David A Skalbeck

David "Dave" Archie Skalbeck, 87 of Mt Iron passed away Friday, December 12th 2025 at Waterview Pines in Virginia. Dave was born August 20, 1938 in Virginia MN and grew up in St Paul MN, graduating from Washington High School and then playing football for Hamline University, ultimately transferring to and graduating from Mankato State University with a teaching Degree and then teaching in Zumbrota MN and then Cambridge MN.

In the mid 1970's Dave then moved back to Virgina, where he worked for a time in construction and then as a contractor before Opening the Little Gourmet Deli.

After that he found his true calling in Real estate, first as an Agent for Century 21 and then later Opening a Remax franchise. He loved selling real estate and helping people with their real estate needs, and developed close personal relationships with many of his clients and coworkers, becoming close lifelong friends.

If you were looking for Dave on any given morning, he could usually be found at morning coffee with his coffee friends at Pep's Bakery until its closure, when they moved to Kunnaris Coffee house

He also had a passion for large old cars, and many people toured potential homes in one of the huge old Cadillacs he was so fond of. When his last Cadillac bit the dust and another could not be found, he purchased a 90's era Buick roadmaster Station wagon, a boat of a car he drove until the wheels were falling off.

An excellent cook, Dave enjoyed cooking, BBQing and baking for friends and family. Over the years he also owned and cooked at two Restaurants, The Imperial Restaurant and Bar in Cambridge and later The Little Gourmet Deli in Virginia. He loved working the counter and visiting with the patrons.

He enjoyed camping and fishing, and many weekends were spent boat camping on Lake Vermilion, Namakan, or Kabetogama with his family. We have many fond memories of cruising to island campsites in his bright yellow 22-foot StarCraft packed to the gunnels with tents, screen houses, and Camping gear, five kids and Rosie the Dog sitting on top of it all. Later he and Loretta purchased an off-grid cabin Lease on Namakan with good friends Dave and Cathy Brenner, which they enjoyed for 10 years or so until the lease expired. After the cabin lease expired Dave and Loretta continued to enjoy camping, purchasing a motorhome and then a travel trailer, camping throughout Minnesota, with occasional out of state trips as far as New Mexico to visit family and attend the Albuquerque Hot air ballon festival.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Loretta, Sons Eric (Tracey) Skalbeck of Fayal MN, Mark (Laura) Skalbeck of Anoka MN, Dean (Kathy) Skalbeck of Bixby OK, stepson Michael (Christina) Ruud of Woodbury MN, Stepdaughter Jolene Kostohryz of Virginia MN, Grandchildren Justin, Jake, Alyssa, Mason, Johanna, Ty and Josh as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

We would like to thank Waterview Pines and especially the Moments Hospice people for their wonderful care and guidance throughout Dave's brief Hospice stay, and also to his good friend Rocci Donofrio, who was there every day to help, comfort and advise us.

A private family service and burial was held by Bauman Family Funeral Homes.