Gerald "Gary" Skoch

Gary was born in Seneca, Kansas on May 29, 1945 to Robert F. and Imelda V. Skoch. Although his family moved homes a few times growing up, he claimed Summerfield, Kansas as his hometown. After graduating from Sts. Peter and Paul High School in Seneca in 1963, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. During his four years of service, which included a tour in Southeast Asia, Gary, a C-130 Crew Chief, rose to the rank of Sargent. Upon his honorable discharge from the Service, Gary attended Emporia State University where he would eventually meet his wife Elsie at the Newman Center. During their 52-year marriage, Gary and Elsie raised two children, Cathy and Greg, and started and operated an American Family insurance agency.
Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in his late 50s, which led to an earlier-than-expected retirement in 2009. Following his retirement, Gary and Elsie relocated from Wichita where they lived for 34 years to Olathe, Kansas to be near their treasured grandchildren, John, Charlie, and Lindy. As Gary's disease progressed, his mobility decreased with the last several years of his life spent mostly in a wheelchair. Despite his challenges, two things never wavered, his love for his family and his Catholic faith.
Gary is survived by his devoted wife Elsie of Olathe, Kansas, his children Cathy Mielke of Colleyville, Texas and Greg (Melissa) of Overland Park, Kansas, grandchildren John, Charlie, and Lindy, his siblings Annette, Marilynn, Lois (Dennis), Steve (Robin), Ruth (Dave), Jean, and Jane (Darrel). He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Imelda Skoch.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Paul Catholic Church's Building Fund, 21650 W 115th Ter., Olathe, KS 66061, www.spcatholic.org, or to the Olathe Pregnancy Clinic, 1313 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, KS 66061. www.wyandottepregnancyclinic.org.
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