Jean Skaff

1945 - 2025

Jean Skaff, age 80, of Salem, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls with her children by her side.
Jean was born on August 14, 1945, to Thomas and Genevieve (Barrick) Schoeberl and grew up in Salem, South Dakota. She enjoyed working alongside her father on the family farm, learning the value of hard work and the joys of rural life from an early age. She attended Mount Marty and Dakota State, proudly earning her bachelor's degree in elementary education. Her career was spent doing what she loved most. For more than 30 years she taught at St. Mary's Catholic School in Salem. To generations of students, she was known simply as Mrs. Skaff, the second-grade teacher who was firm but fair.
During her younger years, Jean met the love of her life, Bob Skaff, while he was employed on her father's farm. They built a beautiful life together and raised five children, creating a home filled with love, faith, hard work, and laughter. The two shared many wonderful memories, especially enjoying years of square dancing, and were longtime members of the Farmers Union.
Jean had a deep love for her home, which she fondly called the "Skaff Ranch." She could always be found outside tending to her gardens, caring for her flowers, or keeping her yard in perfect shape, and loving on her cats. She was tough, hardworking, and rarely sat still. She also enjoyed tracing her family history and learning more about her roots. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life, she was a dedicated member of Christian Mothers.
Jean served as a 4-H leader for many years. She was very proud to be the first girl in her local 4-H club to show cattle and that legacy continued through her grandchildren. Time with family meant everything to her.
The greatest joy in Jean's life was her children and grandchildren. She treasured every moment she shared with them and loved being part of their lives as they grew. She especially enjoyed watching their sporting events and cheering them on. She was also grateful for the time she recently spent with her great grandson, Shane.
In addition to her parents, Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her sister, Paula Schoeberl-Cradle, and two infant brothers; brothers-in-law, Mike Skaff, Ed Even, Harland Kessler; and sister-in-law, Theresa Skaff.
Jean is survived by her one son, Brian (Robin) Skaff of Spokane, WA; four daughters, Barb Skaff of Council Bluffs, IA, Brenda (Don) Rief of Missouri Valley, IA, Beth Skaff of Salem,SD and Bonnie (Dev) Stutsman of Columbia Falls, MT; seven grandchildren, Allison (Bryce) Flint, Andrea (Cody) Eichmann, and Thomas (Hannah) Rief, Madeline Stutsman, Ellie Stutsman, Kevin Pfister, and Kelli (Matt) Meerschaert; great grandchildren, Shane Flint, Neeko Pfister, Jalen and Jackson Meerschaert; sister, Donna Even; sister-in-law, Betty Kessler; and brother-in-law, Dan (Meagan) Skaff; nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral mass was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 17 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Salem. In lieu of flowers, the family will direct memorials in Jean's name.