hear of Dick's passing. We had a lot of great memories from Jaycees & Volleyball. Always thought of Dick as a big Teddy Bear. He will be missed.

Pat & Deb Peyton

March 18, 2013

Daria......I am so sorry to hear about Dick's passing. I have known him all my life, growing up just 2 blocks away from each other, plus attending and graduating from school together. He was a big guy with a bigger heart, and a wonderful big smile....he touched many lives while he was on this earth, and those memories will keep his giant spirit alive. He has left a void, but to know he is at peace and not suffering is a blessing in itself. Stay strong..and know others are thinking of you.

Sue Christensen Von Ahn

March 18, 2013

Dear Jack/Elaine and Family,
Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you strength and peace.

Assumption Catholic Schools

March 18, 2013

Daria, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Diane Rieman-Mueller

March 18, 2013

To Daria and the Entire Skibba Family,

Richard was a Big Man with a Big Heart and I know God has a special place for him. Always a smile and a great guy to be around. Only served with him a short period of time but I was fortunate to have known him.

Dan Joling

March 18, 2013

I have many fond memories of the time spent as a teenager with Mr. Skibba and his family. His daughter Stacy, was my sister's best friend in high school so there was a lot of time at their house or vice versa. I appreciate all the countless trips to the cabin in the UP and to their waterfront property to go water skiing and tubing.

God Bless, my heart is with you and your family at this time.

Elke Hinze

March 18, 2013

Daria and family,
At this time of loss, may you know and receive the Lord's compassion, comfort, and love. May the presence of family and friends surround you with support and strength.
May your faith assure you that Dick is at peace.
Respectfully, Fran Mancl

Fran Mancl

March 18, 2013

Daria and family, you are in my prayers. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Leanne Lundquist

March 18, 2013

Daria and family, you have our deepest sympathy.

Tom and Linda Wolosek

March 18, 2013

Dearest Daria, May you look to God and sence His peace at this time of Dick's passing. I'm praying for you.

Lin Brenneman

March 18, 2013

Daria your and your family have my deepest sympathy. I will remember the hugs that I have always gotten from Dick when i saw him.

Cindy Angle

March 18, 2013

Daria, So sad to hear this. You're in my prayers! (A Phi)

Lanie Becker-Patterson

March 18, 2013

On behalf of the Gustafson Family, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy.

Sincerely,

Jody Gustafson-Hanneman
(Alvin and Delores Skibba's niece)

Jody Hanneman

March 18, 2013

Daria, Stacy and Chris ~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the many wonderful memories you hold in your heart lessen the grief that you feel at this time....
Todd and Laurie Jensen

March 18, 2013

Daria,my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Your faith, family and friends will give you strength.

John Bingham

March 18, 2013

Daria, our hearts go out to you and your family. We will miss him. Tom and Donna Bohn

March 18, 2013

Daria and family my thoughts and and prayers are wth you. He will be greatly missed.

Shelly Smith

March 18, 2013

To Jack and all of the family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Dick was a wonderful, caring, gentle man and will be missed. So sorry for your loss. Lynda Zager (Carpenter)

March 18, 2013

To Jack and all of your family, I am so sorry for your lose of your brother. Dick was a wonderful man, we will all miss him so very much. My thoguhts and prayers go out to all of you at this time.

March 18, 2013

Daria you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Trudy Kinn

March 17, 2013

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